The Dust Factory is a very cute fantasy film that obviously comes from the heart. Young Ryan has been scarred by the death of his father, and no longer speaks. An accident transports him to a fantastic world called The Dust Factory, where Ryan regains his voice. He is soon reunited with his Grandpa, whose Alzheimer's keeps him from communicating in the real world. Ryan also meets the precocious Mel, an adorable tomboy who idolizes Peter Pan. The relationship between Mel and Ryan is the core of the film, with Grandpa providing sage advice. This film has very "indie" production values, but it is very ambitious for a small budget film, and the special effects come off well. The writer/director obviously wanted to tell this story, and hard work pays off in a very enjoyable independent fantasy film.
33 Reviews
Beating death in a hockey match and... a youthful Hayden Panettiere
Wuchakk22 January 2018
RELEASED IN 2004 and directed by Eric Small, "The Dust Factory" is a drama/family/fantasy about two young teens (Ryan Kelley and Hayden Panettiere) and the boy's grandfather (Armin Mueller-Stahl) who enter into a strange dimension parallel to the real world. Will they live or will they die?
Imagine mixing "Carnival of Souls" (1962) and "Something Wicked This Way Comes" (1983) with DC Comic's Strange Sports Stories and you'd have a good idea of this movie. Being a family-friendly film, it lacks horror, but there are enough strange things going on and it arguably borders on horror.
The relationship between Melanie (Panettiere) and Ryan (Kelley) is the heart of the story, with Gramps offering sage counsel. While it's neither great nor bad, seeing Panettiere when she was so young (14 during shooting) is a treat. She's just a joy to watch. Moreover, there are some imaginative visuals, like the teens in the field with the circus tent in the background, and the story certainly reaches for depth in its reflections on the nature of death and bereavement.
THE FILM RUNS 1 hours & 20 minutes and was shot in Oregon (Portland, Hillsboro & Mount Hood).
GRADE: B-/C+
Imagine mixing "Carnival of Souls" (1962) and "Something Wicked This Way Comes" (1983) with DC Comic's Strange Sports Stories and you'd have a good idea of this movie. Being a family-friendly film, it lacks horror, but there are enough strange things going on and it arguably borders on horror.
The relationship between Melanie (Panettiere) and Ryan (Kelley) is the heart of the story, with Gramps offering sage counsel. While it's neither great nor bad, seeing Panettiere when she was so young (14 during shooting) is a treat. She's just a joy to watch. Moreover, there are some imaginative visuals, like the teens in the field with the circus tent in the background, and the story certainly reaches for depth in its reflections on the nature of death and bereavement.
THE FILM RUNS 1 hours & 20 minutes and was shot in Oregon (Portland, Hillsboro & Mount Hood).
GRADE: B-/C+
Enjoyed it, but disjointed
scottca07514 December 2013
Warning: Spoilers
I enjoyed this movie, but I have an idea a lot was left on the cutting room floor. The hardest part of being a director is either putting your vision on the screen in under 120 minutes or creating a movie so compelling that the audience will sit for 3 hours.
There is so much we don't know about Ryan and his family. We know he is mute through trauma, his father's death, but we don't know how long since his father's death since apparently at the end of the movie his mother either has a boyfriend or new husband. Which is why I think that some of those details got cut out for the sake of time.
All that aside, Ryan Kelly and Hayden Panettiere were very compelling as the young actors. There is a sweet vulnerability about Ryan and a sad undercurrent to Hayden's joie de vivre.
There is also a very strong performance by Armin Mueller-Stahl as the grandfather.
I enjoyed the movie, as I said in my title, but wish that Mr. Small could have put his story on the screen with more clarity.
There is so much we don't know about Ryan and his family. We know he is mute through trauma, his father's death, but we don't know how long since his father's death since apparently at the end of the movie his mother either has a boyfriend or new husband. Which is why I think that some of those details got cut out for the sake of time.
All that aside, Ryan Kelly and Hayden Panettiere were very compelling as the young actors. There is a sweet vulnerability about Ryan and a sad undercurrent to Hayden's joie de vivre.
There is also a very strong performance by Armin Mueller-Stahl as the grandfather.
I enjoyed the movie, as I said in my title, but wish that Mr. Small could have put his story on the screen with more clarity.
