MK Ultra Violence Featured, Reviews Film Threat

A killer is born in Jay Curtis Miller’s short film, MK Ultra Violence. Discarded by America after returning from Viet Name, Hopper (Clint Roberts) is living on the streets of an urban ghetto. Hopper is approached by the mysterious Reece (Taylor Novak) with an offer of food, shelter, and a promise to get back at an uncaring nation that rejected him and his fellow soldiers. Hopper is taken to a remote commune in the woods, where he is accepted with open arms. Immediately, Hopper’s brainwashing sessions commence.

“…accepted with open arms. Immediately, Hopper’s brainwashing sessions commence.”

MK Ultra Violence is an origin story of sorts. Hopper’s journey from homeless man to sadistic killer is pretty straightforward. What writer/director Jay Curtis Miller does differently is give a visual and auditory glimpse into Hopper’s mind from his initial grooming by Reece and when he ultimately crosses over to the other side. MK Ultra Violence takes place in 1968, and Miller’s visual palette is a 60s grainy film stock with a very fat sound to the audio. In the end, the short feels like it comes from the 60s and offers a 60s psychedelic horror feel as well. Miller extends this style brilliantly to the short’s brutal ending.

For more information about MK Ultra Violence, visit Jay Curtis Miller’s official website.