SXSW Film Reviews

Able Edwards

Narrative Feature Emerging Visions, World Premiere

Able Edwards, shot on green screen without sets and using only scanned images for background, took 15 days to shoot on mini DV and a budget of $30,000 – all with the support of Steven Soderbergh. Robertson's first feature project is the futuristic story of cloned entertainment tycoon Able Edwards, who is generated to save the world from what has become its virtual existence and return it to the genuine splendor of his forerunner's time. The enemies of this Max Headroom Walt Disney are the anti-reality organizations, who oppose "the Edwards quality of living." As any futuristic sci-fi story does, Able Edwards provides biting social commentary on today's conflicts and politics. And even though all the fun of sci-fi is missing, Robertson's resourceful set design should be inspiring to penniless filmmakers. Despite the shaky outcome, there's still a ton to be said for creativity.

(Dobie, March 20, 3pm)