In the upcoming film, Angel's Blade, a young girl is possessed by Mayan spirits. When she dies, the spirits live on, haunting a lonely stretch of road. A man finds that the spirits are responsible for the death of his wife. Unfortunately, the spirits have followed him home — and are now after his young son's soul.
Actor Jeb Toms steps into the closet to talk about himself and his role in Angel's Blade.
Tell us how you got involved with Angel's Blade, and about the character you portray.
I auditioned for Angel’s Blade last December after seeing the ad in Backstage. After the holidays, I was called in to read for the role of Jeff and by the end of February, Robert Stock, the director/writer, offered me the role.
Jeff is the “everyman” in Angel’s Blade. He’s a good guy, a normal guy, trying desperately to live a simple life. He’s in a failed marriage with an alcoholic and verbally abusive wife and a young son he adores.
Jeff ‘s world is turned inside out after he encounters the title character, Angel, and her evil minions from the dark side.
What preparations did you make for the role?
Good question. Even though this is a horror movie and there are fantastical elements in it, the characters are real people with real emotions dealing with some incredible events.
I read the script of course and familiarized myself with the story and then I turned my focus towards the character of Jeff. I usually start with a few simple questions in building a character: What do I want? What is preventing me from getting what I want? What actions do I take to overcome my obstacles?
I usually try to build a character from the inside out. Discovering who he is on the inside and then letting that grow to manifest itself in real human behavior, how he walks, how he talks, how he may carry himself under stress, etc.
What challenges, if any, did you face on the set during filming? And how did you overcome them?
My first day on set was in a snow storm in Massachusetts in the height of winter. I was outside all day and well into the night wearing a Santa suit and carrying a corpse. My second day of filming was in a cold studio covered in blood while being strangled and stabbed by a floating demon with long razorblade fingernails. I’m still teasing the director, Robert Stock, about those first two days. Though they were cold and bloody and long hours, I had the time of my life!
Article comments
1 - Arnold Korns
A few days before Halloween, I was invited by a friend to take in the premier/screening of a new film, "ANGEL'S BLADE." I knew I was in trouble when I noticed that the lead character "Angel" (OLIVIA ANDRUNIK) appeared to be a poor rip-off of "Samara Morgan" (Daveigh Chase) from "The Ring."
Heave into the mix, B-Horror movie regulars RAINE BROWN ("Barricade", "Aunt Rose" & "Satan's Playground") and JOE ZASO ("Barricade," "Demon Resurrection" & "Nikos"); I knew I was in for an evening of seat squirming and uncontrollable yawning. It's not that Brown and Zaso are particularly bad actors; it's just that their performances tend to be predictable and un-inspired.
Writer/Director ROBERT STOCK appears to have no real vision or understanding of filmmaking and/or the storytelling process, as we are pounded with scenes that really seem to make no sense or serve no purpose to the plot.
"ANGEL'S BLADE" is rife with amateurish CGI FX, gratuitous nudity and sub-standard acting (especially from unknowns WALLY VALENTI and ANTONIO SAILLANT).
However, two aspects serve as a refreshing oasis within this desert of banality. First, is the beautiful and artistic cinematography of the notable WILLIAM GOVE ("The Apostate" & "Over The River") and second is the standout performance by newcomer TOM DETRIK ("Judy Goose" & "The Wish"). His dry wit, timing and sexual presence made his portrayal of the clichéd "Backseat Lothario" turned entrails into a much-needed respite of enjoyment. Add the fact that he is not unpleasant to look at and I think we may have a star in the making.
If you should come across this "opus," see it only for the two "aspects" stated above. As for the rest of this film, bring a good book.