The film is about an attractive and rebellious painter (Schmid), forced to paint second class portraits to pay the rent for his crumbling downtown studio that he shares with other bohemian artists. He is then introduced to Fran, an edgy singer at an underground venue, and is immediately drawn to her provocative demeanor - gaining pleasure in everything she does and the kind of woman every man falls in love with. Colson quickly becomes infatuated by her exuberant, sexy, insolence and zest for life. She's inviting, both a tease and an advertisement for sin. Their fiery chemistry incenses Fran's manager and part time hustler, Armand Leroy. Fran is initially hesitant and tells Colson she can no longer be with him, but after tracking her down in a daring chase, their chemistry intensifies. This doesn't bode well with the predatory Armand and Colson and Sam are beaten savagely with a warning to stay away from 'his property'. When Colson's blood from the beating mixes with his oils, he finds the perfect color RED for his paintings and starts a new portrait of Fran, a portrait that will change his life. Colson's agent, enthused by this new direction, offers him a solo show, pushing for more of these disturbing and enticing works. But to succeed in this Colson has to procure more blood and it's not long before his art escalates into extreme behavior as he taps not only his own blood but also Fran's. Colson feels invigorated by Fran as his muse, but also distraught and helpless. Meanwhile Fran and Sam concoct a daring plan to aid Colson's work. Sam's loyalty to Colson wavers, as he bonds with Fran, during this exciting heist. Colson can now paint to his heart's delight and his 'blood' art becomes sought after. Armand wants a piece of the action and offers to release Fran for Colson's best pieces. However, tensions flair and when Armand tries to violate Fran, she strikes back, killing him in the ensuing chaos. Colson seizes the opportunity and uses Armand's corpse to take his artwork to new disturbing levels. Soon Colson's dangerous and unhealthy obsession escalates and Fran and Sam are implicated when they have to dispose of the remains. With the further complication of a killing, the obsessive triangle between brothers and muse spirals out of control, leading to a dramatic and shocking climax.
Thu Jul 28 04:16:43 PDT 2011
