Well, where do I start. This 40-minute thinking man's piece is based on a relatively well explored theme, (redemption and the search for one's self,) but warped into a surprisingly lovely, passionate, and interesting little story. Set in your typical Bleak Forest Setting (cliched, admittedly, but just so bloody effective,) the story follows the agonized journey of Benny, a man slowly crumbling from the inside out by the memory of the traumatic events of his childhood. He enters said Empty Building (most inconveniently placed in the middle of afore mentioned Bleak Forest Setting,) and is forced to relive the events leading up to and following the life-altering events that change him as a man. The dreamy, almost eerie scenes of Benny confronting his young self are passionately driven by Giovonni Sanseviero's stirring performance. But what's interesting is what the audience brings to this film...you find yourself wondering what you would be seeing and experiencing if that were you in the Empty Building.
If you should happen to catch this at a film festival, or are given a copy to watch at home, don't let yourself be freaked out by the first 15 minutes or so. Although initially a little intellectually overwhelming, (let's just say that it's not really a very good date movie,) you settle into the lyrical way the scenes move together, and the imagery eventually explains all, if you manage to stop your head from spinning long enough to think carefully about everything you're seeing. It may even require a second viewing before everything sets in and makes sense, but you won't be sorry when it does. Have faith: it all falls together most beautifully by the end. The film is so visual that it's almost hard to explain. You'll just have to go see it for yourself.
On a more personal note, director/actor Giovonni Sanseviero deserves not only praise for his remarkable first work, but for the diligent and passionate way he promotes his film. Let's hope he has another project in the works soon...
If you should happen to catch this at a film festival, or are given a copy to watch at home, don't let yourself be freaked out by the first 15 minutes or so. Although initially a little intellectually overwhelming, (let's just say that it's not really a very good date movie,) you settle into the lyrical way the scenes move together, and the imagery eventually explains all, if you manage to stop your head from spinning long enough to think carefully about everything you're seeing. It may even require a second viewing before everything sets in and makes sense, but you won't be sorry when it does. Have faith: it all falls together most beautifully by the end. The film is so visual that it's almost hard to explain. You'll just have to go see it for yourself.
On a more personal note, director/actor Giovonni Sanseviero deserves not only praise for his remarkable first work, but for the diligent and passionate way he promotes his film. Let's hope he has another project in the works soon...