By [ad_1]
As fan films have repeatedly shown, no other demographic is better suited to adapt the successful game franchises than those who adore the properties. Allan Ungar seems to cherish the opportunity as he works alongside cult hero Nathan Fillion to bring Nathan Drake to life in the Uncharted Live Action Fan Film. So does director Phil Joanou and star Thomas Jane in their impassioned tribute to Frank Castle and his mythology, The Punisher – Dirty Laundry.
With only 10 minutes of screen time, the film manages the monstrous task of reacquainting viewers with a superhero portrayal that isn’t exactly praised but never given a fair chance (in the eyes of some). Not only is Dirty Laundry intriguing for its depicted story, but several factors regarding its conception, creation, and legacy add to the indelible imprint left on the Punisher fandom.
10 The Writer Subsequently Contributed To Several Major Releases
Screenwriter Chad St. John penned the story of DL and saw his fortunes skyrocket following the film’s debut. He’s since lent his talents to scripts like London Has Fallen, Peppermint, and Replicas. Furthermore, he’s served as an executive producer on the latter and is currently plotting a film directed by Tim Story titled, My Own Worst Enemy. The fan film that sent St. John further up the Hollywood totem pole is a brief tale. However, it certainly acknowledges the effectiveness contained within sincere writing. His work on DL also provided the writer with a blueprint for how films are produced.
9 The Director And Star Work Together Again
The aforementioned director Phil Joanou and actor Thomas Jane collaborated for the first time on DL, but evidently worked well together. When it came time to cast the director’s next feature, Joanou thought of placing Jane in the supernatural horror genre.
The Veil, a Blumhouse-produced feature presenting a fictional reimagining of the Jonestown massacre, boasts Jane in the critical role of Jim Jacobs. An obvious parallel to Jim Jones, Jane enjoys the unique and unsettling role Joanou gives him. The duo became acquainted in familiar territory – that of the revisited Punisher in DL – and go on to create something original in The Veil, thus creating a kind of cosmic poetic justice.
8 It’s In A “Series” Called The Bootleg Universe
Producer Adi Shankar has helped make several prominent fan films over the years, covering a range of different properties: Venom, Judge Dredd, Power Rangers, and more. These, including DL, comprise what is known as the “Bootleg Universe.” Seemingly named for its use of commercial intellectual properties, this “universe” doesn’t share any chronology or similar settings at all. The moniker is meant to be loosely used for the series of movies produced by Shankar. However, the term “bootleg” shouldn’t deter viewers from these films. They’re impressively made and lovingly crafted, once again proving the advantages of loving what’s created.
7 Thomas Jane Returns Out Of Love For The Character
Thomas Jane is one of four actors who’ve played the Punisher in live-action. Dolph Lundgren actually donned the title (sans the skull) in 1989’s The Punisher. Jane succeeded him nearly 15 years later in a film bearing the same name. With sequels involving Jane grappling with development holdups, a reboot titled Punisher: War Zone was released in 2008, bequeathing Ray Stevenson the part. A couple of years before current Punisher Jon Bernthal debuted in the role, Jane decided to say his goodbyes to the character in DL. The film lacked a major studio backing, which resulted in Jane not being paid for his appearance. Nevertheless, he stated upon release of the film that he did it “for a character [he]’s always loved and believed in – a love letter to Frank Castle & his fans.”
6 It Contains A Small Contradiction (Or Piece Of Character Development)
Depending on a viewer’s perspective, Frank Castle’s relationship with the New York Yankees (in this universe) either seems significant or is overlooked. In the 2004 film, Castle confronts some officials who retort that the grieving husband and father is “obviously upset.”
Castle proceeds to ponder how his circumstances (and thus, gauge for his woes) have changed since his family was killed, remarking that something that used to upset him was “when the Yankees won the Series.” Some eight years later and Castle seems to be a fan of the team – either that or it’s a part of his disguise in the big city. While the character is traditionally based in New York, Jane’s film actually takes place in Tampa Bay, Florida.
5 The Punisher’s Skull Has Changed
The most predictable element of superhero fiction is the gradual development of the costume. Whether they’re savior or sadist, each theatrical piece of a character’s gear is reimagined with every change of artist. In a similar fashion, every cinematic interpretation often carries a fair bit of tweaking or overhauling too. Jane’s Punisher receives a cleaner skull in DL compared to the more rudimentary job seen in the 2004 film. The forehead is smaller, which allows for more spacious eyes, and the skull is given one more tooth alongside a couple of other small adjustments. Frank Castle was just starting out as the vigilante when he spray-painted his 2004 design, so it makes sense that he’d refine his logo in the years since.
4 Viewers Have Probably Seen Sammi Rotibi Before
Sammi Rotibi is a character actor comic fans (and followers of Tarantino) might be familiar with. He appears in the small but consequential role of slave Rodney in Django Unchained, having a minor verbal standoff with the titular protagonist.
Four years later, he gained further prominence for portraying General Amajagh in the opening minutes of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Rotibi took time in 2012 (the same year Django Unchained was released) to appear as the colloquially-named “Goldtooth” in DL. Appearing in over 20 films, Rotibi is more than likely one of the players in Hollywood often termed “that guy!”
3 It Was Going To Have A Sequel Starring Gina Carano
There was a time when Gina Carano’s name wasn’t toxic. She was making her way from the octagon to the theater house, appearing in hits such as Fast & Furious 6 and Deadpool. Things escalated exponentially when The Mandalorian released, which proved the fighter-turned-actress could competently craft a presence on screen. Cara Dune quickly became a fan favorite and warranted a spinoff show. However, it was just as succinctly canceled following the actress’ controversy.
Before the firestorm and during her earlier winning films, Carano was tapped to bring Lynn Michaels to the screen, otherwise known as Lady Punisher. A sequel to DL was put in development after the film’s success, with Jane returning and assumedly entrusting the punishing to Carano. The idea was abandoned for unknown reasons in 2017. However, the actress’ recent behavior has likely nixed the idea for good.
2 It Uses Music From The Dark Knight
The uncanny musical cues that strike at the Punisher’s most maddening moments within DL punch particularly hard. Used prominently throughout the short film is “Why So Serious?” by Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard, noticeable in moments like the reveal of the skull towards the end.
A fan film isn’t going to have a gargantuan budget – certainly not on the level of modern superhero films. Therefore, adaptions from other music sources to forge something new are required. The intensity of the track, coupled with the aforementioned force the music brings, accentuates the tone of the Punisher in understated ways.
1 It Inspired Jon Bernthal’s Version
Currently portraying Frank Castle and doubtless slated to debut in the MCU at some point, Jon Bernthal’s portrayal is considered by many as the perfect Punisher. He delineates between savage rage and empathetic antihero, striking a balance that’s missing from both Jane and Stevenson’s interpretations. DL retroactively improves upon Jane’s Castle and leaves a few impressions on the character in the process. Bernthal appeared at New York Comic-Con 2016 in support of his debut as the character in the second season of Daredevil. When asked what he’d taken away from his predecessor’s performances, the actor promptly name-dropped DL, adding it was a “great pleasure” to watch Jane’s swan song.
About The Author
[ad_2]
