The Art of Pain

I've been following these guys' careers for awhile now. Their Troma film 'Skunkape!?' was one of my all time favorite films for a long time with it's original comedy and a good take on an old legend.

So when I heard that they were making a full length feature, I knew I had to see it.

The movie is great as a comedy, but what really makes it stand out for me as that you feel with the characters. What happens to them matters to you, you want to see all of them succeed in what they are doing.

The humor was top notch and original. The ninja school segments were defiantly my favorite parts of the film. Matt Brookens knows what he's doing and what he's doing is pure art.

Lloyd Kaufman's cameo was really good. When he's guest starring in films, his cameos sometimes feel forced, as he's just there to be there (like Stan Lee with some of the Marvel films), but here, he's actually an important character. And you feel just as sorry for him in the film as the rest of the cast.

What can I say, except that I can't wait for the next movie by Brookens and his friends.

Plus, the special features was really entertaining. They have a couple of short films here (like the Son of Roni) that are so hilarious, you are going to love every minute of it!

THE STATE JOURNAL-REGISTER Posted Sep 25, 2008 @ 12:00 AM Artistic endeavor: "The Art of Pain" â€" an independent, feature-length dark-comedy film (with ninjas, zombies and starving artists).

Where you might have seen me or my work (or will soon): Our film is rocking the festival circuit right now. It recently won Best Feature Comedy at the Route 66 Film Festival in Springfield. In October, it'll play the Eerie Horror Film Festival in Erie, Penn., as well as the Thriller! Chiller! Film Fest in Grand Rapids, Mich. Can't make it? You can always get the limited edition DVD at www.artofpainmovie.com.

Day job: Graphic designer â€" a handy skill set that gets me work in any city and definitely helps with the movie posters and ad campaigns.

Twenty-word description of myself: Male bipedal omnivore, age 32, 6-feet 1-inch, green eyes, brown hair, 190 lbs., known for odd film-making behavior and kicking (butt).

Behind-the-scenes interests: Songwriting, drawing crazy cartoons, tortoise husbandry, unicorns and my hot GF.

Family: My younger brother, Greg, stars in "The Art of Pain" and lives in Chicago. Our mom, Connie, and our dad, Ralph, do the Springfield thang.

Time spent in Springfield: You mean time served in Springfield? That's how I felt about the place growing up. When I was 20, I moved to Chicago to attend Columbia College for film. This summer, having completed "The Art of Pain," an opportunity arose to make the move to Los Angeles â€" since I heard rumors they do a lot of movie-making out there, I took the plunge. So far, what I love most about Hollywood is the feeling that anything can happen. As the rest of the country enters fall, I realize that I have come to deeply appreciate Springfield. Where else can you get a horseshoe or Vic's Pizza? Springfield is like the Shire from "Lord of the Rings." Take care of it! First film-making moment: In Springfield, Greg and I were filming a scene in front of that Pink Elephant statue (the one with the glasses and martini glass). The scene involved an insane, rage-filled golfer slaughtering a confused hobo. It was the first of many, many film moments I've had where I stop and think, "My life is freakin' weird!" Proudest film-making moment: When "The Art of Pain" premiered at the Sunscreen Film Festival in Florida this year, we won the Audience Award. The cast and crew (who have become some of my best friends) and my family were there with me. We couldn't have asked for a better kick-off for the film. What a great reward for our hard work! Most embarrassing film-making moment: We shot "The Art of Pain" at a movie theater where I used to work. For a couple scenes, we needed the popcorn machine running. Well, I forgot to turn it off and we burned the whole batch to a crisp. Then, at 6 a.m., after all the cast and crew had left, my old manager made me stay behind to scrub the popper and restock the corn. "Ya missed a spot, Mr. Big Shot Director!" Something my colleagues don't know about me: I just got a phoenix tattoo on The Learning Channel's show "L.A. Ink," to commemorate "The Art of Pain." If I made the cut, it should air late November or early December. Corey Miller free-handed it on my shoulder and it looks freakin' sweet. Please don't tell my dad â€" he hates tattoos.

Something artistic I'd love to try: Web-isodes! Also, I want to make a 3-D movie with dinosaurs.

