Pulp Features

So it’s the end of November and time for the second edition of Eat My Shorts, and this time we have a theme.

All the films this time around are spoofs, and most of them are pretty funny.

Enjoy.

The Old Negro Space Program
This film - or mockumentary, if I may - is a superbly funny fake history that works on several levels. It’s both funny and moving and should be seen if only for the letter home.

The Meatrix
This four minute flash animation that both spoofs the better known trilogy from the Wachowski brothers in order to highlight the faults with factory farming is the winner of the Media That Matters Film for Thought Award. And it represents the best of political filmmaking - both funny and thought provoking. Go watch it if you haven’t done so already.

Happy Ending (Reunion)
“My name’s Stranger. Misterious Stranger. All the most trivial characters from the movies meets in this viral for a film festival.” Advertising that entertainingly spoofs all those minor film stereotypes that we’ve come to know and expect.

Robot Chicken Star Wars Spoiler
Increasingly improbable plots? Start Wars? Nahh!

The Shining
Trailers for well known films seem to be an increasingly ripe source of spoofs, as this particular work of genius superbly demonstrates. If it was believed, you’d have the very strong impression that The Shining was a film about a writer struggling to complete his novel and his cute, but neglected son. The sort of film that culminates with a tearful reunion and - maybe - some kite flying inspired family bonding.

Psycho: A Love Story
And while we’re discussing spoof trailers, this one for a romantic comedy about two lonely people brought together on a rainy night is well worth checking out.

Star Wreck: In the Pirkinning
Not last, but longest and certainly not least, Star Wreck: In the Pirkinning is a feature-length sci-fi parody, seven years in the making. It is the product of a core group of five Finns, and over 300 extras, assistants and supporters. The film combines some spectacular visual effects, a stack of great one-liners, plenty of laugh out loud moments, and a passion that provide the basis for the first-ever Finnish science fiction adventure.

Meet the Liar
And finally. Not quite a spoof, but The God Who Wasn’t There director, Brian Flemming, has analysed a clip of Senator Tom Coburn claiming to be a human lie detector.

Samantha Turk is an actress and model who has appeared in films from a wide varirety of genres, including horror, comedy, drama and even an art installation.

Here, she talks to Dale Pierce about acting, modelling, theatre, films and the future.

Dale: First just tell everyone who you are and introduce yourself.
Samantha: My name is Samantha Turk. I am an actress/model, originally from Boston, Mass. I’ve been acting and modelling since I was 5, when I played a Martian in a play called “We Come From Mars”. :)

Dale: You have done a great deal of model work, correct?
Samantha: Yes!

Dale: Did this come before, after or during getting involved in film?
Samantha: I started doing theatre first, singing and dancing as a little kid, then fell in love with acting! I started modelling when I was about 10, in windows of children’s clothing stores, as a “mannequin”! As I got older, I moved into modelling for print and commercials.

Dale: Did you study film any where or take college courses in acting?
Samantha: Yes…I’ve been taking classes since I was 5, but my degree in acting came from Syracuse University. Otherwise, I’ve studied with many different coaches, in Boston, New York, and L.A.

Dale: You have done quite a few films and had some starring roles. Why don’t we list a few and you can give basic plots of these? Starting with Girls Night Out
Samantha: This is a great horror flick about 2 girls (I play Tina, the bitch :)), in high heels and skimpy clothing, of course :), who get stuck in the woods with an axe murderer and a rapist on the loose!

Dale: Pegs and Holes
Samantha: I was the Succubus in this one, yes a succubus. Need I say more?

Dale: Girl in A Box
Samantha: This is a film that showed in Israel, although it was filmed in New York. It is part of an art installation, where I am literally in a box. Although I was not in Israel, my image was made to look live and real, as I questioned the people entering the exhibit.

Dale: Greetings From The Internet
Samantha: Here we have a comedy about a guy who decides to try his hand at meeting people on the internet. What he imagines, and what the girls are really like, is totally different!

Dale: The Long Road
Samantha: This is a film about a man who is sent to prison, for a murder he committed only out of self defence. He leaves behind the love of his life, and when he finally gets released, when new evidence comes out, he has to win her back.

Dale: Excessive Behaviour
Samantha: This movie is about a girl and her mother…an unhealthy relationship, involving two unhealthy women.

Dale: You have also had some work on TV?
Samatha: Yes, I did a couple of TV. pilots, a comedy called Zealot about a group of people of different religions all made to live in one house….and a ‘dramedy’ called Jewtales: Gone Sour, about a Jewish family and Brooklyn, and all of the craziness that comes about at their holiday dinner!

Dale: Aside from acting and model work, what are your other interests?
Samantha: I love music! I love painting! All forms of art amaze me and keep me sane…well, maybe not completely sane, which I think is a good thing…but keep me going, anyway :) .

Dale: You have also been on stage in New York and Los Angeles?
Samantha: Yes, I did a lot of theatre in New York, and some in L.A. I miss the theatre in New York, but my true passion is for film and TV.!

Dale: Of the model shoots, TV, stage or film, which do you prefer the most?
Samantha: :) …film and TV. :)

Dale: Any upcoming projects in the works?
Samantha: Yes! I am actually working on 2 films; one is a romantic piece, and the other a thriller…nice contrast, eh?

Dale: Any closing comments?
Samantha: Live life to the best you know how! A great friend taught me that, and that is how I try to do it!