Feature length nightmare in the guise of whimsy
bgaiv7 July 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I'm mixed on this one. The actors are very charming, and it works very well on that level. The three leads are all solid and have great chemistry.
I find it very hard to watch this movie a second time. The cast and setting are far more charming than Jacob's Ladder, but when you've had a personal loss, you may not fancy the presentation of the films.
With the strength of the three leads' acting, I kind of wish they were in a happier plot together. I do think the three of them can carry a complex emotional movie.
I'm skeptical how well this even works for kids. It seems like it would be bizarre but scary for really young kids, and dark and frightening for older kids.
And be aware, the background here is the boy has been a mute since his father died, his grandmother has just died (we see the funeral), and in the course of the movie, the grandfather (who is senile in real life) is healthy in this limbo/purgatory and they get to share a brief adventure then HE dies. The grandfather dying is what I can't handle knowing it's coming. It's just so heavy.
Update: I tried to watch this again because it has themes relevant to another movie I was reviewing.
As likable as the cast is, I simply could not watch this again without muting it, and it was STILL a struggle.
Whatever the intent of the creator or the charm arm of the players, this is effectively a feature length nightmare.
I find it very hard to watch this movie a second time. The cast and setting are far more charming than Jacob's Ladder, but when you've had a personal loss, you may not fancy the presentation of the films.
With the strength of the three leads' acting, I kind of wish they were in a happier plot together. I do think the three of them can carry a complex emotional movie.
I'm skeptical how well this even works for kids. It seems like it would be bizarre but scary for really young kids, and dark and frightening for older kids.
And be aware, the background here is the boy has been a mute since his father died, his grandmother has just died (we see the funeral), and in the course of the movie, the grandfather (who is senile in real life) is healthy in this limbo/purgatory and they get to share a brief adventure then HE dies. The grandfather dying is what I can't handle knowing it's coming. It's just so heavy.
Update: I tried to watch this again because it has themes relevant to another movie I was reviewing.
As likable as the cast is, I simply could not watch this again without muting it, and it was STILL a struggle.
Whatever the intent of the creator or the charm arm of the players, this is effectively a feature length nightmare.
Enjoyable head-scratcher
Snootz10 July 2020
This film is not easy to understand. In fact, the viewer may not understand it at all save for basic concepts of life. The movie is saved by the excellent acting and the surreal sets and concepts. It's unusual, and holds attention throughout.
Hayden Panettiere carries the film as Melanie, an energetic girl who wants to live her life in an idealistic fantasy world. Ryan Kelly plays an excellent counterpart, a boy too grounded in the negatives of life to enjoy any of it. The fulcrum between the two is Ryan's grandfather, a wizened man who is trying to help both of them understand life a bit better. How they go about that however, is more than a little odd.
Don't look for a definite plot or smooth story line in this. I can't recommend it as a family film, as the circus and clowns, tentacle scenes (honest) and the casket scene may be frightening to younger children. Those who don't understand the concept of surreal films may miss the points entirely. Older teens and younger adults, as well as the aged are more likely to find it enjoyable. But those looking for neatly-tied strings are likely to be disappointed. There is much symbolism here and not all of it neatly packaged.
I give it 5 stars for maintaining interest, but it was too loosely symbolic and esoteric to woo mainstream audiences. I enjoyed the film, but probably would not have enjoyed it as much were the actors less skilled and charismatic... or might have enjoyed it a bit more if the plot and purpose were tighter.
The primary problem is that those old enough to understand the points, already know the points. Those who might benefit from the lessons taught probably won't understand the points being made. So the writing comes up short from the standpoint of actually reaching its goal audience-- younger teens.
Even so, those who rated this film as terrible (especially the person who said it's the worst film ever made)... I just have to wonder. I can understand a film not meeting someone's personal taste. But to be upset enough about it to post a rant shouting to the world, "I didn't understand a thing here and wish to express my ignorance to the world!" I mean, really? That seems to me far more strange than the film itself. ; }
Overall a decent film with nothing objectionable-- increasingly rare these days. Worth watching for the acting alone, and does have a moral to be learned, if one is willing to pay attention to the dialog.
Hayden Panettiere carries the film as Melanie, an energetic girl who wants to live her life in an idealistic fantasy world. Ryan Kelly plays an excellent counterpart, a boy too grounded in the negatives of life to enjoy any of it. The fulcrum between the two is Ryan's grandfather, a wizened man who is trying to help both of them understand life a bit better. How they go about that however, is more than a little odd.
