Saturday, March 22, 2014

Dave O'Shea's Day Job

"THROUGHOUT HISTORY EVERY STALKER EVERY MURDERER EVERY MONSTER HAD TO BILLS TO PAY"

Day Job is a film that brings forth an idea that is truly terrifying. Every serial killer had a day job. Ever have something go wrong in the house and have to have someone come out to check it out? Everyday people allow complete strangers into their house for things like this without thinking twice. Unfortunately all killers don't come across as stark raving lunatics foaming at the mouth. THIS is the real definition of horror, real life situations that could become a reality for anyone.

The film shows our killer Nick Carnicelli going through the daily grind as a cable guy. Seeing his everyday struggle dealing with asshole customers on a daily basis and snagging up used panties from the women who invite him into their homes to fix their cable. It is clear from the beginning that Nick is a bit of a sicko but we don't get the full extent until his home-life is shown. A house with bloodstained condoms covering walls and women chained to beds is where Nick and his equally fucked in the head roommate kick their feet up after a long days work. Armed to the dental with bondage equipment and plenty of victims to take the lashing it is very clear Nick is far gone from the semi normal person he seems to be at work.

Everything changes for Nick when he meets a woman in a broken marriage on one of his calls. He falls in love with her immediately and will do anything it takes to call her his own. With the help of his roommate anyone who may step in the way of Nick and his new found love will meet a very painful demise. This is all followed by an ending that I'm sure nobody will see coming. While the ending may seem a bit jarring I think it was the perfect way to end the film.

The handheld camera style filmmaking really helps at capturing an extremely realistic feel. Throughout the film this technique allows the viewer to relate with Nick, his victims and his customers. Every single character adds to the realism and the fact that the story is very believable by all accounts doesn't hurt either. We also get the pleasure of meeting some other colorful characters that relate to the story throughout Day Job. The scene with Nick and a coworker talking at the park provided some fucking hilarious comedic relief while also giving us some insight on the strange life of one of their customers. All I can say is period pasta looks like some damn fine cuisine!

Overall Day Job is an insanely realistic display of thought provoking depravity. After watching this you'll surely be more on edge next time you have to let a stranger into your home. I would have never guessed that this is Dave O'Shea's directorial debut. So much style and writing ability this early in the game makes his name one to watch for from here on out. Keep in mind the film is very low budget but the grimey look of it all does more help than harm. Day Job truly exceeds it's budget and I would HIGHLY recommend even those of you who aren't into low budget films to give it a watch. You won't regret it.