One of the most famous lines in the history of cinema is from the ‘Godfather’ series; ‘Just when I thought I was out they pull me back in’. While this is critical to the understanding and appreciation of these films it is also representative of an entire sub genre of movies. a popular theme has always been a criminal who tries to break away from his life of crime and go straight. Typically the underworld figures he worked for has other ideas for his future and there is no mob retirement package that is conducive to a happy ending. One of the primary reasons for the popularity of this plot device is it speaks directly to the fundamental nature of man. Within us all is a constant battle between good and evil. The vast majority of us manage to repress the inclinations towards breaking the law but somewhere hidden inside of us is that rebellious side of our personality. Watching a crime drama allows members of the audience to live vicariously through the character scoffing at the law. When a criminal attempts to turn his back on that life it reassures the audience that good will win out. The need for drama then comes in and demands that his pathway to reformation is not an easy one. In the film ’10 Dead Men’ this theme is used to create an effective crime thriller. While there are some very slight technical difficulties that prevent the movie from achieving its full potential it’s full potential. Even with that said the film is one of the better I have seen in the genre in a very long time. Considering it was made on a shoestring budget of under $200,000 which wouldn’t even pay for craft services on most movies they crew and cast did a remarkable job of bringing this film in. As is the case with many independent movies it made the usual rounds in the festival circuit and found a distributor with a direct to DVD release. This distribution is through MTI Home Entertainment. They do have a growing reputation of finding little out of the way Indy flicks and provide them a wider audience.

The film was written by Chris Regan based on a story by Ross Boyask and Phil Hobden. Boyask and Hobden have partnered on several scripts before mostly in the crime and action genre. This is the first screenplay for Regan. These men have done a great job in providing a cohesive script that hits all the necessary high points required for a story of this type. There is a depth to the character development that you don’t often find in a film with these restrictions in time and money. This is what an Indy film is all about; creating something for the sheer love of the profession. They blend the basic theme of needing to make a major life change for the better with the unyielding pull of the need for pure blind revenge. The story sets of the dichotomy between the protagonist of the story and the titular ten men who are the objects of his vengeance. There is nothing inherently admirable in the basic nature or personality on the lead character, Ryan (Brendan Carr). He had been a cold blooded and heartless killer for the mob and was extremely proficient in his career. When he comes to the point in his life that he wants to settle down with his girlfriend and turn away from his past the group of ten interfere in a deadly fashion. The authors of this story ease the audience into his world taking care to allow the characters to develop. This adds a psychological component to the story that will gain and hold your attention. Within the context of the story the writers never come across as apologetic for the brutal nature of the characters. They exist as men for whom violence is an everyday occurrence. They choice to live outside of the parameters of the law and as such must be a law unto themselves. Vengeance is not so much an option for Ryan as part of his own personal code of conduct.

As a director Ross Boyask has a fairly long list of recent credits. He has also worked as a cinematographer which is usually great training for taking on the big chair on the set. It provides a new director with an opportunity to see the techniques of other directors at work. It also gives the new director some on the job training in the use of the camera, lens and lighting. Boyask has a truly great eye for framing a shot. His style is mature enough so as not to rely on the usual film school tricks as so many of his peers do. In this film he presents a visually fascinating piece. Boyask doesn’t shy away from the depiction of violence. It is at times extremely brutal and bloody. This is a modern look at a life of crime with all of his heinous nature laid bare fro the audience.

The film opens with the narrator (Doug Bradley) describing Ryan as a perfect killing machine. His employer just has to point him at a target and rest assured that the victim will meet his end very soon. Ryan is deadly with his hands and any weapon that is close by. He is shown with a large blade and wields it like an expert in martial arts. Right from the start Regan provides the audience with some unusual choices in camera angles. His use of the Dutch angle, holding the camera askew visually illustrates the off kilter vantage point of the main character. While this technique is taught in film school it is the mastery that Regan displays that makes it work. His style is never forced but gives the work the feel of a classic film noir. Ryan craves a normal life with his girlfriend Amy (Pooja Shah). In order to accomplish this Ryan cannot continue in the trade he has mastered. His boss, Mr. Hart (Terry Stone) is not pleased with Ryan’s decision. After all he is the most efficient killer on his payroll and talent like this doesn’t come along often. When a bad debt forces Hart’s hand and ruins Ryan’s hope for normalcy he goes on a killing spree against the ten men he holds responsible. The film contrast the two aspects of Ryan’s personality; striving for a regular life and knowing how to kill quickly. That is he can kill quickly if the mood and circumstances allow. In several cases Ryan chooses to take his time torturing his victim. He brings the internal torment he is feeling out with cruel force against his enemies.

This is a film that any fan of the crime thriller genre has to see. MTI has come out with some amazing films but this one is very near the top of the pack. The only misstep is a minor break in the flow of the film due to a little touch of uneven pacing. In all other aspects this is a great movie. the use of the narrator is a fantastic touch helping the audience to remained just aloof enough so as not to be dragged into the violence. Get this one and watch it.