Will To Power - A Psychological Thriller
A couple of weekends ago, I had the good fortune to attend the world premiere screening of the independent film, Will To Power, a film that was made right here in the Triangle. Directed, written, and starring David Rountree along with Chris Moir and the likes of Kiko Ellsworth, Rosie Garcia, and the incomparable Jerry Mathers, the film tests the boundaries of friendship in a way no other film does.
The basic ingredients: take two best friends, one insecure about himself and the other best described as a “Mr. Popular” type, add one bizarre class assignment (involving murder no less) and you’ve got the pathway to interesting plot points and developments throughout the film. Will To Power tests just how far a person would go for a friendship while at the same time tests the identity of said friendship.
My overall take on the film - it was good. In fact, it was better than I had anticipated it would be and as a matter of fact, as a former teacher myself, it did not go in the direction I had thought it would. It surprised me…and disappointed me a bit at the same time. Personally, I could do without all the raw “boys will be boys” scenes. In my humble opinion, the film could easily cut some of those particular scenes out. One or two scenes of the sort, especially the way they were filmed, could have easily given the viewer the idea that “boys will be boys”. It wasn’t necessary to show as much of it as they did.
But, that’s my only criticism. The scripting is superb and the twists and turns, equally as much so. I would definitely say Power is not predictable…at least it wasn’t for me. The producers also chose the right actors for each character. Chris Moir was so convincing it was almost scary. David Rountree was the perfect “Mr. Popular” and really played out his character’s transformation brilliantly. I felt bad for him (the character; not David) at the end. Jerry Mathers had a notable role as well as the school administrator, Mr. Simpson.
One more item of note on the music production but let me make a disclaimer here first. I happen to know the producer, Craig Brandwynne, personally and leaving that element aside for a moment, I can honestly say the film’s soundtrack helps define the film. Early on the day of the screening, I had the chance to spend some time with musician Sissy Harrington who has two songs on the film. After talking with Sissy and with Craig, I see where the inspiration for the musical element comes to play. Movies aren’t solid without the right score or the right music to help tell the story. Craig brought it all in perfectly!
Will To Power is currently being marketed to distributors for wide release.
I give Will To Power
3/4 reels (out of 4)
Until next time, see YOU at the movies!
Lisa 
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Lisa
Thanks for the article. Love it!