Fantastic Fest 2008

Brief Summary:
FEAR(S) OF THE DARK is a unique collection of fearful tales by the world's most cutting-edge, acclaimed graphic artists. Their intertwined stories make up an unprecedented epic where phobias, disgust and nightmares come to life and reveal fear at its most naked and intense.

Full Description:
"A sophisticated showcase of contemporary animation. The best short, by Mr. Burns, is a science-fiction nightmare of erotic slavery, with elements of ALIEN and Kafka's METAMORPHOSIS." Stephen Holden, New York Times

"Rich, inventive. Often gorgeous to look at, and clever. I don't imagine you'll want to miss this black-and-white feast." James Van Maanen, Greencine Daily

The concept is simple:six of the world's best graphic artists (Blutch, Charles Burns, Peirre di Sciullo, Lorenzo Mattotti, Richard McGuire and Marie Caillou) were asked to create a black and white short film based on their own personal nightmares.

The resulting monochromatic quilt shows a vast range of styles and tones. From the comedic, the bloody, the experimental and the downright creepy, all of the films are incredibly imaginative and effective in their own way.

Charles Burns; this graphic novel titan delivers our favorite film of the bunch. A young entymologist finds more comfort in his six-legged friends than the humans in his life, but when he brings a woman home, their companionship might prove to be problematic.

Blutch: His film, a hunter chasing his own particular brand of varmint through the woods is interwoven in small segments, providing a narrative thread to the entire tale.

Pierre di Sciullo: The only animator on this project produces the most abstract entry. Patterns of lines and shapes morph across the screen, narrated with his more politically aware concepts of "fear".

Mari Caillou: In counterpoint to di Sciullo, Marie's lighthearted, anime-inspired story follows a young girl haunted by violent hallucinations while asleep and tormented by bullies at school while awake.

Lorenzo Mattoti: Easily the most virtuoso animation talent of the group, Mattoti chronicle's a monster who is terrorizing a small village, told from the perspective of a former resident of the town.

Richard McGuire: The final segment is a straight-forward haunted house tale, but animated in a fresh, bold and creative style. The story is sparse, but the amazing visual imagery is the real focus. (Tim League)