A Message from Fallujah (2005) User Reviews

Excellent

[jeffreyb-4 · 9/10 · 17 February 2006]

This powerful and memorable short film, made in Australia, is a very loose adaptation of a story by the American writer, Ambrose Bierce, entitled "An Occurrence At Owl Creek Bridge." An earlier adaptation of that story was produced in 1962 and went on to win an Oscar. Directed by Robert Enrico and entitled, "La riviere du hibou," many Americans were first introduced to that film when a slightly edited version was shown on The Twilight Zone, under its American title.

In the current version, actor and screenwriter Shane Briant does an elegant job modernizing Bierce's Civil War story, making it relevant, provocative, and as current as today. Lance Henriksen, who stars in the film, is superb. All production values are first rate. The film won "Best of The Fest" at the 2005 Los Angeles International Short Film Festival, which is where I saw it.

Highly recommended.

The Amazing Lance Henriksen - "A Message from Fallujah" - Lance Henriksen

[lafemmenikita07 · 10/10 · 2 May 2006]

Lance Henriksen displayed a powerful performance receiving enormous praise for his work in "A Message from Fallujah" portraying Daniel Crane. Daniel Crane is an American employee working to rebuild Iraq and is kidnapped and held hostage on his last day in Fallujah while sitting in an outdoor cafeé making friends with a local kid when armed men rush him, bundle him in a van and take him hostage. Daniel Crane re-appears on a video with a knife to his throat and his captors demanding the release of prisoners of war. Daniel Crane is abused by his captives and suffers from heat, thirst, torture, desperation and brutality. Daniel Crane is alone and his only wish is to tell his wife he loves her. That is Daniel Cranes' message brilliantly portrayed by muti-talented actor/artist Lance Henriksen. The film stops short of revealing to the audience whether Daniel Crane escapes or meets some other fate. The 15 minute short "A Message from Fallujah" won the 2005 Los Angeles Short Film Fest winner of the, " Best of the Fest" for a 15 minute short (film.) Director Richard Gibson's received prizes valued at approximately $31,784 that included (1) Panavision Camera Package Valued at $30,000, (2) Final Draft Screen writing Software value of $289.00 (3) Writers Boot Camp - Basic Training Certificate worth $895.00 and (4) Net TV Web Hosting - $600.00 1 yr. The Los Angeles International Short Film Festival is the largest short film festival in the world and one of the few recognized by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences. If you are interested in more information go to www.lashortsfest.com .