The Truth

The commentary track is a good example of why one voice is better than two (or more). George Milton and Mark Tilton have been writing together for some time and know each other backwards. The result is that their chat about the film is more like banter than behind-the-camera insights. Also, they talk over the soundtrack, which means you have to close your eyes, concentrate on what they are saying and shut out the dialogue that’s going on simultaneously. Not clever.

Being English, rather than American, they are self-deprecating in a humorous way. They praise the cast and crew (tiny) as a gesture to the production company’s marketing dept, no doubt, but otherwise try not to sound self-important and never earnest.

The hunting lodge where they filmed is supposed to be in the middle of nowhere, miles from human distraction. In fact, it was right beside the main Perth to Inverness trunk road, so they had to stop shooting when the sound of cars became too oppressive. It took four weeks to make and they all stayed at the lodge, which could have been tricky, but wasn’t.

Using digital tape they could experiment without worrying too much about the cost and ended with a four hour film. Editing was an agony until they decided to make it Candy’s story, which meant cutting the superfluous stuff, a lot of which was excellent, according to them. (Note to me: respect actors more)

Naturally, the simulated sex between Felix and Mia against a tree in the woods comes up for discussion and the response is perfectly downplayed: “You don’t want midges in a scene like this.” And they had midges. (Note to me: respect actors even more)

Too much of the banter is in-house, which means that if you weren’t there you don’t get it. Obviously Milton and Tilton are not versed in the craft of the DVD commentary. Half way through, one of them (it is impossible to tell who’s who) quips, “There’s only one person listening to this and he’s sitting in his underpants with the curtains drawn on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.” He’s wrong on two counts. It was a Tuesday and it was raining.

The question of whodunit is aired. “One actor was told they were the killer.” No one else knew. By the end, the audience didn’t know, either. “You have to work it out for yourself.” Thanks a bunch! (Note to myself: be harder on screenwriters)

There are only two deleted scenes, which is disappointing, considering how much ended up on the cutting room floor. Both are reasonably long. In the first, the survivors are arranged around the dead body in the wood and Donna asks them to kiss it goodbye. One by one, they do, but Felix won’t, while Scott and Blossom kiss each other. In the second, Scott wheels Candy down the drive and snogs her. Felix and Blossom appear out of the shrubbery, as if they’ve been having it off. Both these scenes explain a great deal about Scott (the least understood in the film), as well as the diverse sexual combinations within the group.

The trailer gives away the killing. (Note to myself: stop watching trailers)