Rob Schroeder has made the most of his feature film debut with Ultrasound, based on the graphic novel Generous Bosom. The plot spares no time, jumping right into the thick of an unexplainable epiphany-esque experience.
Many reviews have tried to depict exactly what takes place in this film, yet doing it justice proves to be elusive. The film is quick-moving and codependent to the score in an insatiable manner that requires every inch of your attention, and those who provide it will be happy they did.
“Watch this film with good headphones or, you know, with a good system at home or if you can, catch it in a theater. That'd be amazing. Because the audio is a character of the movie too.” Commented Schroeder.
The official synopsis reads: “Driving home late at night during a heavy rainstorm, Glen experiences car trouble. Near where his car gets stuck, he spots a house, knocks on the door, and is greeted by an oddly friendly middle-aged man, Arthur, and his younger wife, Cyndi. The strange couple pours him a drink, and then more drinks, followed by an unexpected offer that Glen can’t refuse. Elsewhere, a young woman, Katie, is feeling emotionally weighed down by a secret romantic arrangement that feels like a textbook case of gaslighting. And at the same time, in a nondescript research facility, medical professional Shannon begins questioning her role in a bizarre experiment, fearing that she’s doing more harm than good.”
Working With Vincent Kartheiser
Every time something new is revealed in Ultrasound, the characters become either more or less aware of their situation.
Schroeder mentioned in our interview that the cast didn’t have a lot of rehearsal time or a moment to do a table read, but he did say that after his conversations with them, he was certain everyone was on the same page.
“I was kind of blown away by what a professional actor can do,” he said. A performance that stands out, in particular, is by Vincent Kartheiser, who gives a perfectly tempered delivery. “Vincent never asked for an extra take… he’s amazing to work with. And so talented. He can do it 100 different ways if you wanted him to.”
Vincent is best known for playing Pete Campbell in AMC’s highly acclaimed series Mad Men. His character in Ultrasound is a far stretch to be compared to Pete, yet in a detached manner, the high-caliber execution wasn't a surprise. And with that, he doesn’t have to carry the film alone, given the performances of his screen-mates. Chelsea Lopez utters convincing dialogue, Breeda Wool sincerely wants to save the day, and as I type this, I’m contemplating whether Tunde Adepimbe is watching or not.
Staying True To The Source Material
As mentioned, Ultrasound is based on the graphic novel Generous Bosom.
“The first thing we needed was to keep the page count down. I didn’t think I’d be able to make a two-and-a-half-hour movie… So we tried to keep it to about 110 pages. Just out of necessity, because this story is complicated.” Said Schroeder.
Despite working through complexity, each scene in the film moves the plot along. There’s an old saying in literature where writers need to kill their darlings. Meaning to get rid of any unnecessary elements or storyline for the sake of the overall story. This may strike a chord with Schroeder, as he added, “There wasn’t a lot of room to go home with the characters and, you know, watch them make breakfast.”
Overall, the film was said to not have as much character work as the novel but at 1 hour 43 minutes, it is hog-tied and refined to the core. It's highly advised you watch uninterrupted from start to finish.
Magnet Releasing is set to release Ultrasound in theaters and on-demand on March 11, 2022.