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Visions of Violence U S A

Directed by: Chris Golon
Written by: Chris Golon
Starring: Jeff Marquis, Dave Pawloski, Michael Kusznir
Blogged by: visions-of-violence
U S A, 2006, Runtime 84 mins

Film Summary

Having a lot in common with David Holzman’s Diary (1967) and the gritty gang films of the late 70’s (Warriors, Wanderers, Over the Edge), Christopher L. Golon’s ‘Visions of Violence’ is at once a fascinating time capsule of life in the 1990’s as well the ultimate video diary. While it would be nearly impossible to record every waking moment of one’s life, Mr. Golon succeeds in putting the pieces of his diary, which includes video (4 different formats), Super 8 film, audio conversations, and still photos. Tracing a period from 1992-98, we get an insight into what being a teen/early 20-something was really like. In a non-traditional, experimental way, the vignettes unspool to form the narrative as a cohesive whole. And that whole makes up Mr. Golon’s world which was one filled with hanging out, vandalism, working (if you’d call it that), getting arrested, a riot, girls, and much more. At times it appears we’re getting too close to the filmmaker’s soul. And we are. We’re seeing reality from a whole new perspective. And what a perspective.

Forms: Experimental, Narrative Fiction, Feature
Genres: Drama, Underground, Avant-garde, Coming of Age , Cult, Independent, Mockumentary, Urban, Reality, Art
Niches: Student, Youth/Teen

Community Critique

My Rating

Average Audience Rating

four Stars

4.31 Average 13 Ratings

Original and fresh. Has its own style!

4 Stars
karebear

4 Stars
digimod

Great concept! The execution wasn't always to perfection but the heart was there. And for that I commend you.

4 Stars
hammerlock06

Very well done for a first film. Some of the dialogue was a bit hard to hear, especially during the recorded phone conversations. The final dialogue between Chris and Dave is hilarious. Only thing I didn't like much was the fake fight scenes.

4 Stars
Looby25

Everybody in CT and in the LA needs to see this! This film is a revelation! No B.S., if only all the films made in CT were like this and not crappy horror or medieval films!

4 Stars
trufilmplaya

See all ratings »

Screenings & Events

Cast & Crew

Production

Chris Golon (Executive Producer, Producer, Director (1st Feature))

Writing

Chris Golon (Writer (1st Feature))

Performance

Andrew Daigle (Supporting Actor), Chris Golon (Supporting Actor), Daniel Eshoo (Supporting Actor), Dave Pawloski (Lead Actor), Jake Gorgon (Supporting Actor), Jeff Marquis (Lead Actor), Justin Duffy (Supporting Actor), Ken Provost (Supporting Actor), Michael Kusznir (Lead Actor), Mike Padelli (Supporting Actor), Rich Prokop (Supporting Actor)

Camera

John Nodilo (Cinematographer/DP)

Art Department

Steven Sovaccio (Production Designer)

Post Production

Lee Hoffa (Picture Editor), Willard North (Sound Editor)

Music

Stealing Providence (Original Music/Composer)

VISIONS OF VIOLENCE: THE TRUTH  

May 21, 2006 09:32AM

What is Visions of Violence?

Well, let's see....

Having a lot in common with David Holzman’s Diary (1967) and the gritty gang films of the late 70’s (Warriors, Wanderers, Over the Edge), ‘Visions of Violence’ is at once a fascinating time capsule of life in the 1990’s as well the ultimate video diary.

While it would be nearly impossible to record every waking moment of one’s life, 'Visions' succeeds in putting the pieces of a diary together, which includes video (4 different formats), Super 8 film, audio conversations, and still photos. Tracing a period from 1992-98, we get an insight into what being a teen/early 20-something was really like.

In a non-traditional, experimental way, the vignettes unspool to form the narrative as a cohesive whole. And that whole is one filled with hanging out, vandalism, working (if you’d call it that), getting arrested, a riot, girls, and much more. At times it appears we’re getting too close to the filmmaker’s soul. And we are. We’re seeing reality from a whole new perspective.

Visions of Violence Trailer #2


The second trailer for the film.


Talk About Visions of Violence

At long last, the film 'Visions of Violence' is available online for purchase from imoovie.com. Here's the link: http://www.imoovie.com/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.
product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=3070&category_id=4

visions-of-violence Apr 29, 2008 10:19AM

We are impressed with your film. We organise 3 major film festivals in India. We wish to screen your film at 1 of our international film festivals. There are no submission fees payable for your film. Kindly visit http://www.pumelo.com. Final submission date - 29th February. Incase you miss the deadline please email isavo@rediffmail.com to submit for our next film festival.

