What Really Happened Under the Red Umbrella?

Predicting a blockbuster film is a bit like horse racing. There’s only so far training and skill can take you before it just comes down to the horse wanting to run. Many great films only receive their recognition after disappointing box office runs. For the film world, the arrival of Order of the Red Umbrella has upended the usual expectations. Instead of a superhero franchise or a raunchy comedy dominating the box office, a peculiar thriller has inexplicably captivated audiences around the globe. A retired Wizard Detective who never gives his name chases down other similarly nameless characters in a desperate attempt to solve the mystery of a wizard order  and its connection to a series of brutal deaths. The grim film references British folk horror, 70’s film aesthetics and the hard boiled detective stories of mid century Hollywood. How did this film become the most talked about movie of the year?

Judging by the credits, it shouldn’t be a surprise. Director Craig Frost has a storied career behind him. The cast is full of star power. But how did these talents wind up making a nearly incomprehensible movie about a wizard detective who doesn’t use any magic during the film’s entire run time? And why have audiences flocked to see it? Some of the answer may lie in the sheer novelty of the production as it bears little resemblance to most of the films coming out this season. The mystery story provides cryptic clues and an ambiguous ending that has resulted in multiple altercations at theaters as movie goers argue over the film’s meaning. Not since Goncharov has a movie generated this many police incidents at theaters.

It’s not just the plot of Order of the Red Umbrella that feels mysterious. Frost and the film’s stars have declined to do press in the lead up to the film, an unusual choice that prompted even more coverage than they might have expected. Their continued silence in the wake of the film’s success has raised further questions about what was intentional and what was not in Order of the Red Umbrella. No one involved in production was willing to speak on record, another unusual situation for a blockbuster hit. 

Much of the film’s criticism centers on its editing and cinematography. Opinions are split on whether the style is a deliberate affectation. The film is highly stylized, prompting comparisons to classics like Goncharov and Ator, The Fighting Eagle. Unusual framing and jump cuts contribute to the film’s sinister atmosphere. It is a significant departure from Frost’s previous work which used a more naturalistic style. His debut film, Closet Raider, won Baftas for both cinematography and direction. Sources close to Frost have hinted his mental state during filming was affected by insomnia. “He goes two days at a time without sleep,” one close friend said, unwilling to speak publicly about the sensitive topic. “He says it helps him turn his eyes into cameras.”

Still, others push back on the idea the film’s issues were caused by Frost. “He’s such a genuinely nice guy,” said one member of the crew. “He’s the only sane one in the whole Hat Films company, I don’t know why he keeps working with them.” Frost has worked several times with the same actors and production company. While the results are often astonishing, some speculate there are darker reasons than artistic merit at play. 

“They blackmail him,” said a family friend. “If he stops working with ‘em, he’ll lose everything!.” Allegations of money laundering and tax fraud have repeatedly resurfaced around Hat Films, the troubled UK production company. After briefly filing for bankruptcy in 2020, the company has begun producing numerous small budget films. Frost joined the production company during this time, lending his directorial vision to many of their projects.

That directorial vision does not come without a cost. Frost allegedly demanded long hours on set, often shooting for up to 24 hours straight. Because of the long hours, many extras quit and shots had to be redone or rearranged. Order of the Red Umbrella was originally slated to have a massive chase scene through a crowded market. Production had to scrap the shot after the extras walked off. The film’s production managed to complete on schedule but editing delays resulted in the release being pushed to fall from summer. 

The performances in Order of the Red Umbrella are already generating awards buzz however. Chris Trott, famous for his work in films such as Kill Keith and Closet Raider, delighted audiences with his gruff Wizard Detective. His raspy delivery conveyed the weariness and increasing madness of his character throughout the film, prompting comparisons to legends of the silver screen. “He’s a real Clark Gable alright,” said one anonymous crew member. “When he wasn’t on set, he was in his trailer with half the crew and all of the craft services.” 

During a recent appearance at Paris Fashion Week, Trott refused repeated requests for comment on his experiences with Order of the Red Umbrella. Instead he promoted a fashion line of raincoats for dogs he designed last year and produced with Versace. His dog, Mochi, will star in an upcoming promotional campaign. 

