Aside from the dialogue itself, the musical score was particularly effective. Maurizio Rosetto's original compositions were not obtrusive, but instead fit the tone of each scene where music was used. I really liked what I'll call 'Abigaile's Theme,' a sing-songy melody that repeated itself throughout the movie. It was used in the opening moments, and added a really nice, creepy payoff when Abigaile hums it later in the movie. Well done!
With a budget of $5000, most of the money was spent on renting the RED ONE camera, equipment, paying crew, and on food (always a good idea). It's also a good idea, whenever possible, to pay your actors as well, especially if you're paying crew—just as a matter of fairness. While the RED is a great tool, it's important to remember, it's not the tools that make the film, but the filmmaker. While I understand the draw to using a camera like the RED, something to consider for future productions is spending less on the camera and more on elaborate lighting setups and proper sound equipment. It's a fact that when presented with an inferior picture, but excellent sound, audiences will continue watching; however, given a great picture with problematic sound, no one will. If you spend everything you've got on the camera and lenses, you can't afford those simple but essential extras that guarantee a fully-polished production. It's all of the storytelling elements working in concert that make a movie an immersive experience. While it feels good to know you're using state-of-the-art equipment, you have to consider the limitations of your budget and take a more holistic view of filmmaking.
Unfortunately, because of the drawn out scene of torture and degradation, I’d find it hard to stomach this film again, which is a shame since the subsequent scenes were interesting in how they toyed with expectations. Of course, watching it a second time once you understand the context of the world that the protagonist is living in, might make the experience quite different. Fans of movies like the “Saw” sequels or “Hostel” may be interested, but I’d be hard-pressed to recommend this film to anyone else.
"Eyes Beyond" is a dark, twisted trip into the psyche of one very disturbed young man. Everyone involved in making it, writer-director-star Daniel Reininghaus in particular, attempted to create a provocative, thought-provoking look into mental illness, especially as it relates to Bipolar Disorder and how it affects those struggling with it. I commend them for trying to raise awareness about how mental illness, if left untreated, can lead to tragedy, loss, and heartache. Unfortunately, despite the filmmaker’s best intentions, he undermines his own efforts by not establishing the main character's struggle from the beginning. And by having him engage in a scenario of such lingering brutality, such flippant disregard for human life, it leaves the viewer filled with revulsion for the main character, rather than sympathy.
