Last Dream
A Provocative Cinematic Tale
Did you know that the United States of America executed 17 prisoners in 2020?
Whilst significantly less than in previous years, it bears reminding that 2020 was the year of a global pandemic. Of those 17 condemned, many would most likely have partaken in the customary ritual of the last meal.
This practice is steeped in religious ideology, with Jesus's Last Supper the most obvious comparison.
Proponents of capital punishment may support a prisoner's right to a last meal. Opponents will point to the moral dichotomy of it all; A comforting ruse, they might say, before killing them.
Last Dream showcases this practice through the lens of experimental horror, with vivid production design, spine-chilling acting, and rousing cinematic tension.
A foreword from the director
Paying homage to the colour-rich films of yesteryear with a taboo subject wasn't easy – but it was enjoyable. From Dario Argento's Suspiria and Jacques Demy's The Umbrellas of Cherbourg to modern, obscure cult classics like Anna Biller's The Love Witch, Last Dream, both as a visual spectacle and a narrative piece of fiction aims to push cinematic boundaries and ignite uncomfortable conversations among its viewers.
None of this would have been possible without Amy Griffith, owner of Eaton House Studio. I came across Amy's coral pink behemoth in a Vice article titled "Is this the most Wes Anderson house in the world?".
Spurred on herself by a lack of creative opportunities during the Coronavirus lockdown, she gave a little-known director the keys to her own colourful world, spawning an unlikely film set – and creative partnership.
None of this would have been possible without Amy Griffith, owner of Eaton House Studio. I came across Amy's coral pink behemoth in a Vice article titled "Is this the most Wes Anderson house in the world?".
Spurred on herself by a lack of creative opportunities during the Coronavirus lockdown, she gave a little-known director the keys to her own colourful world, spawning an unlikely film set – and creative partnership.
The film's themes (forgiveness, tragedy, biblical retribution to name but a few) are deeply humanistic elements of life's great tapestry of things. Specific themes may even resonate with viewers on a particularly personal level.
As a British filmmaker (Britain abolished capital punishment in 1965), state-by-state legislation that governs the 50 states of America regularly piqued my interest, often spawning questions I wouldn't usually consider.
As a British filmmaker (Britain abolished capital punishment in 1965), state-by-state legislation that governs the 50 states of America regularly piqued my interest, often spawning questions I wouldn't usually consider.
Last Dream does not fall victim to personal sentiments (at least, this was never my intention). I hope that viewers form their own thoughts, opinions and ideas once the end credits roll, and perhaps new ones that I had not entertained as director.
Official film
Our cast
Hugo
Director,
Writer
Writer
Johnson
Stars
Eloise Lovell Anderson
Brenda Patricia Garza