Don't look for a definite plot or smooth story line in this. I can't recommend it as a family film, as the circus and clowns, tentacle scenes (honest) and the casket scene may be frightening to younger children. Those who don't understand the concept of surreal films may miss the points entirely. Older teens and younger adults, as well as the aged are more likely to find it enjoyable. But those looking for neatly-tied strings are likely to be disappointed. There is much symbolism here and not all of it neatly packaged.
I give it 5 stars for maintaining interest, but it was too loosely symbolic and esoteric to woo mainstream audiences. I enjoyed the film, but probably would not have enjoyed it as much were the actors less skilled and charismatic... or might have enjoyed it a bit more if the plot and purpose were tighter.
The primary problem is that those old enough to understand the points, already know the points. Those who might benefit from the lessons taught probably won't understand the points being made. So the writing comes up short from the standpoint of actually reaching its goal audience-- younger teens.
Even so, those who rated this film as terrible (especially the person who said it's the worst film ever made)... I just have to wonder. I can understand a film not meeting someone's personal taste. But to be upset enough about it to post a rant shouting to the world, "I didn't understand a thing here and wish to express my ignorance to the world!" I mean, really? That seems to me far more strange than the film itself. ; }
Overall a decent film with nothing objectionable-- increasingly rare these days. Worth watching for the acting alone, and does have a moral to be learned, if one is willing to pay attention to the dialog.
Odd, disorientating, sometimes sweet
rick_711 June 2010
Warning: Spoilers
The Dust Factory (Eric Small, 2004) is an interesting fantasy film with a genuinely peculiar, unsettling middle section. Ryan Kelley is engaging, playing a young boy who gives up talking after a series of family tragedies. Falling from a bridge into the river, he awakens in The Dust Factory, a place between Heaven and Earth inhabited by free-spirited dawdler Melanie (Hayden Panettiere) and his grandfather (Armin Mueller-Stahl), robbed of speech in the real world due to Alzheimer's. The only way out of the world is via a leap of faith from a circus trapeze, above a pit of quicksand-like dust.
Panetterie is more conventional and less ethereal than Annasophia Robb's similar character in Bridge to Terabithia, while the film itself is somewhat less coherent and affecting. The characters' method of escape also doesn't seem that tricky (surely they should return to Earth if they're caught, not if they fall?), while the lure of the Dust Factory itself is somewhat dubious. But the acting is good and the friendship at the heart of the movie works really nicely. Kudos too to director Eric Small for making the material in the big top so formidably odd.
Panetterie is more conventional and less ethereal than Annasophia Robb's similar character in Bridge to Terabithia, while the film itself is somewhat less coherent and affecting. The characters' method of escape also doesn't seem that tricky (surely they should return to Earth if they're caught, not if they fall?), while the lure of the Dust Factory itself is somewhat dubious. But the acting is good and the friendship at the heart of the movie works really nicely. Kudos too to director Eric Small for making the material in the big top so formidably odd.
Not For The Very Young, But Good For Tweens
fwomp1 September 2007
Warning: Spoilers
THE DUST FACTORY is more of a tween film than one for younger kids. Dealing with sensitive subjects on life, death, love, and sex, parents should be forewarned that this isn't some feel-good Disney flick (although it has some of its elements).
The story is that of Ryan Flynn (Ryan Kelley), a boy coming into his teens who is a self-imposed mute. He doesn't speak just because he doesn't want to; he witnessed a horrible accident that claimed his father's life several years ago and hasn't uttered a word since, much to the dismay of his mother (Kim Myers) and stepfather (Peter Horton). His grandfather (Armin Mueller-Stahl) lives with them but suffers from the end stages of Alzheimer's, not even realizing that his wife has passed on. Ryan's best friend Rocky (Michael Angarano, 24 TV series) understands his muteness and doesn't pressure him, just lets him be. Until one day they're crossing an old train bridge and Ryan falls through into the murky water below.
