The pages of a fairy-tale book turn, and a picture comes to life, in
color, as we are taken, magically, into once up a time…somewhere. We
are flown into The Tale of the Heroine & the Cad with a
bee’s-eye view, through the hexagonal lenses of…you guessed it…a bee.
Instead of a “fly on the wall,” we are a “bee in flight” just as
objectively viewing the strange new world around us. Through a forest
and into a tree (yes, a tree), we begin our journey.
At the end of the bee’s journey is a man in lavish dress with the
pointed ears of…you guessed it again…an elf. He sits impatiently at the
bedside of an older woman who is annoyed by his presence and
uninterested in what he has to say. The man is Himo (Fernando Noor),
and the woman is the half-elven, half-human Tallulah (Melissa Malan).
Tallulah is on her deathbed (as she has been for the last fifty years),
and Himo seems to anticipate her death more than dread it. “Why?” you
ask. Although a fifty-year-long death could be reason enough, that’s
not it. As the title suggests, Tallulah is a heroine. She has, in her
long life, seen all manner of dangers and adventure—fighting dragons,
bandits, and assassins, and saving damsels in distress. All this she
did while Himo lived in her shadow as nothing to be known for or
remembered. Are we talking about the ingredients for one jealous elven
husband? Is there a great man behind this this great woman? What will
Himo do to get what he wants, and what will Tallulah do to stop him?
I’m not telling, but you can imagine the possibilities for this one.
“It must be nice to have such a legacy….something that’s going to live on past you.” ~ Himo
My favorite scene in the movie begins at the four-minute/forty-six
second mark. Himo and Tallulah are outside near a waterfall, in a
flashback from the past, exchanging affections. This is an absolutely
beautiful scene, with Melissa Malan looking stunning as her elven
character, complete with pointed ears and a pixie smile. Malan is an
actress with talent matched only by her beauty, and she shows both here
to full effect. I, for one, was captivated by her wide-eyed spirit of
performance; the energy in her personality radiates from her and
brightens the movie beyond boundaries. Melissa convinced me that she was
Tallulah, with all the best that paramours could offer a mate. Her eye
contact, loving glances, and focus on Himo were spot on! I often see
actors who don’t show the commitment to a part that makes a character
believable. In The Tale of the Heroine & the Cad, Melissa
Malan does the opposite of that in a most crucial scene. She shows us
who Tallulah really is, letting her character shine through; she makes
her familiar and also human, adding more to what makes the movie a
success—realism in a fantasy story, grounding it in experiences we
know. Perfect!
“We’ll never get old, because you love me.” ~ Tallulah
This brings me to
Melissa Malan in general and in this fairy tale again. Malan is an actress I have previously seen in a short horror film called
The Mockingbird. In it, she plays a woman confined to her bed, after being paralyzed in a car accident. In
The Tale of the Heroine & the Cad,
Malan again plays a woman confined to her bed, in most scenes. In each
movie, because of Malan’s talent, a bedridden character is brought to
life with more energy and depth than most characters walking on two
legs. With expressions and words alone, she gives Tallulah strength as a
heroine, even on her deathbed. I do not give compliments like this
liberally; Malan, however, deserves the compliments, no matter how
sparingly I use them. As in
The Mockingbird, Malan makes an easily forgettable character one to remember!
Fernando Noor
is an award-winning actor, writer, producer, and voice over artist. I
had not seen his work before; however, he is one I will look for in the
future. As “The Cad”, Noor is the personification of the word’s
definition—“A man who behaves dishonorably, especially toward a woman.”
He is this personification not just because we know what he’s thinking
as Himo, but because of what Noor
does as Himo…and yes…how he
acts—as an actor, that is. Noor projects coldness with his voice and
sly detachment in his disdainful looks. Even his posture and movements
are subtly used as body language to complete the role. Noor let’s the
viewer make no mistake in understanding his character, superficially as
well as below the surface. When Tallulah is still devoted and loving,
Noor is her antithesis, projecting selfishness to please himself,
totally believable in his part. Tallulah’s love, contrasted with Himo’s
lack of it, play off one another perfectly to set the movie’s tone.
Noor skillfully makes his character one we dislike, but remember all the
more for disliking. This, ironically, makes
The Tale of the Heroine & the Cad
one we can like all the more for disliking Himo. As for what Himo
wants as much as he wants her death, I’ll leave that for you to discover
yourself.
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| Fernando Noor as Himo |
As for other actors, we also have
Tristan Scott-Behrends and
Malia Miglino.
Behrends is “The Doctor” and plays the part as one who cares little to
nothing about his patient. He considers half-humans to be inferior to
full-blooded elves, and shows it with enough arrogance and detachment to
make it believable. You might say that Behrends plays the ultimate
racist in a fantasy world—a doctor whose hyppocratic oath didn’t include
equality; he boldly practices medicine with bigotry in his words, if
not in his actions. Behrends’ characters, as he well plays it, adds an
extra element of social commentary making it decidedly more than a fairy
tale, carrying over to the world of humans as much as elves.
