Friday night was an event filled evening with a special screening of The Collector and preceded by an interview with Writer Patrick Melton, writer/director Marcus Dunstan, both involved with Feast and Saw IV, V VI, and the films star Josh Stewart.

I have to admit, as I did to them, that my agenda was to meet the men who put Henry Rollins in pink sweats (Feast). Patrick and Marcus admitted that this was actually a concession to the rating, as the script originally called for his pants to be torn off by the creatures and to be nude. Twice. They talked about his intensity and work ethic, how he showed up on time and prepared.

The next subject broached was the winner of the reality show Scream Queen on VH1 last summer. Tanedra Howard won the competition and was guaranteed a role on the upcoming movie Saw VI. I wanted to know if she had an actual role or was it a walk on. Patrick and Marcus were both cautious when her part was written, but she was better then anticipated, so her role was expanded.

Josh hasn’t had much experience in horror films, and I asked what he thought of the genre. He replied that it can be satisfying and the set of The Collector was relaxed and a lot of fun, and he would do more horror if the right roles were offered to him.

At this point our time had run out so my photographer, Jon and I left for the viewing. I have to say that this interview was a pleasure. These gentlemen seem honestly pleased to talk to the people that actually are their audience. They are easy to laugh and quick with a story. Patrick and Marcus are not only talented writers and directors, but genuinely good guys.

The Collector is about ex-con Arkins’ (Josh Stewart) attempt to break into an employer’s home to steal the money to help his wife out of a jam. Unfortunately Arkin didn’t break and enter first, but instead interrupted another criminals evening of cruelty. What follows next is a trilogy of torture, booby traps, and death.

The being known as the collector beats Arkin to the families home and captures the parents, lays traps throughout the house, and commences the torture. The young daughter is hiding somewhere in the house, and her older sister is out for the evening, so by the time Arkin breaks in the fun and games have already begun. This unexpected turn of events changes Arkin the thief into Arkin the reluctant hero. The twists and turns coupled with a surprise ending make this the horror film of the summer. And stay through the credits for a surprise scene.

I didn’t want to like this movie. I’m tired of the movies where people are cruel to other people just for cruelties sake. But The Collector goes a step beyond reality and takes us on a joyride to terror. The movie is put together brilliantly. The soundtrack is intense, and the visuals are unnerving and George Romereoesque. There are quick scene changes, odd angles, and lighting shifts that keep you off balance, and enhance the feeling of confusion and terror.

So who is the collector and why does he do this? I don’t know and neither will you, which is part of the horror. Not knowing the who or the why makes the terror so much more intense. All these reasons make The Collector the sleeper hit of the summer.

ComicsOnline gives The Collector 5 uninvited sadists out of 5