I'm going to break with tradition a bit and return this column's eye to a book first mentioned here over two years ago (during the Movie Poop Shoot days). Stephen Buell's VIDEO originally appeared on shelves in pamphlet format, and I whole-heartedly recommended to anyone listening that they needed to option it and get it into development quickly. I even personally recommended it to a Tinseltown insider of my acquaintance. However, movement was lacking. Now, VIDEO is available in a collected edition, and I'm back here to urge readers and filmmakers alike to pick it up and enjoy it.

One of the most impressive things about VIDEO is that it gets in to its premise quickly and then steps on the throttle from there. As the book opens, we meet Keisha, and she has some startling news: Jesus has returned to Earth, floating in the sky above Los Angeles and communicating to everyone on the planet through their TVs, radios, and everything else available that he will be taking the faithful with him in 48 hours time. This has, in turn, caused mass chaos, looting, and a complete collapse of many governments across the world, especially those based upon religions other than Christianity. But it gets intensely personal for Keisha and her friends when her boyfriend Jesse attempts suicide and is suddenly healed enough to make an announcement: Jesus has been talking to him personally, and it turns out that the Son of God is actually Jesse's father.

Combining modern horror, paranoia, and philosophy, VIDEO is a fascinating and intellectual exercise in comparative religion. What if one religion was right and the rest were wrong? What if, regardless of religion, God did reappear and decide to change the course of the world with a wave of the hand? What would the psychological impact be on those who were unsure about their own destinies and faiths? Buell does a terrific job of addressing these questions.

Film-wise, this would be an inexpensive film to make. Buell keeps the focus on his group of four characters and the FX to a minimum. A smaller, independent production could handle adapting this material and make a sweet flick to boot. Bonus: the sheer controversy over the subject matter would drive people to the theatre in droves. Come on out there: get this on the screen already! I've been one of the biggest cheerleaders for this book since it first hit shelves; don't make me put down my pompoms and pop you one!

 The current issue (pictured at left) is not
please support the SHADOW
to upgrade our presence on the web