The Passion of Martin (1991) User Reviews

Obsession at its finest

[popkiller · 7/10 · 28 March 2001]

Alexander Payne's (Election) black comedy student film about Martin, a 30-something photographer who has made it his life quest to find his soulmate. After seeing a girl admiring his work in a gallery, he runs into her again at a photo shoot for a wedding. The two hit it off, but Martin becomes puzzled when she leaves before he wakes up the next morning. From there we get a peak inside Martin's psyche, as he cannot comprehend why she hasn't made a life-long commitment to Martin after one date. Brilliant performance by Charley Hayward (Poison Ivy) as Martin. Written and directed by Payne, The Passion of Martin is a dead-on depiction of obsession and someone feels when the love of your life is unrequited. Definitely (if you can find it) worth seeing if you enjoyed Election.

A little funny, but a bit too disturbing

[gizmomogwai · 6/10 · 31 July 2018]

The Passion of Martin (1991), which appears as an extra in The Criterion Collection's Blu-ray release of Election (1999) shows a director with a lot of promise- and who admits to being a little embarrassed looking back on his student film. Based on the novel El túnel by Ernesto Sabato, it follows Martin, who has some minor recognition as a photographer (we can relate to the artist) but obviously has some screws loose (well, a few will relate to that too, at least at first). The Passion of Martin starts on some particularly strong notes- through narration, he speaks of his only nine months of happiness, and then we cut to his birth. We see his insane parents, and little Martin burying his father's ashes "at sea," and these are worth an approving chuckle.

Martin and Rebecca appear to have some chemistry, and both actors play their parts well. But while Rebecca thinks she's just entering a relationship, and that it might be serious one day but might turn to nothing, Martin is convinced they're truly in love. He picks apart at her messages, the humour quirky and sharp. Things turn notably darker when he uses his greater strength to hold Rebecca by her arms and pin her to the bed. But the ending is truly cringeworthy in the disturbing factor, and can be interpreted as misogynist.

Alexander Payne had quite a career ahead of him, and Passion of Martin is a notable first step. For that, we can be thankful for it.

Savagely amusing comedy short

[Woodyanders · 8/10 · 10 July 2019]

Lonely photographer Martin (an excellent anguished portrayal by Charley Hayward) develops an intense and unhealthy fixation on Rebecca (a charming and vibrant performance by the lovely Lisa Zane) after meeting her at a wedding reception. Complications ensue when the liberated and free-spirited Rebecca fails to live up to Martin's romantic ideals.

This early UCLA thesis film from writer/director Alexander Payne offers a full display of his fiercely mordant wit and skewed worldview, with Payne mercilessly mocking such worthy targets as obsession, pretentious artsy fartsy types, and the more tragic and damaging aspects of love with often wickedly funny results. Moreover, Payne's use of various snazzy stylistic flourishes that include freeze frames, slow motion, and an especially barbed voiceover done by Martin prove that the guy was a substantial cinematic talent to be reckoned with right from the start. The twisted surprise "happy" ending packs a startling kick. A bitterly hysterical hoot.

Great short!

[rradosti · 6/10 · 3 March 2020]

GOOD INTERESTING STORY THAT IS FUN AND PRETTY EASY TO FOLLOW = 1 Star

MEMORABLE DIALOGUE = 1/2 Star

FEEL A PULL TO WATCH IT AGAIN = 0 Stars

MUSIC OR SCORE STANDS OUT = 1/2 Star

NO NOTICEABLE PLOT HOLES = 1 Star

STORY GETS RESOLVED OR FEELS COMPLETE IN SOME WAY = 1 Star

I PERSONALLY LIKE OR FEEL A CONNECTION TO THIS STORY = 0 Stars

MEMORABLE OR LIKABLE CHARACTERS = 1/2 Star

MOST THINGS ABOUT THE STORY COULD ACTUALLY HAPPEN OR ARE BELIEVABLE = 1 Star

STORY ISN'T BORING OR REPETITIVE = 1/2 Star

I am a huge fan of Alexander Payne and am currently venturing through all of his projects. From what I understand this was his thesis film for MFA from UCLA. What a great short! It really captures your attention and keeps the story moving along seeming effortless! The ending is a surprise which is always great. Worth the watch and it's free on YouTube.