I was invited to their private screening in Dallas as a friend of a friend of a friend. I had no info on the film, so I didn't really know what to expect. My expectations were minimal. About a minute into it (very cool credit sequence hits), I realize that I was not about to watch your typical low-budget indie film. The Prodigy is one of the most intelligent thrillers I have seen at any budget level. The film tells the story of Truman Fisher (an incredible, A-list performance by Holt Boggs)a small time hood and the jaded anti-hero of the film. What he doesn't know is that he is being watched and studied by a legendary killer that we as the audience never see until the end. No, I'm not going to spoil it, but this film kept me guessing in disbelief with every turn. What impressed me the most, is the attention to detail that was paid to every element of the film. The acting, the fight scenes, the wardrobe, the visual style and last but not least, the script were so very specific and well thought out. In a genre that is known for being over the top and cheesy, especially at this level, it's the subtleties that put this film in a class by itself. The Prodigy is a thinking man's film, set in a genre that will entertain the most simple minded audience member. For a film trying to get out there and launch careers, this is the perfect vehicle for everyone involved. Bottom line, is this film was done for very little money, by a group of complete unknowns across the board. The Producer (Rucker) had to be some kind of miracle worker to help Kaufman pull this off. It resets the bar in my opinion of what is possible of film-making at this level. If this is truly his first film, then the William Kaufman is going to join the likes of great directors like Michael Mann, Walter Hill and David Fincher. I am a fan and can't wait to see what he does next.