When he resurfaces, everything has changed. Rocky is nowhere to be seen. His home is empty with the exception of his grandfather ...who can now talk! And so can Ryan! Learning that he's in some sort of limbo, Ryan soon befriends a pretty young girl his own age named Melanie (Hayden Panettiere) who shows him the ropes of this unique place. Taking him to the big-top where some freakish mimes play out the fate of people's afterlife, Ryan learns that once you take the plunge on the trapeze, things will never be the same. You either "move on"or you return to the Dust Factory (i.e., life as you knew it before limbo).
Battling his uncomfortable past, Ryan often sees railroad tracks blocking his way (his father was killed at a railroad crossing) and must force himself to move onward instead of looking back. He is helped tremendously by his tricky grandfather and, initially, by Melanie. But grandpa can't stay in this place forever, a sad but necessary thing, while Melanie refuses to leave (will she become a mime herself if she never leaves?) Ryan battles for Melanie's soul as much as his own and soon comes to terms with what it means to live life to its fullest.
Although exceptionally predictable and not very well acted, the bizarre afterlife world created here makes for some interesting post-film discussion with your tweens. Parents will be able to ask their kids what they think the mimes represented. And why was it necessary for the grandfather to move on.
It's a mixed bag as far as films go, but the creepiness of the big-top and its dark tones make up for many of its faults.
The story is that of Ryan Flynn (Ryan Kelley), a boy coming into his teens who is a self-imposed mute. He doesn't speak just because he doesn't want to; he witnessed a horrible accident that claimed his father's life several years ago and hasn't uttered a word since, much to the dismay of his mother (Kim Myers) and stepfather (Peter Horton). His grandfather (Armin Mueller-Stahl) lives with them but suffers from the end stages of Alzheimer's, not even realizing that his wife has passed on. Ryan's best friend Rocky (Michael Angarano, 24 TV series) understands his muteness and doesn't pressure him, just lets him be. Until one day they're crossing an old train bridge and Ryan falls through into the murky water below.
When he resurfaces, everything has changed. Rocky is nowhere to be seen. His home is empty with the exception of his grandfather ...who can now talk! And so can Ryan! Learning that he's in some sort of limbo, Ryan soon befriends a pretty young girl his own age named Melanie (Hayden Panettiere) who shows him the ropes of this unique place. Taking him to the big-top where some freakish mimes play out the fate of people's afterlife, Ryan learns that once you take the plunge on the trapeze, things will never be the same. You either "move on"or you return to the Dust Factory (i.e., life as you knew it before limbo).
Battling his uncomfortable past, Ryan often sees railroad tracks blocking his way (his father was killed at a railroad crossing) and must force himself to move onward instead of looking back. He is helped tremendously by his tricky grandfather and, initially, by Melanie. But grandpa can't stay in this place forever, a sad but necessary thing, while Melanie refuses to leave (will she become a mime herself if she never leaves?) Ryan battles for Melanie's soul as much as his own and soon comes to terms with what it means to live life to its fullest.
Although exceptionally predictable and not very well acted, the bizarre afterlife world created here makes for some interesting post-film discussion with your tweens. Parents will be able to ask their kids what they think the mimes represented. And why was it necessary for the grandfather to move on.
It's a mixed bag as far as films go, but the creepiness of the big-top and its dark tones make up for many of its faults.
slow, gentle
Petie3-29 March 2006
This was slow, overlong but carefully crafted film. Saw on the credits where it was financed by Oregon Lottery money. What's with that? Can I have some? Anyway the acting was a high point as each of the principal characters is capable of delivering tears, quivering chins, furrowed brows, etc and have a good range of emotions. They also have physical skills beyond the usual pretty face as demonstrated by the dance numbers, the skating and hockey sequences, the trapeeze and other physical scenes apparently not done by stunt doubles. It did have a foreign touch to it; Oregon isn't that far from Canada and the scenery and flavor matched several obscure Canadian films. 'Reflecting Skin' comes to mind, and a British film 'Paperhouse' matches it in having much of the film take place in a sort of dreamland. The plot was almost a match too.
Good family movie with a deeper subject matter then most
amy_cartwright7 November 2004
My son and I really enjoyed this film. We went to this movie quite by accident - had never heard of it - but was rated PG! How rare is that in this day and age?
The subject matter is deeper then most kids movies - the understanding of pain, losing people we love, and taking that pain to live life and love life to its fullest, not closing up to die. While this may sound like a downer it is not, the characters learn to embrace and recapture their lives in a very upbeat way.
