Simple Town, a New York-based sketch group, has taken a bold step into the world of cinema with their debut feature, "Big Break". This movie is a unique blend of comedy and horror, showcasing the group's comedic talents while exploring the darker side of their lives. The film's premise is intriguing: a group of friends, all in their 30s, grapple with career malaise and the pressures of success, all while a serial killer lurks in the woods. This article delves into the making of "Big Break", exploring the creative process, the challenges faced, and the unique perspective that Simple Town brings to the horror genre.
A Comedy Group's Horror Movie
The decision to venture into the horror genre was a strategic one for Simple Town. As Sam Lanier, the film's writer and a cast member, explains, "We obviously wanted it to be a funny movie because we’re a comedy group. But we felt that the horror genre would be a super fun way to make a movie, because it’s a way to get an interesting plot into a comedy."
This approach is not without precedent. Sketch comedians-turned-filmmakers like Jordan Peele, Zach Cregger, and Curry Barker have successfully navigated the transition from comedy to horror. Will Niedmann, another cast member, notes, "There’s something very similar about the two genres, where if you take an anxiety or a fear you have in comedy, you can heighten that thing to be really funny. You can do the same thing in horror where it can become very scary."
Career Malaise and the Serial Killer
The central theme of "Big Break" is career malaise, a relatable topic for many in their 30s. The group channeled their own anxieties about success and competition into the film. Caroline Yost, who also edited the film, observes, "We’ve been doing this long enough that we see what happens when people’s lives change after so long. People are unknown artists and struggling to get by, and then, occasionally, someone skyrockets to success."
The serial killer element adds a layer of suspense and horror to the story. Director Ian Faria explains, "It was fun trying to make something that’s very tense all the time. I was trying to frame open doorways in the back, so you’re always wondering, ‘Is someone going to pop in?’".
Finding a Cohesive Tone
Creating a cohesive tone for the film was a significant challenge. Felipe Di Poi, another cast member, recalls, "I remember having a lot of conversations when we were rehearsing where I was like, ‘Are we playing this big and silly? This dialogue could go big and silly,’".
The group had to balance the comedic sensibilities of Simple Town with the darker, more suspenseful elements of the horror genre. Di Poi continues, "We could play it really real. I think we all have different approaches. Some of us lean toward the more real, some of us lean toward the sillier at different moments."
Visual Moments and Audience Engagement
Faria was mindful of the visual elements to keep the audience engaged. He explains, "I was trying to frame open doorways in the back, so you’re always wondering, ‘Is someone going to pop in?’, or light the room a little dark or high contrast."
The film's use of visual tension and suspenseful moments is a key part of its appeal. Faria adds, "There’s a lot of parts in the movie where there’s tension or scares, but it’s a comedy movie using a horror vocabulary where it’s almost making fun of the fact something would be scary in that moment."
A Unique Perspective on Horror
Simple Town's approach to horror is unique. By blending comedy and horror, they create a new kind of experience for the audience. Niedmann notes, "The experience of being in an audience watching the two is similar. It’s really fun to be at a big, scary movie in the theater and feel the energy from people scared and shouting."
The group's ability to balance humor and suspense is a testament to their skill and creativity. Yost reflects, "We’ve been doing this long enough that we see what happens when people’s lives change after so long. People really want to be known or feel some kind of security, to work against the uncertainty of how your life is going to be and how difficult it is to establish yourself."
Conclusion: A Fresh Take on Horror
"Big Break" is a fresh take on the horror genre, infused with the comedic sensibilities of Simple Town. The film's exploration of career malaise and the pressures of success adds a relatable layer to the suspense and scares. The group's ability to balance humor and suspense is a testament to their skill and creativity.
In my opinion, "Big Break" is a must-watch for fans of comedy and horror alike. It's a unique blend of the two genres that will keep you on the edge of your seat while making you laugh. So, if you're looking for a movie that will both thrill and amuse you, "Big Break" is definitely worth checking out.
