Preservation (film)
Link fixing and Metacritic score.
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'''''Preservation''''' is a 2014 [[Horror film|horror thriller film]] that was directed by [[Christopher Denham]]. It had its world premiere on April 17, 2014 at the [[Tribeca Film Festival]] and stars [[Wrenn Schmidt]] as a woman trapped in a [[forest preserve]], stalked by maniacs.{{cite web|last1=Zimmerman|first1=Samuel|title=First Look: Christopher Denham's "PRESERVATION"|url=http://www.fangoria.com/new/first-look-christopher-denhams-preservation/|publisher=Fangoria|accessdate=10 August 2014}} |
'''''Preservation''''' is a 2014 [[Horror film|horror thriller film]] that was directed by [[Christopher Denham]]. It had its world premiere on April 17, 2014 at the [[Tribeca Film Festival]] and stars [[Wrenn Schmidt]] as a woman trapped in a [[forest preserve]], stalked by maniacs.{{cite web|last1=Zimmerman|first1=Samuel|title=First Look: Christopher Denham's "PRESERVATION"|url=http://www.fangoria.com/new/first-look-christopher-denhams-preservation/|publisher=Fangoria|accessdate=10 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140206202947/http://www.fangoria.com/new/first-look-christopher-denhams-preservation/|archive-date=6 February 2014|date=January 29, 2014}} |
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==Plot summary== |
==Plot summary== |
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==Reception== |
==Reception== |
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Critical reception for ''Preservation'' has been mixed to positive |
Critical reception for ''Preservation'' has been mixed to positive. On the [[review aggregator]] website [[Rotten Tomatoes]], 46% of 13 critics' reviews are positive.{{Cite web|url = https://rottentomatoes.com/m/preservation_2014/|title = Preservation|date = 2015-01-09|website = www.rottentomatoes.com|access-date = 2016-04-02}} [[Metacritic]], which uses a [[Weighted arithmetic mean|weighted average]], assigned the film a score of 44 out of 100, based on 7 critics, indicating "mixed or average" reviews.{{Cite web |title=Preservation Reviews |url=https://www.metacritic.com/movie/preservation/?ftag=MCD-06-10aaa1chttps://www.metacritic.com/movie/preservation/?ftag=MCD-06-10aaa1c |access-date=2026-04-19 |website=Metacritic |language=en}} ''[[Dread Central]]'' and ''[[Fangoria]]'' both praised the movie,{{Cite web |last=Boiselle |first=Matt |date=2014-09-07 |title=Preservation (2014) |url=https://www.dreadcentral.com/reviews/67128/preservation-2014/ |access-date=2026-04-19 |website=Dread Central |language=en-US}} and ''Fangoria'' commented that it "largely succeeds as a swift and scary survival thriller."{{cite web|last1=Gingold|first1=Michael|title="PRESERVATION" (Fantasia Movie Review)|url=http://www.fangoria.com/new/preservation-fantasia-movie-review/|publisher=Fangoria|accessdate=10 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812230155/http://www.fangoria.com/new/preservation-fantasia-movie-review/|archive-date=August 12, 2014|date=August 5, 2014}} In contrast, ''[[Slant Magazine]]'' and ''[[Film School Rejects]]'' both panned the movie overall,{{cite web|last1=Schager|first1=Nick|title=Preservation (review)|url=https://slantmagazine.com/film/review/preservation|publisher=Slant Magazine|accessdate=10 August 2014|date=April 25, 2014}} with ''Film School Rejects'' writing "The cast does good work, the cinematography is attractive and even the score delivers, but while the direction is (mostly) fine Denham’s script throws it all away through a non-stop assault of horror movie 101 cliches and inanity."{{cite web|last1=Hunter|first1=Rob|title='Preservation' Review: Nope, Nothing Worth Preserving Here|url=http://filmschoolrejects.com/reviews/preservation-review.php|publisher=Film School Rejects|accessdate=10 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810050438/http://filmschoolrejects.com/reviews/preservation-review.php|archive-date=August 10, 2014|date=August 8, 2014}} |
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==Filming== |
==Filming== |
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''Preservation'' was shot in three locations in Southern California. Originally, director Christoper Denham and crew planned to shoot in New York. However, because of the actors availability, the production moved to Southern California. Director Christopher Denham knew that shooting in Southern California would be tricky because it would be hard to find good woods and forest. In result, ''Preservation'' was shot in three locations to create one large woods location that the movie takes place in. These shooting locations were in Santa Clarita and Agua Dulce, California. |
''Preservation'' was shot in three locations in Southern California. Originally, director Christoper Denham and crew planned to shoot in New York. However, because of the actors availability, the production moved to Southern California. Director Christopher Denham knew that shooting in Southern California would be tricky because it would be hard to find good woods and forest. In result, ''Preservation'' was shot in three locations to create one large woods location that the movie takes place in. These shooting locations were in Santa Clarita and Agua Dulce, California. |
