Deadbeat at Dawn

Jim Van Bebber's 'Deadbeat at Dawn' is his low budget full length debut, which involves the story of gang war in the US mid-west. Gang leader Goose (played by Van Bebber himself) decides after some persuasion by his girlfreind that it's time to retire from the gang scene but they aren't too keen to let him go (without a fight anyway !) Trouble and violence ensues in this bloody revenge flick which follows the template of the countless genre films that we've enjoyed so much before leading to a violent showdown with Goose reeking revenge on all and sundry.

Although made in 1983, Deadbeat has a very 70's feel to it's production (whether intentional or not it does indeed work well). Van Bebber's work here is very impressive with an all round polished production that shows what potential he has for future ventures. Although constrained by a very limited budget, the film is impressive and moves along at an entertaining pace with many excellently casted quirky characters throughout (with Goose's junkie father in particular putting on a brilliant performance).

One thing though, newcomers to this film don't go expecting mainstream type stuff here, the feel of the film is very reminiscent to Buddy Giovinazzo's Combat Shock (though maybe not quite harrowing but grim nonetheless).

What is though particularly interesting about this release is the inclusion by Synapse of Van Bebbers short film 'My Sweet Satan' which stands nicely on it's own as an excellent slice of movie entertainment. An adaption of a true life story of school kid satan worshipping and the murder that follows, we get to see a slice of Van Bebbers later work here and we get to see again the great potential this guy has in this quality short film.

So yeah, the disc is a nice purchase that is easily recommended to folk willing to try something new out (as well as for fans of Van Bebbers work that till now have had to rely on the bootleg circuit). The print of Deadbeat on show here has been of much fiery debate since its release (including a public 'set to' between director Van Bebber and Synapse which we wont dwell on here), though I will chuck my tuppence in by saying I though the print was pretty cool considering the source material available. Extras wise, as well as the excellent short film 'My Sweet Satan', there's the promo reel for the Chas Balun (Deep Red Mag) co-production 'Chunkblower', a selection of 'Deadbeat' out-takes and bloopers, a hidden 'Skinny Puppy' music video and a very informative audio commentary by Van Bebber and some freinds that should be of great interest to fans of this production.

A great value disc (kudos to Synapse) which showcases the varied work of Jim Van Bebber. Well worth checking out !!