‘The Special’ had an exclusive first private screening at the Appell Centre on Friday and it soon became apparent that some audience members were not prepared for the controversial subjects of the film. One couple walking out of the cinema halfway through in disgust commenting “I’m not sitting through anymore of this”.
It is no surprise with a tag line of “This is not a love story” and Harrison Smith asking people to ‘See it with someone you hate!” the film was always going to get a provocative response. However, the feeling of the couple were obviously not shared by the rest of the audience who gave the film a standing ovation and positive early critic reviews.
The interest has continued to build leading up to the release of The Special, even though details regarding the film have been deliberately held back with audiences asked not to discuss the events in the film. Although the film artwork involving a box with a whole which says ‘Stick it in here’ has naturally raised some speculation regarding the film’s themes.
‘The Special’ is directed by Harrison Smith, with the script adapted by Mark Steensland and James Newman from their novella of the same name. It is not a film for the squeamish or easily offended and serves as a stark warning regarding infidelity and obsession.
The film stars: Davy Raphaely (Camp Dread, Zombie Killers), Sarah French (Death House, Rootwood) and David Sheridan of Scary Movie” fame.
The film also includes special cameos from Howard Stern’s Richard Christy, pro wrestler Chris Jericho and singer, musician Howard Jones.
When Jerry Harford who discovers what he believes to be his wife having an affair, his best friend urges him to fight fire with fire, with horrific results. Harford begins a nightmarish trip down a surreal rabbit hole that gives Fatal Attraction a dark spin.
Filmed around Phildelphia, York and Lancaster Pennsylvania. The film also reunites Harrison Smith with Felissa Rose as associate producer.
B Harrison Smith, Class of ’85, LLC: www.class85.com
DIRECTOR REEL: https://vimeo.com/318076004