FIRE IN THE CHURCH BASEMENT

A Review By Ann M.

If you’ve never heard of the Sinister Minister Underground Theater (S.M.U.T - U.S.A), you’re missing out. This talented artistic group led by Robbert J. Bricker (a former evangelical preacher) creates spectacular multimedia work against all odds in the bleak urban landscape of Pittsburgh.

SMUT’s newest production, "Burn That Closet Down," a semi-autobiographical film written by Bricker, is a stunning ode to the pain of releasing a hidden inner self. Although it echoes their earlier work (Dead Dolls River Club and Man No One Sees), "Burn That Closet Down" is more thoughtful and multi-layered.

In an intimate opening scene we meet The Reverend, a charismatic evangelical minister who’s struggling with personal issues. On his way home from a service, The Reverend is waylaid by an ominous black-hooded figure and dragged down to the church basement. Bound and gagged, he’s forced to confront his hidden inner truths. Freud would have loved this.

Cinematographer, D.Gauss, has produced a gorgeous noir look, and many of the shots in Burn Down That Closet could stand on their own as still photos. I was also struck by the layering of images. When scenes from the church basement are superimposed over shots of steeples and stained-glass windows, I’m reminded of the bottom-up scandals that have rocked today’s churches. As usual, all is not as it appears within the congregation. What happens in the church basement is a far cry from the lofty aspirations declared by the steeples.

The script of "Burn That Closet Down" is well-penned and stunning in places. It was written by Bricker, who’s also a songwriter, and bears the marks of SMUT members, John "Pony" Kimball and Tom Bradley, both gifted poets. The electronic soundtrack, with eight original songs by The Undeniable and Judas Dean, is fierce and compelling. After an abrupt ending, the fury of the film’s final scene is subsumed into the The Undeniable’s raging "Evil Creep" as the credits roll.

If I have any quibble with this little gem, it’s that SMUT’s complex work sometimes gives a sense of dueling media. Although the special effects in Burn Down That Closet are well done, occasionally they’re excessive. The beauty of the opening scene is marred by simulated horizontal lines across the screen. An opening shot is an opportunity to meet and empathize with a character, and squinting at The Reverend through simulated television screen lines is challenging.

I’ll be watching for "Burn That Closet Down" in this year’s short film competitions. The multimedia productions of Sinister Minister Underground Theatre are world-class. This energetic, creative group is clearly going places. I encourage you to check them out.

THE TRAILER FOR

BURN THAT CLOSET DOWN

Sinister Minister Underground Theater

Proudly Presents

"Burn That Closet Down"

Written, Directed, Edited & Produced By Robbert J. Bricker

Assistant Director, Tom Bradley

Starring:

The Undeniable

John "Pony" Kimball

Director of Photography & Co-Producer, D.Gauss

Featuring Music By The Undeniable & Judas Dean

Robbert J. Bricker © 2009