PumeloFestival Feb 06, 2008 08:49PM

This film is very original. Although only an 84 minute running time, one feels bushwacked at the end. What a journey! Some segments were better than others and that's what I'll get into. The end segment is a bit misogynistic in tone as is the filmmakers view towards women but hey, what can you do? That's society for you. Certain scenes were difficult to hear but visually the film is very revealing.

karebear Jan 31, 2008 07:29PM

Saw all of the trailers on youtube for the new film, DYSPRAXIA. When is that coming out? And I am looking forward to seeing VISIONS again. Keep the faith and remember that it doesn't matter what the 'norm' for film is, what matter si originality!

rawfilmfootage2 Sep 21, 2007 08:46AM

Rumor has it: the film could be headed towards a 4th quarter DVD release if all goes well!!! I recently sat through a screening of the film again and it still maintains its 'odd' power over the viewer. This film demands an audience.

mamonkey Aug 28, 2007 04:15PM

Keep shopping this film around. There's too much crap that's shown out in the marketplace. Don't take NO.....keep it going!!

hammerlock06 Jun 30, 2007 03:51PM

I got a copy of 'Visions' from a friend and I saw the trailers for the new film. The new film looks insane!! Keep up the good work.

rawfilmfootage2 Jun 07, 2007 12:51PM

Haven't heard anything from you lately.........what's the deal with this film and the new one you mentioned?

pdans May 26, 2007 02:54PM

If you liked 'Visions of Violence' then check out the follow-up trailer for my new film!!! It is 1/2 done and is technically superior to the first film!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiyrbvKSeiA

visions-of-violence Feb 25, 2007 08:42AM

This film is original and is NOT about a 'bunch of jackasses' starting trouble as Terrythetoad has 'asked.' This film is about SOME of the following: Life and how life takes some of us on a journey; how people weave in and out of each other's lives; the futility of a mob mentality (in the riot sequence); the male's view as women as pleasure objects to be 'used'; life's addictions (i.e. gambling, etc.); attempting to make an independent film; & discussions amongst friends. This film is different in it's feel, look, and execution. Not a traditional viewing experience and that scares people away. Why? I'm not sure. So, do yourself a favor and when (not if) Mr. Golon gets this film a distributor, seek it and watch it. You won't be disappointed.

barryfilm Jan 22, 2007 08:54AM

I don't get this....is this a REAL film or a documentary or what? The trailer makes it seem like a bunch of jackasses starting trouble. How original.

terrythetoad Jan 19, 2007 02:43PM

Passed the film along to my boss at work (and he normally likes the 'usual Hollywood' film). He said it was 'good in parts, sometimes hard to follow, but it had an energy to it.' So, simply put, when director Christopher Golon makes a film, it has energy. At least he didn't say it was boring....

pdans Jan 08, 2007 03:38PM

Keep representin' in the '07! Good luck with getting VISIONS OF VIOLENCE seen and I know I await your next project!! Golon Films baby!!!

trufilmplaya Dec 29, 2006 07:16AM

I hope this gets a DVD release. I'm sick of seeing good indie films (and their makers) getting shafted due to no NAME in their film. All the fests that claim they are truly indie aren't. You really think Sundance is independent? Get real.

hammerlock06 Dec 27, 2006 12:55PM

Hammerlock speaks the truth. Bravo to Director Chris Golon.

mamonkey Dec 05, 2006 11:42AM

I agree with Hammerlock on all of his points! Director Golon is unique and DID NOT conform to make what people wanted to see (same ol', same ol'); he gave the public an unflinching look at youth gone wild!!

barryfilm Nov 22, 2006 01:03PM

One of the actors in this film told me to check out this site and then let me borrow his copy of the film. In one word: Bravo. This filmmaker, Christopher Golon, has taken what was available to him and made a very unique, challenging film. Part episodic, part MTV, part drugged-out frenzy, ALL HEART. He layed it all out there and made a good film. He knew when he made it that it wouldn't show at the multiplex. He knew when he made it that not everyone would like it (or even get it for that matter) but you know what? He didn't care. And for that I commend him. He didn't make the usual 'safe-cookie-cutter' indie film that most make (or another inane zombie or horror film rip-off). This is a true independent film. One of the few. And Mr. Golon is a true original. Unlike his peers.

