With all the controversy surrounding this film, I thought I'd put my 2cents in because I've actually seen it. Unlike most of the people giving the film 1 star after simply reading about it on Roger Ebert's web page.
This is a solid first film. While the lighting can be flat at times (due to DV format I'm guessing), the acting a little rough, and the writing a bit too familiar (Woody Allen comes to mind), the film succeeds in its Direction and Flow You may not fall in love with these characters (they're not that lovable) but you are always looking for what's next to come for them. The scenes are kept short and to the point (a major flaw with most all-too-in-love-with-themselves indie filmmaker), and the pacing moves them on and off your screen in a matter of moments. The filmmakers make good use of dollies and jibs to keep the picture fresh, with only a few scenes hand-held (one hand-held poorly I might add).
The first ten minutes of the film suffer the most. I found them a little hard to get through. We are basically dropped into the four main characters lives and are forced to figure out whats going on. after that the film moves by at a good steady pace.
The real treat here is the advice track on the DVD. The filmmakers put together a commentary track of investors, casting agents, film festival directors, and distributors; they basically give a step by step guide to making a film. A very interesting listen.
All in all I gave it a 7. It was a good little movie and was accomplished on an extremely small budget.
This is a solid first film. While the lighting can be flat at times (due to DV format I'm guessing), the acting a little rough, and the writing a bit too familiar (Woody Allen comes to mind), the film succeeds in its Direction and Flow You may not fall in love with these characters (they're not that lovable) but you are always looking for what's next to come for them. The scenes are kept short and to the point (a major flaw with most all-too-in-love-with-themselves indie filmmaker), and the pacing moves them on and off your screen in a matter of moments. The filmmakers make good use of dollies and jibs to keep the picture fresh, with only a few scenes hand-held (one hand-held poorly I might add).
The first ten minutes of the film suffer the most. I found them a little hard to get through. We are basically dropped into the four main characters lives and are forced to figure out whats going on. after that the film moves by at a good steady pace.
The real treat here is the advice track on the DVD. The filmmakers put together a commentary track of investors, casting agents, film festival directors, and distributors; they basically give a step by step guide to making a film. A very interesting listen.
All in all I gave it a 7. It was a good little movie and was accomplished on an extremely small budget.