One of the notable elements of the film is that most shots contain one or two actors. Close ups alternate to show the faces of characters during conversation. Aside from the Wizard Detective, few characters are seen more than once. Beloved character actor Ross Hornby plays the role of the Oracle in the film, offering up curious clues to the origins and meaning of the titular red umbrella. Later in the film, the Wizard Detective seeks assistance from the Sound Scholar in one of the film’s most memorable scenes. The role is uncredited, which has resulted in a ferocious online debate about the identity of the actor. Fans insist that Hornby plays both the Oracle and the Scholar, while others maintain the Scholar is adult film star Mick Blue. While Hornby has not given any comments on his work in Order of the Red Umbrella, he has posted a series of puzzling pictures on social media of dog poop bags. The Kennel Club and Crufts have declined to comment on rumors Hornby will be a celebrity judge at the next dog show.

The controversial casting of Alex Smith as Believable Woman generated plenty of pre-release publicity for the film. While critics have largely praised Smith’s performance, some still wonder if the choice was made for the shock value. Smith is notorious for his loud and sometimes violent outbursts on set. Charges relating to an incident last year in Las Vegas, Nevada where he was filmed shooting out of the top of a limousine are still unresolved. A previous incident where Smith allegedly fired a gun at a group of orphans was resolved with an out of court settlement. None of this has cooled Smith’s star power, however. He’s slated to star in Frost’s next film, a controversial biopic of Nicolae and Elena Ceaușescu and he’s reportedly in talks to star in a new Conan movie based on a rediscovered Robert E. Howard short story. Later this year, Smith will be a guest of honor at the International Lizard Fancier’s Convention in Atlanta, Georgia. 

While no one would speak on record, numerous sources indicate Smith’s behavior on the set of Order of the Red Umbrella was considered out of control by the crew. Rumors about events on set circulate online and at industry parties. Accounts of accidents as well as intentional violence mark almost every story about the film’s production in Bristol. Frost has spoken before about his preference for filming in Bristol due to the low number of local regulations. Several production staff were allegedly maimed after the shooting of the Oracle scenes, which took place in a park that also serves as a heroin market. While Smith did not appear in the scene, he was present on the set and allegedly antagonized several men in the park. The resulting melee had to be quelled by riot police.

 One anonymous crew member alleged the production had to employ a gang of feral children to protect camera crews while they worked. “The kids were paid with sandwiches from craft services,” the crew member stated. “You know, those crappy ones with the sad lunch meat that no one wants to eat.” While Frost would not speak about the issue, numerous residents of Bristol have made complaints on social media about a gang of children performing smash and grab robberies at Tesco and other stores. These robberies are focused entirely on pre-made sandwiches and scratch cards.

One of the most lurid stories from the set centers on Smith and his penchant for firearms. During filming of his scenes Smith wanted to change the script last minute, leading to a screaming match with Frost. When the director of photography tried to intervene, Smith allegedly shot him. Production would not confirm any injuries on set, and Smith’s representatives declined to comment. Calls to the listed director of photography went unanswered at press time. Bristol hospitals declined to provide information on the number of gunshots treated this year or to confirm any gunshot patients during the months of filming.

Unconfirmed reports of accidents during shooting have led to speculation that the film had to be salvaged after significant amounts of shots were lost. One persistent rumor continues to circulate in the film community that a camera operator drowned during shooting after being asked to swim and shoot for hours at a time. Repeated inquiries to Hat Films about staff rosters and requests for comment did not receive a response. No accident reports have been found with IATSE or with Bristol police. Despite talking to multiple crew members, no one could provide a name for the missing camera operator.

Even wilder rumors circulate online. In various communities and forums, fans speculate the notorious serial killer The Bristol Pusher may have played a role in the accidents on set. Unconfirmed photos purport to be taken of shooting near Bristol waterways and allegedly show crew members being rescued from the water. None of these incidents or photos could be confirmed with Hat Films.

Despite the rumors, or perhaps because of them, people continue to flock to the theaters. Order of the Red Umbrella is on track to be the biggest non-superhero movie of the year, raking in millions in ticket sales off a surprisingly modest budget. Early buzz indicates it will be a strong contender this award season. If the rumors are true, then a slate of awards will provide little incentive to change the volatile filming practices that gave us Order of the Red Umbrella.