hammerlock06 Nov 21, 2006 06:38AM

I noticed that there has been some talk with regards to what films 'Visions' is like. While there are some comparisons to Martin Scorsese's films, to me the film this seems to have been inspired by is 1 of the these 2: the low, low budget film, 'Tarnation' (with its use of film, video, phone calls, still pics, etc.) and the crazy Italian horror-fest, 'Cannibal Holocaust' (with it's whole 'this is real footage' angle which also inspired 'The Blair Witch Project'). This is just my take on what inspired Director Chris Golon.

pdans Nov 09, 2006 06:56AM

to: trufilmplaya;
Firstly, thanks for the quote, I appreciate it. It's not often people quote me directly. Secondly, there are lots of things I'd like to learn, but there's nothing that a dude who calls himself 'trufilmplaya' is going to teach me. So, save your teachings for someone who needs it. Third, I'm not any 'kind of guy,' so please refrain from pretending to know me. You have no idea who I am. Lastly, I know the director personally. He sent me the film and asked me for an honest review. So I gave it. As far as 'ruining' the film, I strongly disagree. Again, it was my "review." Apparently you never read a review of The 6th Sense when it came out. You also apparently missed the part where i wrote, "very well done." I enjoyed it. I said what I liked and disliked. Not trying to be a "trufilmmaka" or a "trufilmwatcha," just giving an opinion.

Looby25 Nov 04, 2006 10:12AM

Whoa son, calm it down! The Looby25 guy needs to learn to take it down a notch. He likes to give away a lot, why ruin it? This Looby guy says: "the only thing I didn't like much was the fake fight scenes." Fake? Come on. Fake is in the eye of the viewer. You're the kind of guy who'd say the killer of the 1st Friday the 13th was Jason's mother. Please refrain from 'ruining' films.

trufilmplaya Nov 02, 2006 06:42AM

I gave 'Visions' to another friend to view and they said the following: "I thought it was very interesting yet hard to follow. My wife was offended at some of the profanity and the anti-authority stance posed by the filmmaker & his actors. She was especially offended by that strange cop/guard guy as well as the way girls were described as pleasure toys to be 'used' by men. I liked the way each important character was introduced. By the way, why wasn't the end party shown?"

mamonkey Oct 18, 2006 12:12PM

I viewed 'Visions of Violence' again and I stand behind my comparison to 'Mean Streets.' But let me state what I think is great about 'Visions': the opening sucks you right in and you are spirited away to another realm right away, you don't have to wait for a build-up like some films; the introductions of the main characters in each segment are great, very creative; the fights are really cool, especially the Kooz vs Andy fight, that one is nuts!; the closing of the video store with its use of images and sound is downright bizarre; and the 'Vanilla' video is classic! Again, if you haven't seen this film, go see it. So it hasn't gotten into a fest or found distribution, something tells me Director Golon has a trick up his sleeve with regards to this film being seen. Good luck!

barryfilm Oct 13, 2006 09:16AM

While I agree with BarryFilm that there are comparisons between Scorsese's 'MEAN STREETS' and 'VISIONS OF VIOLENCE,' I feel I must interject and state that 'VISIONS' seems to me to relate more to Scorsese's 'WHO'S THAT KNOCKING AT MY DOOR?' That film is on a much smaller scale like 'VISIONS.' They both have a low budget feel and certain mise-en-scene. And their use of music and camera placement is similar.

rawfilmfootage2 Oct 02, 2006 08:21AM

Last night, I read a book about the cinema of Martin Scorsese & it dawned on me: 'Visions' is a lot like 'Mean Streets.' It has a similar feel and the authenticity of street realism. I see many parallels such as: the meandering characters not knowing where they fit in society; sudden outbursts of violence; many free-floating characters; the unsupervised chaos of the minds and lives of the characters; the combination of fearless energy and the lack of self-consciousness in most of the actors propels the film; and a realness to the proceedings. But in the end this is a film about the guys, and what makes them all brothers at heart.

barryfilm Sep 25, 2006 01:22PM

My boy's boy hooked us up with this great film. (The only reason I gave it 4 instead of 5 had to do with a minor technical issue). The film is a 5 out of 5, no doubt. This new director Chris Golon has made a film with a LOW LOW budget and it actually has a pulse! In CT, all I ever see being made are stupid Z-grade bikini-horror films and medieval-lordoftherings-wannabe films. But this film is the bomb! I watched the film in 1 sitting, which is more than I can say for most films, and I laughed and was pissed off in parts. This film has it all: getting crazy, a riot, wacky characters (especially those 2 clowns sucking air out of whipped cream cans), and customers trying to fight. Here's to Visions...now where's my whipped cream can?

