Film Name: The Bloody Riddle
Director: Kevin McGuiness
Writer: Kevin McGuiness
Starring: Colin Dignam (Narrator), Xander Warrender (Reporter), Kristina Ojaperv (Elizabeth Short)
This film investigates the infamous Black Dahlia case.
In a new exclusive interview on Blazing Minds, I got a chance to ask Writer-Director Kevin McGuiness a few questions about his film ‘The Bloody Riddle‘, which will have its UK Premiere at Horror-on-Sea on Saturday, 17th January at 12:30hrs.
Q. Your film The Bloody Riddle has been selected to play at the Horror-on-Sea Film Festival. Can you tell us what we can expect?
A. This film includes an in-depth analysis of the circumstances surrounding the infamous 1947 Black Dahlia crime and examines the likely motivations for the murder of 22-year old model Elizabeth Short. Through a psychological profiling of the killers, this documentary endeavours to identify the possible culprits and the reasons that the case has remained unsolved.
Q. What were your inspirations when writing the script?
A. Over the course of several years, I read every major publication centred on the Black Dahlia case in order to develop a greater understanding of the circumstances surrounding this crime. In 2023, I produced a short live action film based on this theme titled The Gilded Monster (which also screened at the Horror-on-Sea Film Festival). This project eventually led me to create a documentary that outlines some of the insights I forged concerning the profiles of the killers and their possible motivations for committing this crime.
Q. Did you have any of the cast in mind for the characters when writing the script?
A. I knew that I wanted The Bloody Riddle to be narrated by actor Colin Dignam as he has a deep, velvety voice that would set the appropriate mood for this project. I met Colin while in graduate school and have worked with him on several film projects including A Canadian Christmas Story and Lady Death.
Q. What were some of your influences for the look and style of the film?
A. The colour palette for this film consists of reds and greys and was heavily inspired by the neo-noir films of the early 2000’s such as Sin City (2005) and The Spirit (2008).
Q. Did you make any changes from the original script during filming?
A. The original concept for this documentary was actually based on a failed podcast which I hope to produce at some point in the future. I revised the script, shortening it significantly and reframing it as a visual project as opposed to an auditory one.
Q. What were some of your favourite moments during filming?
A. One of the most glorious scenes in The Bloody Riddle is the vignette of Elizabeth Short leaving the Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles. Due to budgetary restrictions, I was forced to film this sequence at the Prince-of-Wales Hotel in Niagara-on-the-Lake; this stunning structure is a star attraction in southern Ontario and is alleged to be haunted by the spirit of a beautiful young woman.
Q. Did you experience any issues during filming?
A. One of the most hectic moments in the production of The Bloody Riddle was the filming of the crime scene re-enactment. On the previous day, I had been struck by an automobile and was still in a tremendous amount of pain as a result of this incident. I had gone for a midnight walk and a distracted driver hit me with his car as I was crossing a side street. Thankfully, I was not seriously injured and was able to return to the production the following day. Filming was consequently more difficult that I had anticipated and was only made possible due to the kindness and support of my wonderful actors.
Q. What makes The Bloody Riddle stand out as something different in the horror genre?
A. This film fuses the research of a typical documentary with the cinematic conventions of the horror genre to create a unique film that is both informative and visually engaging.
Q. What do you hope people take away after watching the film?
A. I believe this film will provide greater insight into the Black Dahlia crime and expand discussions concerning this case. Also, I hope to shed light on the identity of Elizabeth Short and reveal the woman behind the tragedy.
Q. Do you have any other projects which you are currently working on?
A. I am currently working on a series of animated horror films including one that examines the Beast of Gevaudan, a mythical creature that attacked over 200 young women and children in central France during the 1700’s.
Q. If someone was looking to write and direct their own film what advice would you give them?
A. My best advice to any fledgling filmmakers would be simply to “go for it” – though I would advise them to think economically. Specifically, I would suggest launching productions that require a small number of cast members and few locations as this will hopefully eliminate the need to seek outside funding and grant them greater creative freedom as they pursue their dreams.
The Bloody Riddle will be playing at Horror-on-Sea on Saturday 17th January at 12:30hrs.
You can find out more about Horror-on-Sea and purchase tickets the The Bloody Riddle here
Published in various websites, Philip is a reviewer who is best known for his interviews and media coverage of independent projects including; films, books, theatre and live events. Always on the lookout for something different to cover!
