Puritan (2006)

I saw this director's first film (The Late Twentieth) in a cinema in London about four years ago. I wasn't very impressed, though I did think the film had something about it. I have been checking back every now and then on IMDb regarding him since, and finally got around to seeing Puritan yesterday (stumbled across it in Blockbusters in Stepney, where the film is set....) Puritan has hallmarks of film noir. Most obviously, this is in its dark lighting, probably intended to cover up the low production values, which was one of the main reasons film noir was invented back in the 1930's in the first place. But Puritan synthesises film noir with supernatural horror, making it seem a little like a Cronenberg film, and referencing East London's spectral history, such as Hawskmoor, a nod to the great Alan Moore. It is about a washed up writer on the paranormal, Simon Puritan, whose life fell apart after his wife died, hitting the bottle big time, and now survives by being a medium giving spiritual readings.But one day a mysterious, bandaged man in a hat turns up and pushes Puritan off in a radical new direction, involving a beautiful woman, and her rich, shady husband. If this sounds conventional thriller territory, then it is, but Puritan is genuinely involving and unexpectedly twisty in novel ways. More importantly, the film, unlike so many other modern, low budget films, both horror and film noir, has a real, tender heart in its love story, which drives the film. This is aided by an unexpectedly good performance by Nick Moran, who displays a vulnerability and neediness that is at times crushing. He is helped by excellent, unnerving performances from David Soul, Georgina Rylance and Ralph Brown. Perhaps best of all was the assured direction and editing, which give a real professional feeling to the film, making it punch far above its weight. The script integrates film noir and horror surprisingly well.

The moment you start watching Puritan you are sucked into a journey of cinematic style and intelligence.Its patient with you and never lets you know too much, just enough to keep you watching and intrigued.Film noir plots are things we are all used to, but the possibility of variations and manipulation in these plot lines are infinite, that is why they are so satisfying and watchable, and these variations are completely fulfilled in Puritan with an assured confidence.I particularly admired the minimalist approach to framing and coverage. Only what is needed is shown and used, a very brave thing to attempt as it could have backfired, but in this case it succeeds in a film that is gratifying in its simplicity.

When you watch this film you feel its timeless quality in the storytelling. Its classical, simple and immediate.Some scenes are shot in a single take, and the actors run through their lines with a slow ease that is charming to watch. the entire film is lit in a dark and brooding way.I think the cinematographer has done an outstanding job in adding to the storytelling, dealing with imagery in a way that expands and explains the plot line, painting with light and also speaking with light.The actors act with slow and strong assurance, solid performances that create resonance throughout the film.If I can think of a word that can best describe this film it solidity of vision. Puritan is film that is cut above.

Superbly crafted film. A real surprise for me, I saw it at the LUFF screenings at the NFT. It is quite gorgeously photographed, the main colour being red, which is used throughout in very heavy shades, but this really works as it is counterpointed by deap heavy blacks. The film moves along in a very considered way, it reminded me of the steven soderbergh film 'sex, lies & videotape' in that regard.The plot is quite multi layered in that it takes you along but you never know where you stand with it, at many points I thought I had figured its conclusion out but was double bluffed, and was wrong, so i enjoyed that aspect of it. The ending does come out of left field and I have to say i didn't really expect it, and was annoyed that I hadnt figured it out but was also pleased that it tricked me. It is the kind of film that you leave and think about for the rest of the evening. All in all an enjoyable film.If anyone else has seen it, can you tell me the significance of the 'hand' Simon Puritan keeps drawing? This is something that I still have not figured out.