Page 44 - Flathead Beacon // 6.24.15

EVENTS 46 MOVIE REVIEWS 47 SIDE DISH 50 Arts&Entertainment
Homemade Horror
Feature film ‘The Forlorned’ is based on local author’s book and shot in the Flathead
IBY MOLLY PRIDDY OF THE BEACON
t’s more common than ever to find a
sticker reading ‘Made in Montana’ on merchandise and food items in and out of the state, but rarely
does that denote a sense of horror and suspense.
But that’s exactly what the team behind the film “The Forlorned” is looking to do with the new movie, which is based on local author Angela J. Townsend’s book and fea- tures a Montana actor in the lead role.
It was also shot entirely within the
state, with most of the filming tak- ing place at an abandoned mansion in Kalispell.
“It really is a fantastic project,” Townsend, who also serves as an execu- tive producer on the film, said. “There’s a couple things that we have going for us that most film people don’t have.”
Most films made entirely in Montana with a new company would start with a modest budget, she said, making it diffi- cult to catch the attention of movie stu- dios. “The Forlorned,” however, has a $10 million budget.
“We’re definitely not low budget,” Townsend said.
The movie is based off Townsend’s forthcoming novel of the same name, which is scheduled to hit the shelves of major national book retailers across the country on July 21.
In it, protagonist Tom Doherty is lured by an advertisement to fix up a lighthouse and nearby buildings on an island. When he first sees the building, he can sense something sinister lurking; little does he know he was the only applicant for the job, since the locals wouldn’t dare
venture there.
While working there alone, he learns
why the locals fear the island. Soon, he’s receiving ghostly messages and visita- tions, giving him a deeper view of the island’s evil past. His journey there makes him confront demons, both of the personal and more literal nature.
Colton Christensen, born and raised in Montana, takes on the role of Tom. His casting was very intentional, Townsend said, because not only does he have the acting chops for the role, but he’s also a product of local talent.
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JUNE 24, 2015 // FLATHEADBEACON.COM
Behind the scenes photo on the set of “The Forlorned.” COURTESY PHOTO
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