Based in Chicago, director John Covert has made several wonderful noirs with local casts that take advantage of numerous parts of the city of Chicago, not to mention its many wonderful actors. Shot in black and white, like Blind Lead, this film is beautifully paced and lit. It makes great use of lighting contrasts and refuses to sentimentalize any of the action, plots or characters. The entire cast performs extremely well, and though the comings and goings are grim and twisted, the humor that results from the hardened bunch that run the operations in NYC and LA is very effective and chilling. The head madame pulls off a demeanor that can only be described as "replicant", and even that would best describe her 'mellow' moments. The male leads are also very well done, whether the character is crazed, confused or practically mute. The american film scene desperately needs intelligent, well acted and finely crafted films like this! Go see a John Covert film!
3 Reviews
A movie that even Roger Ebert, couldn't bitch about...
vallery16 August 2003
Guns, murder, intrigue, deception, sardonic humor, and a little sexual subject matter, all make up the artistically brilliant film called "WATCH". With all of the mass produced "crap" we've been force fed at the movie theatres, over the last ten years, "WATCH" was much, much more than a breath of fresh air. Intellectually stimulating, emotionally thought provoking, and unconventionally funny, "WATCH" is definitely a home run!
John Covert, once again, has gifted the american public with style, attitude, and grace, surrounded by a group of incredibly talented artists, who worked so tirelessly to create this amazing film.
BRAVO!
John Covert, once again, has gifted the american public with style, attitude, and grace, surrounded by a group of incredibly talented artists, who worked so tirelessly to create this amazing film.
BRAVO!
Black & White?
ctong122 August 2003
I walked into this film, without a shred of information about the story line, or any background knowledge of the writer/director, John Covert.
At first, I was a little preoccupied by the wickedly, dark lighting, which was only magnified by the fact that the entire film was shot in black & white. But I must say, when my eyes finally did adjust to the muddy film stock, there seemed to be a very intriguing story unfolding, right before my eyes. Yes, the film revolves around a call-girl operation, but John Covert never even remotely, tried to exploit that subject line.
The brilliance of this film lies in the engaging, yet offbeat characters, particularly the roles of Dewey, played by John Harriman, and Paul, played by John Covert himself. These two guys steal the show. Another stand out role was that of the Madame/Enderby One, played by Valerie Mikita. Her clever portrayal of the evil boss woman was intense and riveting.
The witty dialogue, stylized city shots, quirky music, and the obvious creative passion that went into producing such a gem, all make for an exciting ride at the theatre.
At first, I was a little preoccupied by the wickedly, dark lighting, which was only magnified by the fact that the entire film was shot in black & white. But I must say, when my eyes finally did adjust to the muddy film stock, there seemed to be a very intriguing story unfolding, right before my eyes. Yes, the film revolves around a call-girl operation, but John Covert never even remotely, tried to exploit that subject line.
The brilliance of this film lies in the engaging, yet offbeat characters, particularly the roles of Dewey, played by John Harriman, and Paul, played by John Covert himself. These two guys steal the show. Another stand out role was that of the Madame/Enderby One, played by Valerie Mikita. Her clever portrayal of the evil boss woman was intense and riveting.
The witty dialogue, stylized city shots, quirky music, and the obvious creative passion that went into producing such a gem, all make for an exciting ride at the theatre.
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