trufilmplaya Sep 18, 2006 10:15AM

I ABSOLUTELY AGREE with barryfilm!!! Keep on keepin' on!!! "If you truly believe, YOU WILL CERTAINLY ACHIEVE!!!" Mr. Cinema

mrcinema Sep 15, 2006 09:46PM

Keep going! I know it gets tougher and tougher to continue on, especially when you get rejected time and time again, but keep on the trail towards distribution. I'm sure everyone here would agree!

barryfilm Sep 15, 2006 08:47AM

A few days ago, I passed "Visions of Violence" along to a friend at work (they are not into experimental cinema) and they emailed me the following....'I saw the film and to tell you the truth: the film really starts with a bang, the 1992 segment is quick and shows a keen eye for visuals, 1993 is a 50/50 crapshoot - 1/2 is really good, but the guy talking about the riot drags on a little too long, he was very convincing but too long, 1994-96 were wound tight enough, 97 was good, and 1998 was again 50/50 with the end conversation dragging on and seeming to go nowhere. I'd give it a 6 out of 10 overall. For creativity, I'd give it a 9 out of 10.'

mamonkey Sep 13, 2006 12:37PM

I almost fell over when I found out Director Chris Golon also has a page for his earlier film, 'M.O.' Check out my informative comments there!!PS: Visions, keep up the good headway!

pdans Sep 12, 2006 09:39AM

Director Chris Golon is no joke. And neither is his film. I actually ran into him the other day and he told me that one person who viewed his film called him a misogynist. Get real! Because he has a scene in which 2 males discuss females in a certain way? That's reality. He has a real scene in which sex and sexual relations are described and people take offense? That my friends is preposterous. He's no more a woman hater than say Brian DePalma or Stanley Kubrick. I mean, look at Dressed to Kill or A Clockwork Orange. Both brillant films and while Mr. Golon's film isn't in their class (how many truly are), he has made a minor masterpiece and one that obviously offends. And that causes controversy. And controversy is good as it gets you noticed.

mamonkey Sep 08, 2006 07:24AM

This Jim1967 guy is right!! Director Chris Golon is doing what Hollywood should be doing. And some lowly P/A will probably see Chris' film and try to rip him off. Note to Hollywood: go make another Scary Movie, or another Bad Boys, or how about this? Go make Indiana Jones 4 with a guy who is 64!!! They have no clue. And that's why Chris is probably having distribution troubles cuz they don't get it. Screw Hollywood. Long live 'the Visions.'

rawfilmfootage2 Sep 06, 2006 09:23AM

Listen up Hollywood!!!!!!! Chris Golon is doing what you guys SHOULD be doing. Watch V.O.V. and see what I mean. Looking forward to V.O.V. 2 or whatever Mr. Golon has up his sleeve.

Jim1967 Aug 24, 2006 10:49PM

So, this film is now in Canada and the USA! Rock on!

barryfilm Aug 21, 2006 08:47AM

I sent the trailers to a friend of mine and they like them! This film continues to make believers out of people. Keep up the good work!

pdans Aug 19, 2006 12:47PM

Any plans for a "Visions 2?"

mrcinema Aug 16, 2006 01:28AM

WOW!!! I just read that "Visions Of Violence" (also known as "V.O.V.") is going to be seen by potential distributors in Los Angeles, England, and Canada, and I know already has been/is being submitted to film festivals!!! "V.O.V." is a one-of-a-kind film, and deserves widespread attention!!! If you haven't yet seen the movie's three previews, check them out at youtube.com!!! I wish filmmaker Chris Golon the best of luck, and look forward to his next movie endeavor!!! Way to go, Mr. Golon!!!

mrcinema Aug 11, 2006 09:49PM

I hope this film gets into a festival or released direct to video soon! I want extras like commentary or a 'where are they now' featurette about some of the performers!!

barryfilm Aug 09, 2006 08:08AM

The director of this movie, Christopher Golon, sees the world in a very artistic way, which is portrayed in this film. He uses the visuals and sounds to portray exactly how he was feeling at a particular moment, causing the viewer to experience these same emotions at the same time. This documentery is very "raw", but it was also well thought out, demonstrating the brilliance of the director. After viewing this movie only once, I'm still awaiting my opportunity to see it for a second time.

ultimatecritic Aug 03, 2006 11:51AM

I viewed the marketing of this film via the trailers at youtube and I must say, 'Bravo!' The trailers are marketed correcly as they are aimed at the core audience for this type of material. That audience will not be offended by the sexual discussions in the film which do have sexist overtones. The violence, although brutal at times, isn't the key selling point. I feel that Director Chris Golon has tried to fill his film with many memorable characters ala Robert Altman. Even if a character appears in one scene, you may never forget him/her.

mamonkey Aug 01, 2006 01:00AM

Liked the trailers. When dowe get to see the entire film?