I think one user said sappy - true. But, personally, isn't it nice to watch a film that is uplifting and makes one think about life, and pain, and living - whether you are 9, like my son, or an adult?
Also, this movie has a certain forgein film quality to it. In my opinion.
The subject matter is deeper then most kids movies - the understanding of pain, losing people we love, and taking that pain to live life and love life to its fullest, not closing up to die. While this may sound like a downer it is not, the characters learn to embrace and recapture their lives in a very upbeat way.
I think one user said sappy - true. But, personally, isn't it nice to watch a film that is uplifting and makes one think about life, and pain, and living - whether you are 9, like my son, or an adult?
Also, this movie has a certain forgein film quality to it. In my opinion.
Hayden P. is so cute. She has a smile that could melt an ice berg
stewartmbsjb24 January 2007
Warning: Spoilers
This film is fantastic. The director has a wonderful imagination. Hayden Panettiere is so cute and boy can she act. Ryan Kelley is also fantastic, but i think Hayden steals the show as Melanie. The story line is a bit slow to start with, but if you keep on watching the film, you will fall in love with Hayden and the way she smiles. The only bit that i don't understand is when the Ringmaster walks over and grabs onto Ryan and tries to take him back to his house. The grandfather is superb. He is so informative. Even though he played a man with Altzheimerz disease, he is well read. Hayden P. is so hot, i would like to meet her, but if i can't get to Hollywood, i hope she could come to Australia to shoot a film.
Great beginning, but...
readinglips15 March 2007
Warning: Spoilers
I'm probably going to be in the minority here, but I don't think this film works. And it's a shame because it's a variation on a genre that I like a lot: someone gets a chance to see what life would have been if they had made other choices ("Peggy Sue Got Married," "Me, Myself & I" with Rachel Griffiths, etc.).
The first half of "Dust Factory" sucked me right in: the teenage boy is a fascinating character (he doesn't speak -- that's not really a spoiler because it comes out in the first 10 minutes), the dialogue is good (the give and take with the young people is surprisingly believable) and the performances are strong, especially considering how young most of the cast is. (And don't forget: any film with Armin Mueller-Stahl is worth at least a look-see.)
But about halfway through, I started getting impatient because I realized I wasn't learning anything by living through their experience. I knew the characters were learning because they told us they were -- but I wasn't experiencing it with them. The best play or film makes the viewer look at the world in a different way. You feel you've learned something about yourself and about people in general. For example, at the end of "Peggy Sue Got Married," I had an insight about how we make choices in life. "Dust Factory" tells us things, but it doesn't let us experience them. The ending is actually kind of nice, but what leads up to it, for me, just doesn't work.
The first half of "Dust Factory" sucked me right in: the teenage boy is a fascinating character (he doesn't speak -- that's not really a spoiler because it comes out in the first 10 minutes), the dialogue is good (the give and take with the young people is surprisingly believable) and the performances are strong, especially considering how young most of the cast is. (And don't forget: any film with Armin Mueller-Stahl is worth at least a look-see.)
But about halfway through, I started getting impatient because I realized I wasn't learning anything by living through their experience. I knew the characters were learning because they told us they were -- but I wasn't experiencing it with them. The best play or film makes the viewer look at the world in a different way. You feel you've learned something about yourself and about people in general. For example, at the end of "Peggy Sue Got Married," I had an insight about how we make choices in life. "Dust Factory" tells us things, but it doesn't let us experience them. The ending is actually kind of nice, but what leads up to it, for me, just doesn't work.
surprise movie
sewrightiam12 April 2005
I just picked up this movie off the shelf because the title was interesting. I had never heard of it before. So I didn't know what to expect. It was really a surprise to find that it was good. We enjoyed it very much. The two main characters were very likable. I wish that they had gone into a little more detail of the circumstances of why they were at the factory but overall a good story about learning to deal with your fears and moving on with your life.
In this world of the big movies with lots of action, drama, sex, it was very sweet. Great family movie with lots to discuss after it is over. Give it a try.
In this world of the big movies with lots of action, drama, sex, it was very sweet. Great family movie with lots to discuss after it is over. Give it a try.
Intriguing look at adolescent grief
wrxsti5420 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I'd give the two lead actors in this movie and the ending 9s but the stuff in the middle only a 5 hence overall 7.