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[[File:Preservation Movie.gif|thumb|Still Frame from ''Preservation.'']] |
[[File:Preservation Movie.gif|thumb|Still Frame from ''Preservation.'']] |
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The movie was shot rather quickly in 23 days because of a tight budget and actor availability. Director Christopher Denham knew that shooting in 23 days would be a challenge. However, he was boldly faithful in his cast. Wrenn Schmidt, Aaron Staton and Pablo Schreiber all had theatre experience and were used to timely schedules and remembering lines.{{Cite web|url=http://amovieguy.com/christopher-denham.html|title=Christopher Denham|website=A Movie Guy|language=en|access-date=2020-04-27}} With a limited budget and a fast schedule, only 3 or 4 takes was allowed per shot while filming, which was a challenge for the director. However, Director Christopher Denham said in regards to the quick work flow, "It actually became a blessing in disguise. The frantic nature of our schedule served our story well. It put the actors in a manic mindset that translates on screen."{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiewire.com/2014/04/meet-the-2014-tribeca-filmmakers-8-christopher-denham-made-a-horror-but-he-cant-stand-the-sight-of-blood-27989/|title=Meet the 2014 Tribeca Filmmakers #8: Christopher Denham Made a Horror But He Can't Stand the Sight of Blood|last=Saadi|first=Ziyad|date=2014-04-09|website=IndieWire|language=en|access-date=2020-04-28}} |
The movie was shot rather quickly in 23 days because of a tight budget and actor availability. Director Christopher Denham knew that shooting in 23 days would be a challenge. However, he was boldly faithful in his cast. Wrenn Schmidt, Aaron Staton and Pablo Schreiber all had theatre experience and were used to timely schedules and remembering lines.{{Cite web|url=http://amovieguy.com/christopher-denham.html|title=Christopher Denham|website=A Movie Guy|language=en|access-date=2020-04-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160710011510/http://amovieguy.com/christopher-denham.html|archive-date=July 10, 2016}} With a limited budget and a fast schedule, only 3 or 4 takes was allowed per shot while filming, which was a challenge for the director. However, Director Christopher Denham said that in regards to the quick work flow, "It actually became a blessing in disguise. The frantic nature of our schedule served our story well. It put the actors in a manic mindset that translates on screen."{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiewire.com/2014/04/meet-the-2014-tribeca-filmmakers-8-christopher-denham-made-a-horror-but-he-cant-stand-the-sight-of-blood-27989/|title=Meet the 2014 Tribeca Filmmakers #8: Christopher Denham Made a Horror But He Can't Stand the Sight of Blood|last=Saadi|first=Ziyad|date=2014-04-09|website=IndieWire|language=en|access-date=2020-04-28}} |
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==Cinematography and directing== |
==Cinematography and directing== |
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[[File:Preservation Movie Nicola Marsh Michael Viera III Josh Smith.jpg|thumb|Cinematographer Nicola Marsh and crew on set of ''Preservation.'']] |
[[File:Preservation Movie Nicola Marsh Michael Viera III Josh Smith.jpg|thumb|Cinematographer Nicola Marsh and crew on set of ''Preservation.'']] |
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The director of photography for ''Preservation'' is cinematographer Nicola Marsh. The movie was shot on the Red Epic with anamorphic lenses. Director Christoper Denham and cinematographer Nicola Marsh were inspired to create a look based on the depth of field and empty frame space of movies such as ''Halloween'' and ''Southern Comfort.'' Components to cinematography such as these create a feeling of isolation around the characters. Empty frame space creates a feeling of unease, not knowing what is going to pop into the frame next, when, and if anything will at all. Cinematographer Nicola Marsh worked with diligently with Director Christopher Denham to create this feel of a "Jack In the Box", leaving the audience on a cliff hanger scene to scene. The director stating in his own words "What you don’t see, in my opinion, is always scarier than what you do. It’s really about ratcheting up the suspense.” |
