In “Lust,” temptation looks a lot like awakening.
by Hart Fowler
Old Testament darkness has always served the horror genre well. With characters named Ezekiel, Delilah, Naomi, and Solomon, there’s a certain biblical gravity and depth to the narrative from the very get-go. Lewis plays deftly with the evergreen themes of temptation and hunger, updating them for a modern era where long-distance relationships are held together by the fragile thread of video chats.
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The film does not shy away from social commentary either. Lewis tackles the wealth divide and capitalism—both on a macro level concerning race in the United States, and on a micro level through the lens of campus sports budgets versus funding for “meaningful” student activities. These layers add smart, metaphorical “takes” on a younger generation of “revolutionaries” facing one battle after another, all set within the ostensibly comfortable confines of campus dorm room life.
In the vein of Jordan Peele, Lewis operates as a true independent auteur. He wrote, directed, shot, edited, and scored the film himself. That total creative control and singular vision paid off immensely at the 10th anniversary of the Basically Tarantino Film Festival, held at Roanoke College in August, where LUST swept major awards for Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Sound & Music, and Best Actress.
While LUST is his narrative short debut, Lewis is an experienced young pro at production. Also known creatively as Rob Javon and Stunna Creative, he serves as the Creative Director of The Biscuits and Gravy Show. His sharp technical background shines through in the film’s well-lit, beautifully color-graded frames. The high production quality is punctuated by smartly cropped shots of characters speaking directly to the camera—a stylized choice certainly reminiscent of a Spike Lee joint.
The audio landscape is just as meticulously crafted. The original score ranges from classical arrangements to classic reggae, utilizing sweeping strings and ominous choirs that recall RZA’s Kill Bill tracks and the spaghetti-western grandeur of Ennio Morricone. It is a sonic atmosphere that honors the influence of Jordan Peele, building tension all the way to a dark final-act twist that M. Night Shyamalan would appreciate.
“We only live once. Let’s just do something provocative.”
Filmmaker Robert Javon Lewis, breaking down the vision behind LUST on the Biscuits and Gravy Show live feature.
Watch the FULL LENGTH FILM for FREE at Stunna Creative’s Youtube Channel