Writer-director Randy Moore’s controversial horror-fantasy flick Escape from Tomorrow makes the Happiest Place on Earth look like a living nightmare.
Much to the dismay of just about everyone behind-the-scenes at Disney, Moore filmed the flick at Disney World without the company’s permission. Using tourist-friendly cameras, the filmmaker enlisted the help of a few actors who performed their respective parts around the park.
Escape From Tomorrow tells the story of a seemingly normal suburban dad who takes his family on vacation. Although he appears quite balanced on the outside, apparently the guy is coming undone beneath the surface. The film explores his breakdown during a trip to popular resort.
Although Randy Moore didn’t receive permission from Disney to shoot the movie at the theme park, the company apparently chose not to sue his pants off. In fact, Escape From Tomorrow managed to land a distribution deal after screening at this year’s Sundance Film Festival.
According to The New Yorker , Disney really doesn’t have much of a case against director Randy Moore and his odd movie. Although the cast and crew may have broken a few rules during their stay, the website believes Escape from Tomorrow falls under the law of fair use .
Writer Tim Wu explains:
Commentary and parody are well-established fair-use categories, and this is where the film likely falls. It would be one thing if Moore merely used Disney World to embellish his film—to serve as a pleasing backdrop for some light romantic comedy. But his use of Disney World is not as simple window dressing; he transforms it into something gruesome and disturbing — a place where, for example, guests are sometimes tasered and have their imaginations purged.
Escape from Tomorrow will land in select theaters across the nation on October 11. The film will also be available for consumption on VOD and various digital platforms. Are you looking forward to director Randy Moore’s surreal and scary trip through Disney World ?
[Image via Producers Distribution Agency]
