katrinaolson.ca - Fake Blood (Calgary Film 2017)

Posted on Saturday, September 23, 2017 at 11:00 AM

Fake Blood (Calgary Film 2017)

Review by Katrina Olson-Mottahed x CalgaryMovies.com

A KO Review by Emily Mody

Fake Blood is a Canadian feature length documentary film directed by Rob Grant. This film follows Rob Grant and Mike Kovac, Rob’s closest friend and business partner. After receiving a disturbing video from a fan of their previous film, they decide that it is time to examine the responsibilities and potential consequences of portraying violence in film. As they begin to examine this topic they become involved in a dark plot that turns out to be much more than what they had originally bargained for.

Fake Blood was a very interesting watch. I cannot remember the last time I had such mixed emotions about a film. The entire film had this consistent undercurrent of tension that affected me very deeply. Watching the film made me feel as if I was experiencing a physiological response that was, in itself, very violent. I was so conflicted about the discussion. In one way, I think it is extremely important to pose these questions. As a filmmaker, you must ask yourself about the potential negative impacts your films could have on society. Personally, I have always viewed violence in film as a very positive thing, which may sound strange. Art of any kind, but particularly film, has a long history of offering people an escape and giving the filmmaker a means of expression. When I see violence in films, I look at it as a release of the dark aspects that are naturally inside of people. It is only when individuals do not have an outlet for expression that I become concerned because I believe it will inevitably find it’s way to the surface.

Rob Grant came off as a jerk that disregarded people’s emotions for the sake of an interesting story. On the other hand, however, Rob demonstrated that he had clearly exploited people. He completely disregarded the impact his actions were having on both the people he was close to and the people who he interviewed. This made for an extremely interesting documentary but also a highly problematic one. This turn of events in Fake Blood also poses new questions regarding the definition of consent and morality in documentary filmmaking.

Fake Blood is comparable to Bowling For Columbine directed by Michael Moore. Bowling For Columbine is a documentary film that examines gun violence in America. Both films share this intense undercurrent of tension throughout; perhaps the topics naturally lend themselves to these states. If you enjoyed Blowing For Columbine you will definitely enjoy Fake Blood. In Bowling For Columbine, Michael Moore is glorified for exposing gun violence and trying to put a stop to it. Even though, in actuality, Moore was probably just as exploitative as Rob Grant, if not more so. In Fake Blood, Rob Grant is definitely exposed as an exploitative filmmaker, which is an interesting choice considering he edited the film.

I would recommend Fake Blood to anyone with an interest in controversial documentaries. This film contains language, violence, gory images, and reenactments of actual violent crimes.

Fake Blood will be screening as a part of the 18th Calgary International Film Festival 2017. It will be playing on Thursday, September 28th at 10:15pm at The Globe Cinema and Saturday, September 30th at 12:00pm at Cineplex Eau Claire.

Calgary Showtimes: Fake Blood >