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gerrysjunk
Reviews
The Moment After (2002)
Left breathless and inspired ~ Perfect package of writing, acting, music and editing
A poignant message of opportunity and appreciation continues to race through my mind after watching what seemed to be the best short movie of the Image+Nation Montreal Film Festival of 2003. The Moment After follows the story of a social and emotional recluse whose ability to capture opportunity is precluded by the fear of rejection and the propagation of past criticism and failures. The juxtaposition of Tracey's lost opportunities with his striving for the future draws a delicate foreshadowing of the film's ending.
All people, straight or gay, woman or man, would cherish and appreciate the permeating theme of hope, regret and human imperfection. Gerald McCullouch does not waste a second of screen time, where the transitions are crisp, making the 13-minute movie flow seamlessly despite the numerous flashbacks. The acting is genuine, and the emotions are well-balanced throughout the film to provide an entertaining, captivating and unforgettable performance. Although the running Birthday theme seems cliché at first, it establishes a dichotomy of the joyous nature of the event and the consequences that ensue. The soundtrack is haunting and layers perfectly with the scenes; moreover, the main theme's guitar, piano and voice are enough to carefully embrace the emotional pulse of McCullouch's masterpiece.
I highly recommend this film to everyone. It's a much needed reminder that we are human, and that if we allow ourselves to lose control on life, life begins to take control on us. Stellar production ~ Carpe diem!