It seems only fair. Seacoast filmmaker Alfred Thomas Catalfo has created a spoof of Seacoast author Dan Brown’s novel "The Da Vinci Code". The movie version of the best selling novel in history hit a few critical speedbumps upon release. But "The Norman Rockwell Code" is everything it was cracked up to be. We hear that the Catholic Church prefers this Portsmouth-based version, although lobster fishermen are up in arms.
The curator of the Norman Rockwell Museum (Fritz Weatherbee) lies dead on the museum floor, his chest pierced by a harpoon. He wears only a yellow rain slicker and his arms are outstretched. In one hand the corpse holds a lemon, in the other a can of Chicken of the Sea tuna. What does it all mean? Only symbologist Lanford Fife (Mike Walsh) has the ability to break the mysterious code.
And so begins one of the most elaborate film spoofs in New Hampshire history. Dover attorney Alftred Thomas Catalfo wrote, directed, produced and acted in what he calls a "comedic homage" to the most successful novel in publishing history written by Rye resident Dan Brown. Filmed locally in Rollinsford, Dover, Portsmouth, Kittery and York, this slick independent comedy is part mystery, part high school skit,
Actor Mike Walsh has been doing his Barney Fife impression for years, and now finally, he gets to play the son of the fictional TV sheriff from Mayberry, RFD. Danica Carlson, the granddaughter of the murdered curator plays the sultry French Sopha Poisson, around whom the mystery swims. She and Fife must decode the anagram hidden within a Norman Rockwell painting before the Fife impersonation runs thin and the director runs out of money. The film hangs on series of movie and TV trivia gags.
Available online in its entirely, the film looks surprisingly pro. It runs smoothly off the server, includes a very effective soundtrack, some clever acting, great cheap sets, great editing and some really decent cinematic moments. On a small screen in has the look and feel of a real film.
Those who ask -- why go to all the expense and effort of lampooning Dan Brown’s megahit? -- simply don’t know how crazy filmmakers and actors can be. Any chance to reach an audience and showcase one’s talent is excuse enough for weeks of costly production and editing. And this mini-flick clearly shows talent, including the digital titles and effects of Marc Dole and his Hatchling Studios. Within hours of the release of the actual Da Vinci Code film, over 100,000 web viewers had already seen "The Norman Rockwell Code" for free. Now it’s your turn. -- JDR
To contact the creator of this film:
Alfred Thomas Catalfo
P.O. Box 869
Dover, NH 03821-0869
Calendar
Little Engine That Could July 4 - 6, 2008 LINCOLN -- Hi everyone!! We are trying to get the word out that the Little Engine That Could will be at the Hobo Railroad in Lincoln, NH on July 4,5 & 6, 2008. People can purchase tickets right online at our website.
The train is a full-sized repli...
Art in Nature July 4 - 10, 2008 RYE, NH -- Celebrate art, nature and science during this week-long event. We will explore inspiring and creative ways of connecting to the environment through hands-on workshops, programs and activities for all ages. You can learn about organic sculptur...
Zoo Farm July 5 - 6, 2008 CANDIA -- Enjoy all day zoo admission; unlimited pony, tractor and horse-drawn hay. rides; and a bag of grain for each child. All for just $16.00 per person!
So pack your lunch and spend the day with us at the farm. We look forward
to seeing you! For...
Freedom Rocks July 5, 2008 The Freedom Rocks Festival is one that truly incorporates a gamete of musical talent. Everything from metal bands, garage, funk, alternative, retro and classic rock perform on stage. Ranging music styles and artists come together to form a festival fill...
Tommy Gallant Jazz Festival July 6, 2008 This 13th annual celebration of joyous creativity which Tommy Gallant helped initiate, has become a staple item on our summer menu. Don't miss this venue of jazz greats organized by UNH Jazz Master Dave Seiler.
Sammie Haynes July 6, 2008 ROCHESTER -- The Governor's Inn presents a beautiful late afternoon in the garden (or under the patio in case of rain) Great food and drinks and company
HARVEY REID July 6, 2008 SOUTH BERWICK -- Maine songwriter and stringed-instrument virtuoso Harvey Reid will appear in concert This is Harvey's only local concert this summer. It takes place outdoors in the beautiful garden at the historic Hamilton House in South Berwick, Maine...
Theatre Camp July 7 - 11, 2008 KIDS THEATRE CAMP, July 7-11, 9 AM to 12 NOON, Ages 6-9
Now in its eighth year, this popular week-long camp features creative drama, movement, and visual arts activities, with a final performance at 6:30 PM on Friday, July 11.
Limited to 14 campers. ...
PPAF Summer Theatre Academy begins July 7, 2008 We believe that every child has an innate sense of creativity and imagination. Our Summer Theatre Academy is geared toward developing confidence and advancing performance skills so that every child can be a star. Students will not only learn theatrical ...
NHTP Teen Camp Starts July 7, 2008 TEEN THEATRE CAMP, July 7-19, Ages 13-17
This intensive camp will focus on a theme from classic dramatic literature. (Teen Camp 2007 featured William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night). Participants will learn acting, directing and design skills along with...
SEAOCOAST NH FILM
