Friday

Compound, gay-themed indie film

2 Comments December 1, 2006 – 12:01 am | Share and Save | Permalink |  Print This Post |

Compound is an independently produced film by Will Fredo, exhibited at the 2006 Cinemalaya Film Festival. It will be shown on December 9, 2006, Saturday at 4:00 PM (updated:) January 16, 2007, Tuesday. Robinson’s Galleria, Ortigas. Ticket Prize 120php 100php (Strictly Adults).

Tension arises in the compound, sexual couplings get into a frenzy, and just when you know where the story is heading, the director expertly reinvents the story resulting in a gripping thriller with a most unexpected ending that leaves the audience breathless.

Here’s a synopsis for Compound — from the page for the movie on the Cleveland International Film Festival (CIFF) website: “Life within the gates of the compound is seemingly idyllic. Wealthy and attractive husband Gil and wife Divina are both focused on keeping up appearances; she with plastic surgery and he with crystal methamphetamine. But when they take in Jay as a tenant, reality begins to confront them in their own home. Coming to the compound in order to escape his own imperfect way of life, Jay is welcomed as a member of the family. But when Gil is no longer able to ignore imminent financial ruin and the threat of terrorist violence, Jay becomes the focus of Gil’s increasing paranoia. A bevy of secrets and sex ultimately create an intense power struggle that, when hallucinations cannot be distinguished from reality, leaves everyone living in the compound vulnerable. A stunning visual achievement, COMPOUND is a contemporary thriller that deals with the complexities of love, wealth, and fear. A perfectly unexpected and well-executed ending make this a film not to be missed.”

Cast: John Arcilla, Janet Russ, Jake Macapagal, and Liza Diño, with Joan Palisoc, Perry Escaño, Lily Chu, Marq Dollentes.

Music by Bob Aves,Grace Nono. Produced by Medwin Garcia, Greg Macaraeg, Joan Manalang, George Sommerrock

Movie’s official website here.

Here’s the movie trailer:

The Philippine Star 07/24/2006
The dark world of passion & paranoia
By Gina Lazaro

“COMPOUND” film was independently produced. The cinematography is superb. Will Fredo was able to make the characters so interesting and real and I was intently waiting for what would happen next. I was proud that Filipinos can still make quality movies even with a low budget. This is perhaps one of the first Filipino films of late that tackles a bisexual/gay theme just as it happens these days. Most films that tackle the gay issues usually dwell in the sleazy underworld sort. This time around, we are drawn to the dilemma of the characters as well as actors’ brilliant and subdued portrayals. Tension arises in the compound, sexual couplings get into a frenzy, and just when you know where the story is heading, the director expertly reinvents the story resulting in a gripping thriller with a most unexpected ending that leaves the audience breathless.