I’m not Harry Jenson

I’m not Harry Jenson is a low-budget New Zealand feature film and screen debut for writer/director James Napier Robinson and producer Tom Hern. Robinson creates a malevolent urban-noir whodunit digi-thriller that has—at times— great intensity and promise.

Set in New Zealand, the story follows a crime-writing novelist Stanley who uses the pen name Michael White (played by Gareth Reeves). Stanley is suffering writer’s block and suggests to his publisher Tom (played by impressively creepy and ever ageless Marshall Napier) to delay the date. However, Tom instead insists that Stanley needs to take a holiday - an outdoor camping trip with a group of strangers - a perfect setup for a murder in the bush scenario!

As the plot unfolds (too slowly at times) trampers die off one by one, paranoia envelops, and that’s where the tension begins. Keep an eye out for great performances from kiwi legends Ian Mune and Ilona Rodgers plus spot the current and ex- Shortland Streeters; a typical kiwi past-time.

The story twists and turns unexpectedly; however, there are some problematic holes in the plot and there is plenty of dead-time in the middle and this is where a script doctor is needed to tighten irrelevant and unnecessary points.

Furthermore, there are some very impressive aerial views of New Zealand scenery. However, in one scene where our intrepid campers are dropped off by helicopter you may notice a movie camera attached to the front of the copter – doh! Despite a few little hiccups, the cinematography is suburb and it magnifies the intensity of each scene, conveying the empty wilderness helps create a sense of dread.

This film is full of promise and contains a mass collection of memorable scenes along the way. Like most other debut kiwi films it does fall on its face; but unlike other debut kiwi films it gets back right up and gets on with it, right to the very end.
Robinson has made the most of limited time, budget and resources. He is definitely a film-maker to watch and if he keeps doing his apprenticeship he will master his trade with even more suspenseful, insightful and challenging films. This film is his landmark — the beginning of perhaps an interesting career.

In cinemas January 28th 2010.

Reviewed by Luke Pivac, November 2009.