I understand that we as the Elven race get frustrated with the lifespans of…lesser races.” ~ The Doctor
Malia Miglino
has the minimal but essential part of the sexy nurse, and she does
exactly that…very well! Miglino is the current object of Himo’s
affections, and no doubt Tallulah’s replacement; in her leather boots
(the first we see of her) and her red elven nurse outfit, Miglino gets
nearly as much attention as most other characters. Even in her brief
screen time, Miglino efficiently communicates her character to the
audience, making a stereotype something more original, and surely
memorable. (I look forward to seeing movies in the future, with Miglino
in a lead role.) Miglino’s version of a temptress brings out more of
Himo’s character, making him uncomfortably as much human as elf; his
ogling flirtation with her is part of what shows, early on, his more
despicable qualities. After all, he is still married to Tallulah, and
she is
still on her deathbed. How dare he do that!
Before I move on, let us stop and consider that last thought one more
time, at least to better understand Himo, and possibly even
ourselves—“How dare he do that!” Yes, at first, we think, on impulse,
in moral high gear, that Himo has no business having lecherous elven
thoughts, while married, with his wife on her deathbed no less. Yes,
it’s easy to think it, say it, and act as though we ourselves would
never do it. However, before you judge too quickly (even an elf),
consider this…just for a moment. Tallulah has been dying for fifty
years; count them slowly. This sexy nurse is someone Himo’s been
seeing, no doubt, for a seriously long time (maybe even fifty
years)—parading around in front of him in her sexy elven boots, sneaking
beautiful glances, slipping him amorous letters. Yes, she’s also been
giving shots, changing IVs, bringing medicine, and doing all other
non-sexy things nurses do. But, even doing non-sexy things, a nurse
like this could distract even the best of elves…and humans! No, I don’t
have a dying half-human wife, cared for by a sexy elven nurse, but I
understand temptation and how it works to change the best of us. So, in a
way, I’ll defend Himo, as much as say why he’s despicable. Yes,
consider all that for just a moment, at least, seeing yet more in this
most unique of tales. Just like in the fairy tales of Grimm, there’s far
more than what we see on the surface–something pulling us under with
it. Take a deeper look, then move right along. How dare he do that!
Now with that over…for now…let’s consider how low-budget fantasy
films are especially difficult to do. Other genres—drama, action,
adventure, mystery, and even horror—are easier, at least because they
can happen anywhere, as is, without modifying the normal environment.
Fantasy, on the other hand, requires another world that must be created,
often from scratch, often with budgets exceeding what is available. I
have the greatest respect for independent film directors who even
attempt anything so ambitious. After seeing, The Tale of the Heroine & the Cad, I have an even greater respect for such directors.
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| A painting of a younger Tallulah, appropriately called the “Tallulah Pastel” (by Elizabeth Lee) | | | | |
This brings me to the ever-talented (and always beautiful)
Claire Wasmund–an
award-winning screenwriter and filmmaker. Her written work has appeared
in nationally-published journals, and her film work has been a part of
over 30 film festivals! In
The Heroine & the Cad, Wasmund
has written, created, and filmed a world that is a gem of a fantasy to
see. With Wasmund’s directing talents, this new tale earns a respectable
place as a new classic in a collection of its own. The richness of
colors, contrasts, focus, lighting, and camera angles all work together,
creating a place we can imagine elves would inhabit. Wasmund makes the
technical aspects subtle to our senses and all the more natural on
screen. Small but opulent sets make all that’s needed, effectively, on a
limited budget; I never found myself wanting to see more. Wasmund
wisely kept characters at the center, using sets to support the story
rather than carry it. As the writer and director, Wasmund has taken her
fairy tale from the page to the screen, beyond the limits of its
budget. Such spirit, dedication despite obstacles, and ultimate
achievement is what I most applaud in fimmaking. With such challenges in
the fantasy genre, it’s easy to give up and difficult to succeed; to
Wasmund, I give a standing ovation for success!
Of course, music can either make or break a fairy tale; music sets
the mood, helps to establish the setting, and, if done well, helps the
mind slip away into faraway lands and mythic places. The original music
composed by
Brandon K. Verrett certainly makes
The Tale of the Heroine & the Cad.
From the title page of the fairy tale book, as it begins, we hear what
we expect–soft, light, magical music, with lilting tones carrying us
with it, leaving the real world behind.
Production designers, art directors, special effects artists, costume
designers, and jewelry coordinators are often overlooked in reviews.
However, in a film like this, they must be recognized and applauded as
well.
The Tale of the Heroine & the Cad could not have done without the production design of
Lex Benedict,
Greg Cruser,
Fernando Noor, and
Claire Wasmund; it could not have done without the art direction by
Caley Bisson; it could not have done without the beautiful “Tallulah Pastel” by
Elizabeth Lee; it could not have done without the special effects by Greg Cruser, the sumptuous costumes by Lex Benedict, the jewelry by
Betsey Benedict, or the soprano
Ashley Burkett. Finally, but far from least, it could never have done without the special effects makeup by
Laura Lieffring and
Tokiko Inoue.
