REVIEWSThe Contemptuous Ruby (short)
Mallory Thompson (Hollywood Stunt Woman) June 2011
If you are like me and are fascinated with small pocket size digital cameras and what they can do regarding their usefulness in feature films, then check out the erotic neo-noir short, The Contemptuous Ruby! This powerful little art house dynamo was filmed here in New Orleans. This short is filled with obvious homages to Kubrick, Fellini, Salvador Dali, Hitchcock, Henry Mancini, Lou Reed, Eddie Calvert and a legend amongst Bourbon Street piano men, Johnny Gordon. I was amazed to learn that The Contemptuous Ruby was shot on the same Canon SD1100IS that I take family snapshots with on a daily basis. The politics of sexual treachery is brilliantly depicted in such a short. Additionally, writer, director, Robbin Michael Wagner, edited The Contemptuous Ruby using a bag of old school tricks with a movie camera the size of a pack of smokes. It is a bit gritty though. Puritans: check your pacemakers. The Contemptuous Ruby is fine little gem for a director's "reel". A must see!
New Orleans Film Festival Shocker!Jef Brewer (Fishing TV Personality) October 2011
I just got back home from the New Orleans Film Festival and I cannot stop thinking about "The Contemptuous Ruby"! Caught this noir hommage at the Canal Place Theatres on the 15th and was truly impressed. The classic storyline, wonderful acting, and beautiful cinematography made this film the surprise of the festival. Director, Robbin Michael Wagner, does the French Quarter proud in this lustful, psychotic thriller. A definite nod to the cinematic gods was given with a style that melds Hitchcock and Fellini into a beautiful ero-noir piece. It's the details that truly sucked me into this film. From the soundtrack and set design to the brilliant character portrayals, "Ruby" hits on all cylinders. Do yourself a favor and experience this beautifully dark film. Bravo Ruby!
Classic Film Noir
Aimee Mack (Indy Film Lover) July 2011
As a former film student I found this short film to be representative of the classic film noir genre with its edgy and dark subject matter and perfectly stylized dim lighting. I loved the musical score and the different generations of music. Also, was this filmed in the French Quarter of New Orleans? It is as if "A Streetcar Named Desire" and "A Touch of Evil" were reborn into a modernized film only with a slightly more suggestive and naughty cast. Crime, usually murder, is an element of almost all film noir and I fully expect that a handsome detective will be added to the mix if made into a full length film. Will this short film be produced for a full length film? I hope so because I would love to have a romantic dinner with my sweetheart and take him to see this film on the big screen! Well done!
