Fried Barry takes local cinematography to the next level
Film and music director Ryan Kruger is building a reputation among film critics and his fans – shifting South African moviemaking that can be described as being completely out there with definitive abstract visuals. Words such as strange, weird, pushing the envelope of cinematography with elements of sci-fi, thriller and horror, are key to his …
Film and music director Ryan Kruger is building a reputation among film critics and his fans – shifting South African moviemaking that can be described as being completely out there with definitive abstract visuals. Words such as strange, weird, pushing the envelope of cinematography with elements of sci-fi, thriller and horror, are key to his filmmaking and Fried Barry is no different.
The South African red carpet premiere during the RapidLion Film Festival of Fried Barry at The Market Theatre in Newtown on 13 March was filled with cast members, who’s who in the industry and excited guests who received a complementary glass of wine. Fried Barry was initially released as a short film in 2017 and Kruger decided to make a full movie after the success of the short film.
The movie tells the story of Barry, who is a drug addict whose body is hijacked by an alien visitor. The chaotic journey Barry goes through after this is a roller coaster. The movie is quite outlandish – set in Cape Town, actor Gary Green who plays the title lead is absolutely brilliant as he fully encompasses an alien-like character. The chaotic journey viewers see is mixed with humour, horror and gore as the real Barry takes a back seat, the alien visitor goes on sex, drugs and violent joy rides.
Kruger’s directing and editing assists in this, as the cameos in the film all play their part with each role given enough screen time. The cast includes South African actors such as Sean Cameron Michael and Chanelle de Jager. De Jager was one of the highlights of the film, as she played Barry’s wife in a passionate and fired-up supporting lead and all she wants is a supportive partner in Barry.
The film was nominated for five RapidLion Awards, and went away with three wins, winning best South African film, best cinematography and best film editing. This film is ground-breaking for the local movie scene even though it won’t be to everyone’s taste.
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