Dom O’Brien
@thatdomobrien
Neurodivergent writer, Blu Ray/physical media contributor (88 Films/Unearthed Films), and author of ‘Budget Biomorphs: The Making of The Guyver Films’ (published by BearManor Media)
While no promo material mentions it, I’ve had confirmation from Steve that my commentary track (with The Guyver Geek) is on the new G: DH Blu release. So, my annoying North London accent is now on both of the Guyver physical discs. I can only apologise for being on a lot of Guyver film media 😂😂
My new favourite hat/cap! I might not be able to have cool hair styles or different coloured hair, but I can wear awesome hats 👍🏻🤣
I thought Evil Dead Burn was a blast! Maybe I’m just feeling particularly nihilistic at the moment.
Spanish version of Budget Biomorphs is out soon. It's looking great! I cannot wait to have a copy and put it on my bookshelf (alongside my original English language copy). Despite its flaws (of which there are many), I'm still proud to have my work in physical form on a shelf 👌🏻
Look, I really enjoy both of the Tomb Raider films with Jolie. Sometimes, you just need some adventure fluff with beautiful people. It also gets plus points for using an original NIN track (Deep).
Today was the first time I listened to my body when sensory overload started to bubble up. Despite registering it early, I’m still exhausted from today (I’m so glad weighted blankets are a thing). Anyway, I got to sit in a captain’s chair today. Good times!
Sometimes, I feel I'm the only one who likes RZ’s The Munsters (and I'm totally cool with that). It has become such a comfort film!
Tonight’s bizarre double bill, because I’m working on essays for both. I also love each film for numerous reasons. I’ve said it recently, but it’s genuinely great to be writing again. I’m also available for commissions, if anyone wants to hire me. Action film theory is my speciality 🤘🏻
My old mic died during the move from Bath back to Herts, so it's about time I invested in a half-decent one. You never know when you may need it 🤔
The homoerotism is rife in John Woo’s American output. Phallic imagery with the bad guys (weaponry or 💀 scenes), underlying psychosexual themes, masochistic relationship dynamics and unrequited love. Someone has surely written about this, right?
Right, as the world is burning, I’ve decided to make a conscious effort to promote my writing and actively trying to get more boutique label work (whether it’s booklet writing or contributing extras to a release). My lane is very much action film theory, retrospectives, and film history! Hit me up
Essays/articles I'm also currently working on: A breakdown of the action set-piece creativity and Looney Tunes-esque hilarity of Shoot’Em Up. The existential action of Grosse Pointe Blank The importance of the supporting cast in Die Hard with a Vengeance Also need to finish my huge Dolph essay.
I’ve been posting a lot to do with what I’m currently working on or writing about, so I thought I’d share info about the next few pieces. After The Replacement Killers piece, I’ll be finishing off an essay called Of Sound Mind, which looks at pattern recognition and ND coding in Zatoichi (2003)
While I polish up my Striking Distance piece (the forgotten American Giallo), I’ve been thinking about how I’ll tackle The Replacement Killers essay. I’ll be looking Art Deco architecture, colour, and subversion of expectations with its Neo Noir sensibilities. Should be a fun one!
Nice to see my jawline and chin again after losing two stone (I think it works out as 35 pounds) in a few months. I feel a bit more like me again.
When I finish the Striking Distance piece/editorial, it's straight onto more action film theory. I'll be tackling one of my favourites - The Replacement Killers. It's much more than a Woo rip-off!
I'm getting old school Roxy Bar & Screen vibes from the 2010s. This makes me super happy
Currently rewatching SHOOT’EM UP and I’ve got a cracking idea for an essay. Is anyone putting this out on a remastered disc? Because if so, I’d love to be part of it 🤘🏻
Posting my new essay shortly. Genuinely happy with how this turned out. I leaned into the symbolism found within the fetish culture costume design and the fetishisation of the characters through the camera lens. Mix in a bit of androgyny and you've got my first essay in nearly a year. Enjoy!
I've done the impossible and found two (in pretty good nick) original video shop posters for a few favourites. I can now frame some Full Eclipse goodness!!
Fun connection between this film and The Guyver (1991). SMG would reuse the prop head for J. Eddie Peck in the first Guyver film (as a cost-saving measure). Ted Smith would then make some alterations to the head (shorter hair and an attached Guyver unit) for the first transformation.
I am really chuffed with how this essay turned out. Dropping it late Sunday. I have no doubt the subject matter and title will be NSFW. So, if you’re prudish, maybe avoid it 🤣 It's good to be back writing!
Next set of upcoming essays (with calendar dates and everything). Feels great to be writing again!
Expect two new essays over the next few weeks. I’ve made a decision (for the moment at least) to stick to action film theory for my future pieces of writing. The Bad Boys 4 essay was the catalyst to change up how I write and what I write about. Grief was also a damn good incentive to get creative!
Written my first action film essay in nearly a year (as I’m starting to feel a bit more like me after a shocking 2025). I’m currently doing my due diligence to see if the topics I’ve covered in my Point Break essay have been discussed previously. If they haven’t, then this will be posted very soon.
Word on the street is that we’re getting a 4K release of Guyver: Dark Hero this year (with a bunch of extras). Sadly, I have no idea who’s releasing it nor any other info (no I’m not involved). But, it’s great to see it finally getting restored and released in HD. It’s been a long time coming.
From May 2025 to Jan 2026 (so 8 months), I’ve lost two and a bit stone. My MH is on the up and I feel better overall. Jan also marks two significant life achievements. A year ago I was officially diagnosed autistic (it has taken a year to fully process it) and I’ve been AF/sober for two years 🙌🏻