The director of photography for ''Preservation'' is cinematographer Nicola Marsh. The movie was shot on the Red Epic with anamorphic lenses. Director Christoper Denham and cinematographer Nicola Marsh were inspired to create a look based on the depth of field and empty frame space of movies such as ''Halloween'' and ''Southern Comfort.'' Components to cinematography such as these create a feeling of isolation around the characters. Empty frame space creates a feeling of unease, not knowing what is going to pop into the frame next, when, and if anything will at all. Cinematographer Nicola Marsh worked with diligently with Director Christopher Denham to create this feel of a "Jack In the Box", leaving the audience on a cliff hanger scene to scene. The director stating in his own words "What you don’t see, in my opinion, is always scarier than what you do. It’s really about ratcheting up the suspense.”{{Cite web|url=https://www.dreadcentral.com/news/73388/screamfest-l-2014-filmmaker-christopher-denham-talks-premiere-preservation/|title=Screamfest L.A. 2014: Filmmaker Christopher Denham Talks Premiere of Preservation|date=2014-10-14|website=Dread Central|language=en-US|access-date=2020-04-28}} The film had an aspect ratio of 2.35:1. |
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Camera: Red Epic |
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Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 |
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Anamorphic Lenses |
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==Writing== |
==Writing== |
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''Preservation'' was written by Director Christopher Denham. From writing to editing, the film took about 2 years to create and finish. Before and during writing ''Preservation'', director Christopher Denham studied and analyzed John Carpenter's film ''Halloween.'' What caught his attention was the patience in the filmmaking, revealing information to the audience slowly, and leaving the audience wanting to see more. Director Christopher Denham challenged himself by writing a script with not so much blood and gore, but rather with psychological suspense that is "truly" what is scary in reality. The film was partly inspired by a hunting and camping trip that the director took in Texas with his friends. During that trip, he and his friends heard odd things in the woods such as a bike chain spinning. They did not know who was watching them, they just knew they were being watched. Director Christopher Denham was inspired by words from writer Jack London in regards to a man's survival in the woods: "A dog can be domesticated. So can a man. In the woods both remember what they are." During his hunting trip Denham wondered to himself in his situation, what would it take to push him to the bring of taking someone else's life (in the woods). All of this thought inspired his [[psychological thriller]] movie script ''Preservation.'' |
''Preservation'' was written by Director Christopher Denham. From writing to editing, the film took about 2 years to create and finish. Before and during writing ''Preservation'', director Christopher Denham studied and analyzed John Carpenter's film ''Halloween.'' What caught his attention was the patience in the filmmaking, revealing information to the audience slowly, and leaving the audience wanting to see more. Director Christopher Denham challenged himself by writing a script with not so much blood and gore, but rather with psychological suspense that is "truly" what is scary in reality. The film was partly inspired by a hunting and camping trip that the director took in Texas with his friends. During that trip, he and his friends heard odd things in the woods such as a bike chain spinning. They did not know who was watching them, they just knew they were being watched. Director Christopher Denham was inspired by words from writer Jack London in regards to a man's survival in the woods: "A dog can be domesticated. So can a man. In the woods both remember what they are." During his hunting trip Denham wondered to himself in his situation, what would it take to push him to the bring of taking someone else's life (in the woods). All of this thought inspired his [[psychological thriller]] movie script ''Preservation.''{{Cite web|title=Screamfest L.A. 2014: Filmmaker Christopher Denham Talks Premiere of Preservation|url=https://www.dreadcentral.com/news/73388/screamfest-l-2014-filmmaker-christopher-denham-talks-premiere-preservation/|date=2014-10-14|website=Dread Central|language=en-US|access-date=2020-04-30}} |
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==Awards and festivals== |
==Awards and festivals== |
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*[https://play.google.com/store/movies/details?id=wCZCd9PK5WA ''Preservation'' on Google Play] |
*[https://play.google.com/store/movies/details?id=wCZCd9PK5WA ''Preservation'' on Google Play] |
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*[https://www.vudu.com/content/movies/#!content/624877/Preservation ''Preservation'' on Vudu] |
*[https://www.vudu.com/content/movies/#!content/624877/Preservation ''Preservation'' on Vudu] |
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[[Category:2014 films]] |
[[Category:2014 films]] |
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