Horror films as art house fare? While that may not be the express goal of Lurker Films, The Yellow Sign, the first in its DVD series called The Weird Tale Collection, certainly suggests that approach.
Lurker Films was originally launched to produce DVD and VHS releases of films and television shows directly or indirectly inspired by the work of horror master H.P. Lovecraft. Having released four DVDs of Lovecraft-inspired video, it has broadened its scope to release what it considers the best in "weird tale and literary horror." The Yellow Sign combines both.
Although branded as the first volume of The Weird Tale Collection, the centerpiece of the DVD is the 45-minute The Yellow Sign. It was inspired by a short story of the same name that appeared in The King in Yellow, a collection of short stories published by Robert W. Chambers in 1895. The title of that collection refers to a fictional play said to drive those who read it mad and which is integral to the stories in the collection. Lovecraft was so taken with the work, that he even incorporated the Yellow Sign in his works.
Director Aaron Vanek, who shot the film digitally, brings the tale into modern America. Tess Reardon, played by Shawna Waldron, is having nightmares that involve an artist and his unusual, almost grotesque, paintings. Her partner in the art gallery Reardon co-owns believes she is dreaming of an actual artist, Aubrey Scott, who did one art show and then became a recluse. Reardon sets off in search of Scott with the goal of hosting a show of his work at their gallery. Scott, played wonderfully by Dale Snowberger, agrees on the condition that Reardon pose for him. During the sittings, Reardon discovers the truth about her past, Scott, and reality.
As seems requisite, Reardon comes off as an almost fairy tale-like damsel. Although a beautiful business owner, she has that trace of naivete necessary for such a tale. We all know she shouldn't go up the stairs of the building where Scott lives. We all know she shouldn't enter his studio. We all know she shouldn't pose for him. We all know there is something more here than meets the eye. Yet isn't the fact Reardon embarks on her actions despite this what helps create the tension so essential to workable tales of horror?
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