Review by JD Piche, SAG-AFTRA, Filmmaker, Producer, Writer: Follow on IG @Misadventur3r
What makes a Western stand out, beyond the locale, is, the Wild West was a cruel time, death could come for anyone at any time. Vengeance Saloon is 10 minutes and covers that elemental distinction. Two strangers get letters telling them to meet here, on this day, their paths have crossed but they remain unaware of whom else they may have crossed.
Written by, starring, produced by and a few other credits go to Joe Griffenberg, who brings the steeliest stare since Powers Boothe, as he reminisces with James Blackburn’s wavy locks, at first I thought it was a fantastic wig, but looking at his IMDb can see that it’s all him.
Blackburn directed, co-starred, and had many other hands in aspects of production, is an old hat at the Cowboy Game, he’s worked with the New Mexico Gunfighters for a good while, meaning he always knows when it’s High Noon.
The final cast member, Kathleen Swenson, is the proprietor of the saloon that functions as the Hotel California for our pistoleros, Griffenberg had informed me of production hiccups that are easily forgivable.
There’s a few odd shot choices, and a seemingly lack of coverage for Swenson’s dialog with Joe before James arrives. For a no-budget, ‘let’s make something with my friends’ that’s when the real Film School begins. Making it work!
They had the location for a short amount of time and wound up staying longer and needed to use everyone in the production’s car headlights to try to light the interior for the last few shots. Blackburn makes it up to Swenson by heavily featuring her in close-up emoting disapprovingly at Griffenberg, and more so when Blackburn arrives.
If you grew up reading Louis L’Amour novels, you owe it to yourself to visit the Vengeance Saloon 8/10!
Watch for our interview with Joe Griffenberg coming in May!
