69 ˝ falls short of perfect
Melissa De
Los Santos, GMANews.TV, 21 October 2009
Written and
directed by Ted Manotoc
Finalist, Digital Lokal competition
11th Cinemanila International Film Festival
Epic wanted to direct the best Filipino film ever made, but his
dwindling resources have prevented him from doing so. When he and his
roommate were evicted from their shared apartment, the aspiring
filmmaker was forced to do something he thought he would never have
to. Against his will, Epic had to direct a pornographic movie in
exchange for food and lodging, with his roommate Mike as producer.
The businessman who funds them, aside from imposing the condition that
his mistress Penelope be the lead actress, had four requirements for
the film: it had to show oral sex, anal sex, penetration, and
ejaculation.
Unable to completely let go of his creative integrity, Epic attempts
to find a compromise between his own artistic vision and the
conditions set by their benefactor. What follows is a hilarious
account of the making of Epic’s “pornographic musical," an artistic
rendition of an otherwise purely carnal film.
Epic’s film was divided into four parts, each segment dedicated to one
of the requirements. Cunnilingus, the first segment, is an operatic
solo by lead actor John. Filled with euphemisms and innuendos, it is
sensual without being too vulgar. The second song was aptly named Anal
Criminal, a jazzy beat coupled with clever rhymes that are a little
risque, but never improper. The third part is a song-and-dance
performance, to the tune of the surprisingly catchy song “Penetrate."
The fourth part of Epic's musical never reached completion, however,
for personal reasons.
The genius of this movie comes from the musical itself, as it was able
to avoid any blatant sexual acts while keeping to the businessman’s
manifesto.
The film is arguably designed for the thinking audience, considering
the enormous amount of word-play involved. Although an intellectual
film is commendable, it seems to be a drawback as well. By being too
smart, the film limits its audience to a certain group.
The movie’s deadpan humor was very effective, but also a disadvantage.
The type of comedy is a welcome departure from the slapstick variety
overused in Philippine cinema, but it requires a certain level of
attention not everyone is willing to give.
Contrary to the conventional approach, the film started off with the
climax, enticing the audience with the gripping scene. The sequence of
events worked well for the movie, and the editing was excellent.
The too-obvious product placement, however, was quite annoying.
The film ended on a rather disappointing note, but it is still
worthwhile to watch. Although the movie might not be enjoyed by the
general audience, its witty antics are too entertaining to pass up. -
GMANews.TV