MashedTaters Jul 28, 2006 06:37AM

Nice Raw rocking stuff!

lumiere Jul 27, 2006 08:10AM

I happened to read Chris Golon's latest blog...what's up with people? 'Rural'? Maybe some people don't get it, but who cares, right? As long as some people 'get it.' And we do. Don't listen to those who attempt to bring you down, they're just jealous.

rawfilmfootage2 Jul 25, 2006 11:09AM

Another update on Director Chris Golon and his other, more obscure film, 'M.O.' It was made on Super 8 in 2002. I saw this bizarre black & white film and besides 'Drive In' Dave Lounder being in it, Jeff Marquis is also in it. In fact, Mr. Marquis bears more than his soul in the film's opening scene. The opening scene alone is shocking and disturbing. If anyone is interested in this film, I say ask the director (even by posting it here) for a copy of 'M.O.' As odd and bad as it is, it is very compelling.

pdans Jul 23, 2006 11:02PM

The trailers on YouTube are pretty good, although I like the one labelled #1 better-it seemed to get more personal and upclose to the people in it. I really liked the images, though. They really get the idea across without being too over the top. Pretty neat. Any way to see the whole film?

ZephyrProductions Jul 12, 2006 06:38PM

I just caught the trailers for VISIONS on youtube. These trailers ROCK!! They give you the grittiness and really help drum up hype for the testosterone fueled mayhem that is to follow!!

rawfilmfootage2 Jul 12, 2006 09:43AM

This film is a rarity. Although the film has a beginning, it doesn't have a traditional middle or end, thus leaving many parts (or episodes) open to interpretation. And that helps the film. By having no 'end' or 'summing up,' the film comes to a halt and then the credits start. I like that. I wish more films would do that. Who says that all films need a resolution? Life is ongoing and that's what this film is: life. Life as it is. Finally, a filmmaker who gets it.

barryfilm Jul 05, 2006 03:35PM

The director of this film, Christopher L. Golon, made another, very obscure film that I came across. That film is entitled, 'M.O.' As I was watching this, I was shocked to see the guy who plays the ice cream customer in 'Visions.' The actor, 'Drive In' Dave Lounder, plays a detective in that film. He's the best thing in that dark film. It's very odd and also extremely hard to find. A friend of mine happened to have gotten his hands on a copy and it is nothing like 'Visions.' 'M.O.' is maybe a 1.5 out of 4 at best. Golon has matured with 'Visions.'

pdans Jun 30, 2006 10:45PM

Extremely innovative and different!! Not your average movie experience! This is a deeply personal film and I am amazed at some of the footage in this. A winner! I hope Chris Golon keeps making films.

rawfilmfootage2 Jun 18, 2006 12:51PM

I just caught this film again at a friends house (he had a copy of the DVD). Here's my second opinion: the 1992 opening sucks you right in; the riot in 1993 is bizarre; 1995 has some of the best confrontations; 1997 has some very odd dialogue between the stars and a security guard; 1998 has a great conversation as well as some funny gags. This is worth seeing.

pdans Jun 08, 2006 06:14PM

Golon has proved himself in this nervy masterpiece about teens/twenty somethings. This movie portrays incidents to the riots that occured during the summer time and the time frame about how the individuals' recollections are no longer distorted by nostalgic subterfuge about violence but rather are transmogrified into surrealist images. The depicition of the female sex is portrayed in a rather dehumanizing manner which causes the average viewer to become a voyeur. Strictly speaking, in this manner, this film gives a high perspective pertaining to the fundamental characteristics about the 'weak sex' and the male dominated role of his organ and how it should be used. There are sexual innuendos and the male's viewpoint, one who does not think as much as he dreams and acts. In summing up this 'masterpiece' it is a film which deserves high praise and is bound to cause controversy in audiences.
I strongly recommend that you give this film a 'see' due to its frank nature abo

mamonkey May 21, 2006 04:50PM

I did find this film fascinating as it is not your typical movie experience. It is very different and experimental. Worth seeing!

pdans May 21, 2006 09:39AM