Yes, in this movie, all of these talented people came together to
produce one movie that stands out in its indie genre, well in front of
any I’ve seen before.
As a great example, we have the special effects makeup of Laura
Lieffring and Tokiko Inoue. If I didn’t know Melissa Malan was such a
beautiful young woman, I would actually think she was a beautiful but
much older woman. The makeup effects here are simply awesome! With the
high-definition image, it is especially important for effects to stand
up to scrutiny; Laura Lieffring and Tokiko Inoue have made sure that
they do. Without this effect alone, there would have been trouble once upon a time, too many times for success. Here, however, it’s done perfectly!
Adding to makeup accolades, I must also compliment the elf ears.
Even in the most brightly-lit, high definition, these ears looked like
the real deal. And, in a movie about elves, bad ears could ruin
everything. Once again, Laura Lieffring and Tokiko Inoue, operating on a
lower budget, save the show, with the best ears I’ve seen so far in a
movie about elves–bar none!
It is also interesting that, in the opening credits, the names of the
cast and crew are not the names that appear in the credits for the
movie elsewhere. Actors have names such as Lolindir Eledhwen, Ireth
Elensar, and Ireth Fefala; the cinematographer is Natulcien Calaelen,
and the director is Idril Seregon. (Yeah, we know it’s you anyway,
Claire.) The only reason for this I can imagine is one I really
like. To further immerse the story in the fairy tale world, these are
Elvin names, as if the elves are really producing it. Nice touch!
What’s this fairy tale about overall? It’s about the cruelty of
time, as it affects relationships, love, and life in general–how people
(and even elves), in time, fall out of love for reasons that love should
prevent. Such is the ironic nature of love, especially when only one
has fallen out of it. Those who made the film boil it down to what is
likely the most concise and accurate: [It] “deals with time’s longest
running battle: the power struggle between couples.” I agree! And,
this quote by Henry Louis Mencken (included at the movie’s end) is
perhaps the best way to point it out: “Love is like war; very easy to begin, but very hard to stop” Indeed it is!
“What’s the moral to this fairy tale?” you ask. It could be all or
any of a number I can imagine. It is an aspect of all happiness to
suppose that we deserve it, as supposed by Himo. But, ultimately here,
“The [heroine] is brave in deeds as well as words.” The ironic
self-destruction that comes to those who are greedy and superficial is
another message that is obvious. Underestimating those more powerful is
one of the worst mistakes we can make.
“Boom. Magic.” ~ Tallulah
The Tale of the Heroine & the Cad has already been
selected to screen at a number of film festivals; it’s also been
nominated for as many awards, including best make-up, costumes, and art
direction. I have a feeling it will receive many more before it’s
over. Recently, I read an interview with Claire Wasmund in which she
was asked what inspired her to become a filmmaker. “An overwhelming
desire for immortality,” was Claire’s answer. I like that. It’s the
reason I do what I do too. Living on in the legacy we leave is the best
any of us can do to be immortal. With her latest film, Claire is already
well on her way to that immortality.
The Tale of the Heroine & the Cad is a beautiful new
fairy tale, told with all the feeling and effect of an older classic–a
fifteen minute short film, with all the punch of a longer feature. It
was produced by a cast and crew totally dedicated to the work and bound
for the success they achieved. Unlike youth and sometimes love, this
one is sure to stand the test of time.
Visit The Tale of the Heroine & the Cad blogspot:
http://heroineandthecad.blogspot.com
See and “Like” The Tale of the Heroine & the Cad on Facebook by clicking
here!
Check out Claire Wasmund on Twitter too–a great one to follow!
@ClaireLWasmund
T.G.C. Films and
Longlost Pictures present
The Tale of the Heroine & the Cad, Starring Fernando Noor, Melissa Malan, Tristan Scott-Behrends, and Malia Miglino,
Written and Directed by Claire Wasmund,
Story by Claire Wasmund and Fernando Noor,
Edited by Longlost Pictures (Lex Benedict and Greg Cruser),
Original music composed by Brandon K. Verrett,
Production Design by Lex Benedict, Greg Cruser, Fernando Noor, and Claire Wasmund,
Art Direction by Caley Bisson,
“Tallulah Pastel” by Elizabeth Lee,
Special Effects by Greg Cruser,
Costumes by Lex Benedict,
Jewelry by Betsey Benedict,
Special Effects Makeup by Laura Lieffring and Tokiko Inoue,
Music Featuring Soprano Ashley Burkett
Watch the demo reel of Claire Wasmund’s awesome directing work below! Included are scenes from
The Tale of the Heroine & the Cad. In just under five minutes, it’s easy to see the magic in all of Claire’s work. Enjoy!
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