Customer Reviews

Mercy

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Mercy is a beautifully lensed, well-written, reasonably acted film that's guaranteed to find an appreciative audience, one that embraces filmmakers interested in crafting intelligent horror with arthouse sensibilities. Things can get a bit monotonous, no question, but everything looked so damn awesome I found myself enjoying Mercy anyhow. I'm a sucker for experimental horror and neo-noir filmmaking.

I do have a small complaint; the score was really boring and ineffective. I was a bit let down when it kicked in and continued throughout the film as I kept waiting for something a bit more engaging. Didn't happen. I should also mention that Roddy uses the whole experimental film "reversed score" thing that's become seriously overrated. All he needed was a character speaking backwards, a donkey wearing a tutu and a single balloon sailing through the sky and this could have had a life in the coffee shops across some little country nobody cares about.

I know, that all sounded harsh but, trust me, its tough love. Mercy is a brilliant little film by a filmmaker with obvious talent and I look forward to more of his work.

First off, this isn't your typical low-budget horror movie. MERCY's ambitious experimentation with sound, imagery, and storytelling give this expressionistic work a depth that is lacking in most films of this genre. Stunningly photographed in rich black and white, MERCY is a psychologically suffocating account of an ex-con looking to make a new start. Unfortunately for John Mercy, his dream of anonymity is plagued by disturbing flashes of his violent past and a predatory world that seems to be lying in wait.

This film was dark, brooding, and creepy. It will be appreciated most by fans of low-budget indie films, especially those with an interest in low-budget psychological thrillers. Those who equate this film with big-budget movies in the theater will be disappointed because this film is just what it proclaims to be -- a small-budget movie filmed largely with local talent. In that regard, it succeeds greatly. Of all aspects of the film, I consider the psychological elements of the plot to be the most compelling.

If you go into the movie with accurate expectations, you will not be disappointed.

Although I don't usually watch anything darker than "Singing in the Rain", this movie moved me. Gary Shannon's portrayal of John Mercy was so realistic that I had to remind myself he was acting. I hope we see more of him in the future.

Enjoyed this films noirish and somewhat Lynchesque overtones. Love to see quirky little movies like this one. Also thought that some of the young actors showed a lot of untapped talent and promise.

Patrick Roddy's MERCY is a wonderful example of filmmaking in it's purest form. The beauty of this film is its minimalism. Nothing is wasted. Everything from the choices Mr. Roddy made in lighting to the underlying sound and score of this film play an integral part in the story and viewing experience.

MERCY is the thought-provoking story of John Mercy, a man recently released from prison for a crime that is not immediately apparent. From there, in this viewers opinion, the rest of the story can be left to interpretation. Is it the story of a man who committed a crime, paid his dues to society, but once free still finds himself imprisoned by his past? Or is it a cautionary tale, warning that the only path to freedom is to repent one's sins and ask for forgiveness? Where is God's Country for John Mercy? Watch and decide for yourself.

MERCY is a cinematic indie gem. A must-see for horror and art films fans alike. Patrick Roddy has created a dark, richly textured film. On the surface it seems deceptively simple. The combination of the imagery, that is dark and often disturbing, with the haunting score and use of sound draw the viewer into the world of John Mercy. Gary Shannon's expressive portrayal of John Mercy is perfect. The viewer gets lulled into believing that they are experiencing the day-to-day routines of a man trying to move beyond his past, and then suddenly find themselves side by side with John in a waking nightmare. This film will leave the viewer questioning, thinking, perhaps a bit unsettled, but most assuredly wanting to experience it again.

You awake one morning and find a tooth missing. A few days later you awake to find a stump where a finger used to be. And so on...
Such is the terror that one ex-con faces as he tries to reestablish himself in "God's Country" after being locked away the previous 25 years of his life.

Written, directed and produced by auteur Patrick Roddy, Mercy is a film about redemption, isolation and terror. A minimalist score, innovative use of non-diagetic sound, black and white photography and low-key lighting all manage to gel and mimic the aching of John Mercy as he tries to escape from one routine to another. It would seem however, that someone, or something, keeps getting in his way...

This film is a must see for both horror and art film fans alike. The story is thrillingly original and actor Gary Shannon's portrayal of John Mercy is brilliant; his facial expressions carry a weight that often take the place of dialogue, leaving us to dwell on a man mentally and physically tortured by his past, soon just trying to stay alive...

MercyThe star of this "movie" is a local deejay (who I have always adored), and that is why I bought this DVD. However, after watching it, I'd suggest he keep his day job and forget about acting. This was probably the worst movie I have ever seen, and then that is an understatement. It was sheer torture to sit through this DVD. This was filmed locally, but I would also suggest the film company give it up. This is, obviously, a low-budget film and not worth the paper the cover is made of. The bottom line is save your money and your eyesight. I wish I had.