Egomaniac

Egomaniac is a British horror-comedy film released in 2016. Directed by Kate Shenton and starring Nic Lamont, Adam Rhys-Davies, and Laurence R. Harvey, this movie takes audiences on a unique odyssey through the world of independent filmmaking in a manner that's both entertaining and unsettling. The movie has a kinetic energy and smarts that makes it an immersive cinematic experience, offering a fresh spin on the universally compelling theme of the struggle for artistic integrity.

In Egomaniac, Nic Lamont shines as Catherine Sweeney, a fiercely ambitious filmmaker determined to make a zombie horror romantic comedy – precisely the kind of quirky and audacious project that could either make or break a career. She's wickedly determined, passionate, and full of ideas, but she quickly realises that the road to cinematic success isn't as straightforward as she initially imagined.

Adam Rhys-Davies co-stars as the seemingly charming Nathan, an executive producer instrumental in turning Catherine’s dream into reality. Laurence R. Harvey shows his versatility as an actor in the role of a perverse and outrageous animator, in a performance that is both hilarious and creepy, adding an extra layer of bizarre fun to the plot.

The unique blend of comedy and horror becomes apparent immediately, but as Catherine delves deeper into the project, she discovers the dark nature of the movie industry. Catherine experiences repeated setbacks in her bid for success, and she often finds herself compromising her artistic vision to appease film funding panels, uncaring friends, and pretentious film consultants. These forces conspire to keep her dream movie from being realised the way she envisioned it.

Throughout Catherine’s journey, "Egomaniac" masterfully draws its viewers into the murky waters of the film industry, dancing giddily on the boundary between comedy and horror, satirising the moviemaking process with a light-hearted yet acerbic touch. Far from being a dry, industry-focused satire, Egomaniac brings an elevated level of suspense and narrative tension, as audiences will root for Catherine to overcome her obstacles and achieve her goals.

Cinematic flourishes abound, with innovative uses of animation sprinkled throughout the movie to visually personify Catherine’s internal narratives. Off-beat characters, eccentric soundscapes, and colourful cinematography all contribute to Egomaniac's distinct aesthetic. The movie’s playful tone is amplified by its vivid visual style, featuring vibrant colours and imaginative set pieces that reflect Catherine's increasingly fractious state of mind.

At its heart, Egomaniac asks the question: how far will we go to realise our dreams? This is not a question with a simple answer, and director Kate Shenton relishes the opportunity to explore both the darkly humorous and the genuinely horrifying possibilities inherent in it. While the film often teases the audience with its whimsical, devil-may-care attitude, it never lets us forget that there is significant darkness hiding under the surface.

The performances by the leading actors deserve special praise. Nic Lamont is brilliant in her role, encompassing a range of emotions on her journey from optimistic creative to someone on the brink of desperation. Adam Rhys-Davies is suitably slimy and easy to dislike as Nathan, and Laurence R Harvey delivers a memorable role with his bizarre and twisted animator.

The film leaves a lasting impression, not only because of its quirky style and satirical bite but also because it hits upon universal truths. It tackles the struggle for artistic integrity, the nature of compromise and the price one is willing to pay for success. As it pulls back the curtain on the often bleak and unfair realities of the film industry, the film packs a powerful punch under its laugh-out-loud wit.

In conclusion, Egomaniac is a thrilling amalgamation of comedy, horror, and gripping drama wrapped up in a biting critique of the filmmaking world. It's a must-see for anyone interested in a behind-the-scenes look at independent cinema. The film places a woman at the centre of the story, who navigates through male-dominated industry with grit and determination while also highlighting the incidental yet significant struggles she faces along the way.