Post by StevePulaski on May 6, 2018 16:12:46 GMT -5
American Satan (2017)
Directed by: Ash Avildsen
Directed by: Ash Avildsen
Ben Bruce and Andy Biersack.
Rating: ★★★
Anyone decrying the lack of originality or experimentation in films today is going to want to take a look at the old school shock-rock flick American Satan. Predicated off the famous idiom of ambitious, creative people "making a deal with the devil," which originated from the German figure/legend Johann Georg Faust, the film revolves around a rock band who makes a cruel mistake in pursuit of fame. The film is infused with a uniquely modern commentary on the music industry, textured symbolism, and commendable music numbers that effectively make this low-budget oddity successful.
Led by the aptly named Johnny Faust (played by Black Veil Brides frontman Andy Biersack), the band, known as The Relentless, hails from southern California, but includes members from the United Kingdom who've come to the west coast of the U.S. seeking money and fame. Their talent comes in the form of guitarist Leo (Asking Alexandria's Ben Bruce), Johnny's pal Vic (Booboo Stewart), who serves as the voice of reason, and Lily (Jesse Sullivan), a late addition to the band, who oozes mystery from the moment she introduces herself. With Ricky (John Bradley), the band's manager trying but failing to book them at even the most unappealing venues, the band, namely Johnny, finds himself visited by the incarnation of the devil, Mr. Capricorn (the Malcolm McDowell). Capricorn promises them a big break at a grave price, with the first condition being a human sacrifice in the form of Lily's ex-boyfriend Damien (Drake Bell), whose father is linked with some of the biggest clubs in California.
Once Damien is taken care of, The Relentless goes on to enjoy success and publicity ala Marilyn Manson during the Antichrist Superstar era in terms of simultaneous impact and controversy. On top of playing sold-out shows and enjoying wild orgies with rabid fans, the band attracts attention from eccentric record exec Elias (Mark Boone Junior in a hilarious performance) and tour manager Hawk (Bill Goldberg), who assure the band is set up for long-term stability at least in the world of album-production and touring. Johnny, however, becomes increasingly tormented by Capricorn and his demands. The demon soon becomes involved in his personal affairs, curbing Johnny's relationship with his cancer-stricken mother (Denise Richards) and his long-term girlfriend (Olivia Culpo). Soon, alcohol abuse and heroin addiction stunts the band's ability to consistently perform, rendering the musicians drug-addled zombies in search of the next high in between sets.
Directed by Ash Avildsen (son of Rocky director John G. Avildsen), American Satan basks in its desire to be both outrageous yet admirably non-conformist in its mixed treatment of the music industry. Avildsen's screenplay (co-written with Matty Beckerman) can't quite be called an indictment on hawkish record executives, but rather those so desperate for fame in a dog-eat-dog society that they compromise their principles and their health to advance to the top. Of course, these "deals with the devil" have been part of the narratives recounting sins of artists for years. But here we are in an age of Spotify streaming numbers and multiplying outlets for indie music that do their part to help yet hinder young and hopeful musicians. Sure, startup bands can get their music heard by a few people, but is it really going to take them some place? Good luck getting airplay on the local stations, who will be more than content to play Metallica and Pearl Jam cuts until the end of time.
Avildsen and Beckerman have written American Satan as a mostly timeless story with Faustian principles, but at the same time, illustrate an empathy that makes it so distinctly modern. The empathy aspect is for the bands that might feel obligated to follow a shady exec who promises them riches only to leave them feeling cheated and without options other than to continue down a problematic path. Adding on, the screenwriting duo layer their story with symbolism both satanic and biblical as well as set their sights on an interpretive third act that makes the film more than a sum of its parts on the surface. The thought behind the screenplay and the copious amounts of black-leather and blood-red set decorations impress to the point where it's not encouraged for you to "turn your brain off," so to speak. Rather, it implores you do the opposite and indulge in the exclusive music from the fictional rock band (although it is very much worth a listen). Avildsen is so clearly passionate with his style and scope that the last thing he wants you to do is sit back and ignore it all.
Even if you attest that American Satan is simply a popcorn flick of a crude but entertaining genre, few of its kind could claim such a talented roster of individuals who boast likable performances. Wrestler Bill Goldberg plays a brash and vulgar bouncer, who has a scene-stealing moment just before a barfight. Jesse Sullivan is enigmatic as the lone woman in the all-male Relentless, but finds climactic scenes to transcend what could've been an empty role. Furthermore, Drake Bell works as a contemptible villain, porn star Tori Black makes multiple, seductive appearances, Malcolm McDowell hasn't lost his ability to play creepy and conniving, and leading men Biersack and Bruce work well, all things considered.
American Satan is made that much more effective thanks to two or three memorable sequences that not only extend past general expectations but keenly subvert them by entering the realm of unpredictable. Consider one hilarious orgy scene that's interrupted by a mother of one of Relentless' fan-girls, or another late sex-scene, which serves as a bleak (or bleakly funny, depending on how you see it) commentary on the blinding crux that is fandom and what happens when it's encouraged by parents who should know better. Other extended moments that highlight Johnny's downward spiral into heroin addiction are spared from the cliche that is films of this breed becoming a full-blown hallucinogenic trip. Instead, they make great use of cinematographer Andrew Strahorn's lighting skills. Intermixing drug use and sex are some of the most dark and sinister aspects of this film, but are also entrancing in their own deviant way.
These unexpected inclusions rescue American Satan from risking its Faustian roots and wisely conceived script from becoming a cliche in-and-out. The result is a fascinating sophomore effort from Ash Avildsen that makes him one of the young filmmakers to watch in the coming years.
Starring: Andy Biersack, Ben Bruce, Booboo Stewart, John Bradley, Jesse Sullivan, Malcolm McDowell, Mark Boone Junior, Bill Goldberg, Drake Bell, Denise Richards, Olivia Culpo, Tori Black, and Larry King. Directed by: Ash Avildsen.