Ryan Flynn (Ryan Kelley - of Teen Wolf fame) is an early teen boy still choosing to be mute 5 years after the terrible death of his father that he witnessed. His grandmother dies and his grandpa is fading with Alzheimer's so Ryan is perpetually sad to the heartbreak of his mother (Kim Myers).
Whilst rollerblading and fishing with his friend Rocky (Michael Angerano), Ryan falls off a rickety wooden bridge and, as he seems to drown, he appears to transition to a fantasy world where he soon meets a beautiful blond early teen girl also in transition called Melanie (Hayden Panettiere). They soon fall for each other and romp and play through an oddball fantasy world where Ryan's grandpa (Armin Mueller-Stahl) is fully functioning and acts as a guide. A focal point of the fantasy world is the method by which participants can return to reality, that is to fall from the trapeze at the circus into a dust circle on the floor.
In his fantasy world, Ryan confronts the horrors of his Dad's death and learns to love and trust again aided by the enthusiasm and positivity of Mel. For what seems an interminable meander through all kinds of fantasies, Ryan doesn't want this endless summer to end or be separated from Mel but he finally realizes he has to return to reality and he enters back into the lake.
He returns from hospital with a broken foot and crutches but miraculously has found his voice much to the pleasure of his mother, stepfather and friends and seems more reconciled to his father's death. And then right at the end of the movie, into his life steps a girl that looks just like Melanie that he initially can't remember and, predictably, they flirt and hit it off. Turns out she is a neighbor's daughter who has been in a coma because of a brain aneurysm! Ryan's joy at the end of the movie is a wonderful contrast to his earlier sadness.
Panettierre puts in a sweet and compelling performance made all the more remarkable given that she was only 14. A very boyish Ryan Kelley was 16 when this movie was made and who, later that same year, won the 2005 Special Distinction Award for his role in Mean Creek. His expressiveness during the mute phase of the movie was superb and he, along with Panettierre, carry the movie brilliantly with compelling chemistry and innocence, in fact their quality acting compensated for the convoluted fantasy portion of the movie. It's no surprise both went on to win excellent acting roles as adults. It's also excellent that this movie takes a rather unorthodox way of trying to explore the issues of death and grief for children and teenagers.
Ryan Flynn (Ryan Kelley - of Teen Wolf fame) is an early teen boy still choosing to be mute 5 years after the terrible death of his father that he witnessed. His grandmother dies and his grandpa is fading with Alzheimer's so Ryan is perpetually sad to the heartbreak of his mother (Kim Myers).
Whilst rollerblading and fishing with his friend Rocky (Michael Angerano), Ryan falls off a rickety wooden bridge and, as he seems to drown, he appears to transition to a fantasy world where he soon meets a beautiful blond early teen girl also in transition called Melanie (Hayden Panettiere). They soon fall for each other and romp and play through an oddball fantasy world where Ryan's grandpa (Armin Mueller-Stahl) is fully functioning and acts as a guide. A focal point of the fantasy world is the method by which participants can return to reality, that is to fall from the trapeze at the circus into a dust circle on the floor.
In his fantasy world, Ryan confronts the horrors of his Dad's death and learns to love and trust again aided by the enthusiasm and positivity of Mel. For what seems an interminable meander through all kinds of fantasies, Ryan doesn't want this endless summer to end or be separated from Mel but he finally realizes he has to return to reality and he enters back into the lake.
He returns from hospital with a broken foot and crutches but miraculously has found his voice much to the pleasure of his mother, stepfather and friends and seems more reconciled to his father's death. And then right at the end of the movie, into his life steps a girl that looks just like Melanie that he initially can't remember and, predictably, they flirt and hit it off. Turns out she is a neighbor's daughter who has been in a coma because of a brain aneurysm! Ryan's joy at the end of the movie is a wonderful contrast to his earlier sadness.
Panettierre puts in a sweet and compelling performance made all the more remarkable given that she was only 14. A very boyish Ryan Kelley was 16 when this movie was made and who, later that same year, won the 2005 Special Distinction Award for his role in Mean Creek. His expressiveness during the mute phase of the movie was superb and he, along with Panettierre, carry the movie brilliantly with compelling chemistry and innocence, in fact their quality acting compensated for the convoluted fantasy portion of the movie. It's no surprise both went on to win excellent acting roles as adults. It's also excellent that this movie takes a rather unorthodox way of trying to explore the issues of death and grief for children and teenagers.
