It takes a special film maker to get me to even watch Stephen King Adaption. As I have said before, great at writing character, terrible at a third act. So obviously I was a bit skeptical when the lights dimmed for Billy Hanson’s Survivor Type. How was it? It sucked me in so deep that I almost didn’t make it out. Would I put Billy Hanson in a category with Stanley Kubrick and Frank Darabont? In the case of Stephen King, yes I would. Read on for why…

Survivor Type opens with video of a lecture. Just a snippet about the nature of time and working in the field.  A couple of scenic shots later we are introduced to Dr. Richard Pine, a surgeon who’s cruise ship crashes into rocks and sinks. Stranded on a island the size of a small house, he has only a video camera, first aid kit, sewing kit and some water. All alone on “Pine Island”, with no one to talk to, confessions run like wine, and deeper and deeper truths are revealed. Waiting to get rescued,days turn into weeks, with mishap turning into tragedy, he is running out of time.

This short is riveting like no other. It starts off on a note of dread and continues on a downward spiral into madness and extreme intensity. I sat down with Director Billy Hanson to find out more about him and this amazing film.