Something artistic I'd never try: Remaking a classic film that I love. Oh wait, that's not artistic! Filmmakers I look up to the most: Joe Swanberg. That guy can make an entertaining, creative film with no money.

Favorite filmmakers: My brother, Greg Brookens, the Coen brothers, David Lynch, Judd Apatow and, yeah, Steven Spielberg (though he's so "uncool" now).

Influences: The Internet, Apple computers, high definition, industry trends, cheap beer, my friends, pop culture and science.

Dream project: When I'm more seasoned, I am dying to do an epic fantasy/sci-fi trilogy in the vein of "Lord of the Rings." If Peter Jackson can start with "Bad Taste," I have hope.

Most important lesson learned: Swallow your pride, set the ego aside and remember, "It's who ya know!" Advice for those who'd like to do what I do: Be like the phoenix and rise from the ashes. CAW CAAAWW!!! Also, think marathon, not sprint.

Why I do it: Watch my film, "The Art of Pain" â€" it's all there!

It is obvious some folks do not understand campy and fun - not sure why some critics have been so harsh - delightful is deserved - maybe silly would be accurate. But overall a fun experience - keep up the work folks - I for one enjoyed watching a new genre being born. While not all actors were as accomplished as you would hope for the overall cast was more than adequate and I am guessing that the budget of the production did not allow for extensive casting or re-shooting. When you are watching the film you have to sit back and take in the concept and enjoy the idea that is being presented. With most movies - even the big budget extravaganzas you can find holes or weaknesses if you look at it hard enough but it is a movie - sit back relax and be entertained - and I found this movie entertaining.

"The Art of Pain" was selected as a winner from an international field for its imaginative plot, as well as the exciting pace of the action. Not only is it funny and well-written, but the acting, directing, special effects and technical aspects rival anything Hollywood has done lately--and you can learn something too. That's what I like about the Brookens brothers' films. They are not just a lot of silly action and mindless babble; they have a lot of thought behind them. Those who know Chicago will recognize many of the local landmarks. Greg Brookens is a master of timing and one of the best comic actors I've seen in any film, independent or studio. The rest of the cast was also very good. This film proves that you don't need to go to Hollywood to find talented actors and filmmakers.

As a fan of independent film, I have screened the work of plenty of hopeful young artists, looking for some attention and a chance to make a living at something they love. Just by sheer odds, there are going to be a good number of stinkers in the bunch, but also some genuine surprises. "The Art of Pain" happened to be one of the latter.

Jack is an aspiring illustrator and painter who bides his time in a minimum wage movie theater job with his friend Nick and girlfriend Sharon. The arrival of a new employee, Marcus, creates chaos for everyone, particularly Jack, who Marcus adopts in a twisted attempt at creating his own legacy.

"The Art of Pain" takes its inspiration straight from the world of B-movies. A lot of movies like to ape martial arts and zombie film conventions, but most of them forget to build some character and story in to keep your interest beyond cheap thrills. The story of the slacker artist is also overdone by young filmmakers, but this version brings a new thematic twist with Marcus, an antagonist who is actually seeking to leave his creative mark on the world just like the hero, Jack. The result is a movie that delivers some fun through in its winking nods to genre, but not at the expense of the characters and a building plot.

Not to say "The Art of Pain" is a perfect film. It might benefit from slight trimming and some newbie mistakes stick out for those who watch movies relentlessly. The performances are above average for this kind of low budget film, but some are broad and others are more subtle.

The film is incredibly ambitious in terms of visual design. The opening sequence is a tribute to kung-fu films made to look vintage (a la "Grindhouse"). Marcus seems to ride in out of a 50s biker film, complete with a rear-projection backdrop. There is at least one elaborate visual effects-driven montage, and also a fun little sequence featuring creature illustrations that move among people. Some might be distracted by the variety, and the work isn't always perfect, but it's encouraging to see a first feature that understands the language of film visuals.

But in the world of independent film-making, I believe it all comes back to character and story, and the makers of "The Art of Pain" already have a good understanding of how these things affect audiences. I am eagerly anticipating the follow-up to this one.