DYING CITY

“Dying City runs about 90 minutes in one shot. They should give you another 90 just to sit there in the dark and let it sink in.”

Director Jim Guedo works on a few levels himself -- adding set, sound and lighting designs to the daunting task of getting the most out of the script. He's successful on all fronts. The set, depicting a NYC apartment, is simple but tidy, and believable. Pillars give the place a loft feel and a sense of permanence. Flashbacks are signalled by well-measured lighting effects and a deep, rumbling bassy tone that's somehow disturbing.

Those are the hard, thankless tasks. The labour of love had to be working with actors Aaron Hursh and Heather Morrison. The performers have made a huge emotional commitment to the project, going willingly to places dark enough to scare most others away.