Bangungot Reviews- The Good The Bad and The Ugly

"I like it. good twist. cute girl with some acting chops. This is better than anything I've ever seen come out of Bigfoot."
-brianluce
http://www.indietalk.com/

"I think the opening credits went too long for a short, the sound was terrible (I assume you were recording straight from the camera) and the score felt very out of place. But hey, first film! Well done! Most people don't even get that far! Keep frequenting these boards and you'll be sure to pick up a thing or two."
-srbclarke
http://www.indietalk.com/

"I am not a professional film reviewer but if you may want to know my views on this short film, “Bangungot”, to start of let me summarize the story. As I understand, it is short horror film wherein the main character of the story woke up in the middle of the night leading the audience to believe that she had a nightmare, then decided to have a glass of water in the kitchen to ease and calm herself down, but while doing so, she saw a man lingering behind her back. Believing the man to be a perpetrator to harm her, she decided to take matters into her hands by getting a knife for self defense, yet in the end turned out to be the main character was the perpetrator herself and the man instead was the victim.
In the beginning, I believe the director has given justice to what was expected of the film. Audience expected a horror film from the title itself and so from the start it created a creepy, chilling or frightening mood like something or someone will come out of nowhere that will give the audience a big scare. The musical scoring on this note added to that eerie mood. Shots were great as well, nothing fancy but appropriate. However, there were just about 2 or 3 things that bothered me on the film. If I may say so, I wasn’t too keen on the mirror at the kitchen sink. Maybe it came as a reality check for me since I don’t think people normally hang mirrors on kitchen sinks? I know that the director needs to let the audience know that there is a man lingering behind the woman but maybe it would have been better if the mirror was in the receiving area or bathroom when that scene happened, although that could have been a cliché’ but other than the kitchen sink maybe that part could have shown a shadow moving behind? Secondly, I think other music would best suit the part when the woman gets a knife from the kitchen counter, because the choice of music for that scene kind of ruined the terrifying mood. Lastly, I guess, the film can do without the end part, from the time wherein the director shouted “Cut!”
Overall, I’ll give the film 3.5 out of 5 stars"
-Fides Dionisio- Rodriguez

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Bangungot (Nightmare)- Trailer

Q & A with Gian Cristobal

DeuxCats: Is this your first time to act on film?

Gian Cristobal: Yes. My very first, ever. I’ve never done any sort of acting before. Back in school, I would say I was happy working behind the stage or part of the design team. The farthest I’ve gone or probably the closest to acting is- I was a narrator but that was back in elementary days. I think I’m introvert I easily get embarrassed and audience scares me to death.


DC: What was your reaction when you first saw the story that Rodel had created?

GC: I was taken aback.. I was like “ Are you sure you’re giving me this role?”. Not in my wildest dreams I’ll act on film plus the role is super meaty . It’s a suspense/ horror- it’s ironic because I don’t really watch these movies. I’m too scared.- when Rodel asked me a favor if I can do this short film- I was very hesitant! I can’t say no to him, he is a good friend. As the project progresses, I have come to love my role and I’m grateful to have this opportunity.


DC: What was it like to work with director Kiko?

GC: At first I was a bit shy because I know I can’t act but he gets me into it. He’s very passionate. When I saw him working, I know I didn’t have a choice but to do well. I like working with him. I know he has more to offer and there is more for us to see.


DC: It looks like it was a very physically and emotionally demanding role – what were the hardest aspects for you?

GC: Getting into the character. I don’t have any idea how to do it. Thankfully, I have the entire team to help me out.


DC: A lot of indie actors have crossed over to mainstream, is that something that appeals to you?

GC: Right now I’d say no. I’m okay with being able to try it once or twice. I don’t think I can do more than this.


DC: Which films scare you?

GC: I’ve only seen one horror movie in my whole life, it traumatized me and scarred me for life. That would have to be – THE EXORCIST.


DC: What’s your scariest nightmare?

GC: A lot. Just watching trailers of horror films, I dream about it, right away. Like The Exorcist for example, I kept dreaming about it for several days.

Bangungot is a dream come true- Direk Kiko

How come a Bangungot (nightmare) becomes an enjoyable experience?

… only possible if you have one hell of a team working with you.

I knew from the start it will not be easy, and yes, it really was exhausting! Shooting overnight after an office shift not to mention the tight budget and equipment scarce… but the passion and resourcefulness of the team simply overcome those challenges - and that’s the fun part!

The story wouldn’t be without the brilliance of its writer, RodeI and I’m glad to have this collaboration with him. Though it was her first time acting, the character wouldn’t have came into reality without the remarkable effort of Gian. Michael, whom we literally abducted for the shoot, did well on his acting part as well as shooting the stills. And of course, a lot of thanks to Doodze for assisting on the set whom accidentally, or I would preferably say by destiny, became part of the team.

Ironic to its title, doing my first directorial project is a dream come true and personally it has been a learning experience. Discovering new techniques and learning from mistakes make the birth pains of a filmmaker quite exhilarating.

Oh, I can still feel the heat of the lights and hear the sound of crickets chirping as we to shoot every scene. I can even still smell the scent of the blood as it drifts from the knife. And with this enthusiasm, I would like to thank everyone for contributing their heart and souls into this project. I simply can’t wait to start our next one!

Bangungot - The Making... of a masterpiece

"A masterpiece is what gets a viewer to think "Holy Crap!!!," faint, and immediately wake up in some other place. "

- some website

Direk Kiko in action. and yesss he likes to work shirtless!







The shot list a.k.a story board. Naks!!! We're super professional



The magic wand. An expensive magic wand.



These are indie film makers like to eat. Fine dining at its finest.



The house where the entire movie was shot. Somewhere in Cavite - T.Y. Willy Boy.




Thank God Maricel Soriano is young again. Meet Gian Cristobal.




Recipe for a perfect crime. heheh. It is the BLOOD!



The people behind the camera. These are the ever reliable friends who helped us through and through.



... and that's a wrap.