WEll folks, it looks like this project is doing pretty decent thus far. It sounds like it's got a lot on the ball thus far, but other than those images I posted.... oh.... I'd say about 6 months ago... well I haven't seen anything. So what's the deal. They are testing the bejeesus out of this film, which usually means a filmmaker is trying to hone down his/her film, especially when we're this far away from release. By the way, other than his involvement as being one of the top dudes at CENTROPOLIS, Devlin isn't an actual producer on the film, that's Emmerich's deal, so I guess this is the first time in a long long time that their names are not joined in the credits. But that doesn't mean they are headed their separate ways, THE PATRIOT looks to be a big American Revolutionary War epic (or a Civil War, I can't remember) type film. SO let's see what happens with casting on that flick... meanwhile, keep your eyes open for images from this flick.... The fans that have written in so far, have enjoyed the film... let's find out more!!
I am a first time caller/spy/agent(call it what you will).I caught a test screening in Santa Monica of the Roland Emmerich produced the 13th floor,and since I'd already heard alot about the film on your humble pages, I thought I'd register a vote.
Firstly let me give a brief outline of the plot taken directly from the flier. On the 13th floor of a downtown corporate tower,a team of scientists,led by the visionary Hannon Fuller,have used technology to create a simulated universe: Los Angeles Circa 1937. After seven years of testing,they are ready to cross the boundaries of reality.But when Fuller is found murdered,all evidence points to his friend and business partner,Douglas Hall.Hall must then use the experimental technology to travel between the two worlds in order to clear his own name-and unlock the secrets of the 13th floor.
As far as the characters go,Craig Bierko(Long kiss goodnight)plays Hall with a contemplative stare that gives Nic Cage in city of angels a run for his money. Gretchen Mol,though,was a stand out,oozing sex appeal playing his love interest(she is now forgiven for Rounders).Vincent D'onofrio continues to amaze playing the sardonic vilain with perfect distaste(The newton boys a distant memory now).Also in a cameo role is Armin Mueller-Stahl(shine)playing Fuller with measured assurance.
Since ths was a test screening many of the computer generated images were rough outlines and unfinished morphings. There is a scene reminiscent of Dark City where Hall finds the end of the world in a deserted waistland,but the effects were scratchy and Tron-like which is never a good thing. Having said that, the images of Hall moving through portals into other dimensions is expertly handled.
Basically this film in my mind was a cross between the lawnmower man and timecop,with a sprinkle of dark city in for good measure. In saying that I think the film is a good entry into this particular mind bending genre.It isn't faultless,since to many plot points are unresolved towards the end of the film. The audience gave it a lukewarm reception,and the decision seemed split from people who were Confused by the whole ordeal and wild fanatics of the sci-fi persuasion who embraced it with open arms.
Later I got talking to Dean Devlin whose Centropolis Film company had produced the film.He seemed pretty confident that they had made a potential box office smash,either that or he was on the rebound from that horrid film that was Godzilla.Interestingly enough he said that they were way into pre production on their next film about the civil war called The Patriot.
THE DOMINO MAN!!
