Short Film
The Tell Tale Heart
Directed by 
McClain Lindquist
AFIN 2021 Nominee
- 2021
- 22m
-
USA - English
- Horror
- Thriller
- Psychological
Stills
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Credits
Written by
Synopsis
Adapted from Edgar Allan Poe’s original text, this psychological thriller has been reimagined in this mind-bending, pulse-pounding, bloody-disgusting short film.
In “The Tell Tale Heart,” directed by McClain Lindquist, the Narrator (Sonny Grimsley) descends into madness as he is haunted by the “evil eye” of the Old Man (James C. Morris). The Narrator murders the Old Man in his bed and hides his body under the floorboards. The Narrator’s frail mind begins to unravel when Detective Tucker (Teren Turner) and Officer Sharpe (Mikah Olsen) come to inquire about the Old Man’s whereabouts.
What makes this one special
- 3 awards at other festivalsHollywood Blood Horror Festival · Indie Shorts Film Festival · PEEPHOLE filmfest
- A first-time filmmaker
Also selected at
3 awards across 3 other festivals
- WinnerHollywood Blood Horror Festival
- WinnerIndie Shorts Film Festival
- WinnerPEEPHOLE filmfest
Recorded by the filmmaker on their entry.
Director's Biography
McClain Lindquist Director
McClain Lindquist is a first-time filmmaker, a classic Horror-Cinephile, a musician and yes also a mortician. McClain had the unwavering vision AND the wisdom to "do it right". His love of all things Poe and especially of this classic horror/psychological thriller drove his infectious passion to pay ‘true’ justice to The Tell Tale Heart. His constant onset philosophy to “let go” of ego and face your fears fostered a truly creative space. This omnipresent mindset inversely allowed transcendent art to flourish. He throughly encourages talented artists across the board to push the envelope and create something definitive. McClain’s background in music allowed him to “serve the song” and do what was ultimately best for each critical aspect of the groundbreaking scary but fun film. “I just wanted to make a really scary movie with a bunch of my friends and have a blast while filming it.” Not surprisingly beautiful music drives many scenes in the thrilling movie. His day/night job as a undertaker also helped to bring the film a unique view point of life and death. “This intense Movie was a ‘undertaking’ and helped me to release buried emotions and compartmentalized grief.” But that all sounds extremely dark. You wouldn’t know that from being around the intrepid Director who “loves life” and is upbeat always keeping spirits high with a warm sense of humor. His deep love of film sparked this movie and continues to propel his future artistic projects.
Fuller cast & crew
James C. Morris The Old Man
Music
- Joel Pack
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