Sometimes the simplest advice is often the best as is the case with Ernest Hemingway’s theory of writing: write what you know. Perhaps there is no greater application of this theory than in the film industry where there are countless examples of movies about making movies. Keeping this in mind, George Maranville’s “Yeti Vengeance” is an enjoyable comedy dealing with the frustrations of finishing a low budget horror film.
Casey (Suzanne Wallace Whayne) is an actress fed up with acting in her producer husband Arthur’s (John Sanderford) sleezy exploitation pictures. Equally frustrated is young director Trevor (Anthony Giandrande) who struggles to hold onto his artistic dignity despite having to helm “Poor White Trash 2” which concerns a killer yeti on the loose. When Casey and Trevor both abandon the project, it is up to Arthur to concoct an ending to his film. Whereas the main characters are parodies of known Hollywood stereotypes, the cast has great fun in their portrayals giving the piece the energy it needs. While all three do a fine job, it is Sanderford who steals the show as a man willing to do anything as long as it means finishing his picture. Little touches such as Arthur’s critiquing of how a women*s breasts are fondled or Casey’s subtle reactions during a casting audition give the piece a more authentic flavor.
“Yeti Vengeance” may deal with the business of making movies as does many other indies, but the energy provided by the cast and Maranville’s style manages to elevate this amusing short and create a truly entertaining little film.
