SECURITY
Brien Burroughs
USA 2003/95 minutes

Comparisons to Jim Jarmusch and Hal Hartley have been made to local filmmaker Burrough's deadpan follow-up to the all improvised Suckerfish. He again collaborates with a tight ensemble of improv actors from Bay Area Theatresports to create hilarious,absurd and surprisingly touching characters in a tale of two hapless midnight-shift security guards (Tim Orr and Stephen Kearin) at a candyfactory who become embroiled in a dastardly plot.

Top secret candy prototypes have gone missing during their shift challenging them to use all the meager skills they possess to solve the crime! Along the way they cross paths with such shady characters from the underworld as electricians, exterminators, janitors, and temps. Who would have ever guessed such darkness lurks beneath the immaculate façade of the chocolate factory yet underneath it all is a sweet film of loyalty and perhaps even unrequited love.

The film was completely improvised and shot on 35mm film with major support through the Film Arts Foundation's Robin Eichman Feature Film Award (along with money made by Burrough's uncredited work as video assist on The Matrix 2‹thanks Hollywood!). Locations were reaped from the gaping wounds of ailing dot gones (thanks Silicon Valley!). San Francisco talent shines in this comedy of detailed nuance; it’s another beautiful feather to garnish the already decorated cap of director Burroughs and his ensemble cast and crew.

The snazzy score, stylish cinematography and precise delivery all add up to a classy indie gem (thanks SF Bay Area film and video community!).

In attendance: Director Brien Burroughs, cast and crew
-Molli Amara Simon