13 January 2008

Now I don't know about you, but any movie that's described by DVD Alliance as "Norman J. Warren meets David Lynch" or by exploitation maestro Jess Franco as "Insane and Beautiful" is certainly one that at the very least warrants our attention. British director Paul Burrows' DV-shot debut feature Nature Morte has certainly attracted praise from some interesting quarters and is proving tricky to easily pigeonhole into a single genre, though the suggestion that this is a darkly erotic psychological thriller worthy of Jean Rollin should give you a place to start. It even features a soundtrack by Steven Severin of Sousxie and the Banshees.

The plot synopsis should give you an idea where you stand. In Marseille, Southern France, suspected serial killer John Stephenson is found dead next to the body of his final victim. Stephenson's legacy is one of ten gruesome murders and ten extraordinary paintings. But when new paintings begin to surface, apparently by the same hand, art expert Oliver Davenport is asked by the French police to assist with the investigation of their creator, the mysterious Lec. Davenport's life spirals our of control as he attempts to establish whether Lec is an expert forger, a brilliant new artist or the true architect of the Marseille murders.

Nature Morte has been announced for a UK DVD release on 25th February 2008 by Redemption UK at the RRP of £12.99. The widescreen letterboxed transfer with stereo sound will be joined by the following extra features:

• Deleted scenes with director's comments;
• Blooper reel;
• Stills gallery;
• Redemption UK trailer selection;
• Blood and Dishonour book teaser.