Absolute Killers, also known as Witness Insecurity and Snitch, is a 2011 American thriller film directed, produced and co-written by Heather Hale.[1] The script was based on the self-published novel Insecurity written by Eric Troyer, who co-wrote the script. The film stars Edward Furlong, Grace Johnston, Rick Ravanello, Brian Krause, Meat Loaf and Ed Asner. The film had its festival premiere October 1, 2011, under its working title of Witness Insecurity,[2][3][4] its theatrical release March 16, 2012, under its original distribution title of Snitch[5] and was marketed by two different distributors at the American Film Market and Marché du Film (i.e.: the Cannes Film Market) and was subsequently sold via retail at outlets such as Walmart and Best Buy.
| Absolute Killers | |
|---|---|
 Festival release poster | |
| Directed by | Heather Hale |
| Written by |
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| Based on | Insecurity 2006 novel by Eric Troyer |
| Produced by | Heather Hale |
| Starring |
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| Cinematography | Jim Orr |
| Edited by | Jochen Kunstler |
| Music by | Stephen C. Marston |
Production companies |
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| Distributed by | TriCoast |
Release dates |
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| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Synopsis
editThe story centers around Johnny Graham (Edward Furlong), who was raised by the Torino crime family after his parents' suspicious death. Struggling between loyalty to his adoptive family versus his conscience, he is forced to act when Anthony Torino (Rick Ravanello) sets his murderous focus on D.A. Elizabeth Jones (Grace Johnston), who is prosecuting Anthony for the gruesome murder of his cousin. Though Johnny is the family accountant, he is an excellent marksman. Scrambling to stall to save her, Johnny persuades a hesitant Anthony to let him make the hit to eliminate the D.A. (when in actuality, Johnny only wants to warn her). His ill-planned ruse is ruined when the Torino family hit-man and Johnny's longtime friend, Vince (Brian Krause) and Chuck Thomas (Bill Burns) are sent to ensure the success of Johnny's first hit. The ensuing shootout leaves Elizabeth wounded, Chuck dead and Johnny arrested. Johnny's conscience overtakes him. When he confesses - giving up only Anthony - he is entered into the Federal Witness Protection Program. Anthony is apprehended but escapes thanks to a mole who reveals the locations of Johnny and the others who were set to testify against him in trial. Vince finds Johnny miserably hiding out on a rural farm. As Johnny scrambles to protect himself, the DA and the other witnesses from Anthony, he realizes he is not alone on His mission.[6]
Cast
edit- Edward Furlong as Johnny
- Grace Johnston as Elizabeth
- Rick Ravanello as Anthony
- Brian Krause as Vince
- Meat Loaf as Dan Sloan (as Meat Loaf Aday)
- Elaine Hendrix as Susan
- Ed Asner as Max
- Rena Owen as Judge Irwin
- P.J. Byrne as Perry
- Daz Crawford as Phil
- Billy Burns as Chuck Thomas
- John Bobek as Matt
- Diana Sayers as Gilda
- Camellia Rahbary as Angela
- Charles Austin Moore II as Julian
- Patrick G. Keenan as Frank
- Brian Gregorie as Wayne
- Donald James Moore as Mike
- Ryan Sawtelle as Detective Regan
- Davis Osborne as Brian
Production
editHelmed by director Heather Hale, the 18-day shoot began in May 2010[7] under its working title of Witness Insecurity (aka Snitch). Principal photography was primarily executed in China Grove, North Carolina[8] but included locations in Lexington, Salisbury[7] and Charlotte and concluded in June.
Release
editThe film premiered as Witness Insecurity on October 1, 2011, at the Modern Film Fest in Kannapolis, North Carolina,[2][3][4] with some of the filmmakers and local actors in attendance for a discussion panel.[9] The film had theatrical release on March 16, 2012, under its distribution title of Snitch[5] and was subsequently sold at retail outlets such as Walmart and Best Buy.
References
edit- ^ Hale, Heather. "Absolute Killers". HeatherHale.com. Retrieved 29 April 2017.
- ^ a b "Modern Film Festival Screens 4 Movies: Charlotte Ties". Consord.WBTV.com. Archived from the original on 2013-02-10. Retrieved 29 April 2017.
- ^ a b "'Witness Insecurity' villain Ravanello to attend Modern Film Fest". Salisbury Post. September 19, 2011. Archived from the original on 2011-09-24. Retrieved 29 April 2017.
- ^ a b Katie Scarvey (September 22, 2011). "Modern Film Fest hits its stride". Salisbury Post. Archived from the original on 2011-09-24. Retrieved 29 April 2017.
- ^ a b staff (March 15, 2012). "Troyer film 'Snitch' opens Friday at Concord Mills". Salisbury Post. Archived from the original on 2012-03-16. Retrieved 29 April 2017.
- ^ Knox, Michael. "Actor Patrick Keenan talks about the Charlotte movie scene". August 30, 2011. Modern Film Fest. Archived from the original on 2012-09-05. Retrieved 29 April 2017.
- ^ a b staff (February 6, 2011). "'Witness Insecurity' slated as spotlight film for this year's Modern Film Fest". Salisbury Post. Archived from the original on 2014-04-23. Retrieved 29 April 2017.
- ^ Fisher, Hugh (June 1, 2010). "Lights, camera, action". Salisbury Post. p. 4. Retrieved 29 April 2017.
- ^ staff (September 15, 2011). "Several filmmakers to speak at film festival". The Herald Weekly. Archived from the original on January 26, 2013. Retrieved April 2, 2012.