Review of Deadbeat at Dawn (1988) by Carl M — 31 Jan 2013

Jim Van Bebber's break-through feature is a display of wild ambition and ingenuity that truly captures the spirit of the Independent filmmaker. Shot on 16mm film without a single trained actor over the course of four years, DEADBEAT AT DAWN wears the badge of low-budget cinema proudly, with an uncompromised vision of gritty street violence.

DEADBEAT AT DAWN follows Goose, a former gang member who sets out for revenge after his past rivals murder his girlfriend in cold blood. Van Bebber stars in the leading role himself, while also serving as the stunts coordinator and make-up department for the film's many action sequences and special effects.

The production includes everything from martial arts to car crashes, weapons mastery, and even a vertical descent down the side of a building, and all on a non-existent budget. Despite the steady stream of bloody violence and gore, Van Bebber never loses focus on the story or characters, and delivers a powerful revenge plot that echoes elements from DEATH WISH to THE WARRIORS and COMBAT SHOCK.