Very Confusing
Clkdreamer4021 August 2005
I'm sixteen and I just watched this movie. I didn't really understand the plot. It felt too slow and just had no point. In some ways, it was boring because everything was too perfect. I didn't really understand the whole thing with the circus and the black hole. The only thing I understood was that the grandpa lost his Alzheimer's when he was in the place between heaven and earth and he became friends with the girl. This movie made absolutely no sense. Someone reviewed that this movie was original, but I've seen ten million other movies like this. They go to a new world which is perfect, but they have to go back. There's also the "loss of a loved one" element in this movie. I'm hoping that one of these days the people writing scripts will create an understandable and original movie.
Interesting story, comes across a bit muddled, could have been much better.
TxMike6 June 2006
Warning: Spoilers
I had not heard of this movie but came across it at my public library. It seemed like an interesting, enchanting story, my wife and I watched it last night along with a teenage neighbor. While we enjoyed it, most of the time we were puzzled by what was shown and what was said. We weren't sure what the point was, but in the end it probably can be summed up, 'If you are afraid of dying, then you probably also are afraid of living.'
Ryan Flynn (Ryan Kelley) has just lost his grandma, had already lost his dad in a train accident, and now his grandfather was incoherent. Traumatized, young Ryan no longer spoke, although he could have. In an unusual sequence he meets a pretty and happy girl Melanie (Hayden Panattiere) in his somewhat familiar surroundings, but things just aren't the way they seem to be. What follows is Ryan's examination of his fears of dying.
SPOILERS. The incident that begins the journey into the 'dust factory', a place where you can either jump off the trapeze and get caught, then fly away (die and go to heaven), or fall into the dust pit and return to normal life, is when Ryan falls off a train bridge into the water. When he surfaces and goes home, grandpa is now lucid, and Melanie is there too. But this is not his real world, it is more a purgatory. Grandpa is really incoherent, Melanie we learn later is in a coma, and Ryan is about to drown. When grandpa dies, Ryan and Melanie recover to the real world, where they don't quite remember what happened at the 'dust factory', but seem to know something good has happened.
Ryan Flynn (Ryan Kelley) has just lost his grandma, had already lost his dad in a train accident, and now his grandfather was incoherent. Traumatized, young Ryan no longer spoke, although he could have. In an unusual sequence he meets a pretty and happy girl Melanie (Hayden Panattiere) in his somewhat familiar surroundings, but things just aren't the way they seem to be. What follows is Ryan's examination of his fears of dying.
SPOILERS. The incident that begins the journey into the 'dust factory', a place where you can either jump off the trapeze and get caught, then fly away (die and go to heaven), or fall into the dust pit and return to normal life, is when Ryan falls off a train bridge into the water. When he surfaces and goes home, grandpa is now lucid, and Melanie is there too. But this is not his real world, it is more a purgatory. Grandpa is really incoherent, Melanie we learn later is in a coma, and Ryan is about to drown. When grandpa dies, Ryan and Melanie recover to the real world, where they don't quite remember what happened at the 'dust factory', but seem to know something good has happened.
Sappy script almost saved by terrific actors...almost
BeatriceofMessina21 October 2004
I saw the film two weeks ago at a screening and Ryan Kelley and Hayden Panettiere are terrific young actors who are normally very natural on screen, but even their exuberance for the material did not transcend the syrupy goo of the dialogue. The always sublime Armin Mueller-Stahl's well modulated performance almost kept the film from making a resounding thud, but even his prowess was undercut by an overtly cutsie score by the usually talented Luis Bacalov. The music felt like every Disney-fied, cliché-ridden score cut together into a mish-mash of saccharine, sugar and Nutri-sweet.
Writer/director Eric Small who is the executive producer of Penn & Teller's fantastic Showtime series, "Penn & Teller: Bulls**t" made a sad misstep here. Perhaps being surrounded by such grow-up fare as Penn & Teller made him nostalgic for the silly daydreams of his youth, but tempering the sugary story with a touch of cynicism would have kept the wonderful premise of the film from falling into the marshmallow-fluff pit in which it currently wallows.
Writer/director Eric Small who is the executive producer of Penn & Teller's fantastic Showtime series, "Penn & Teller: Bulls**t" made a sad misstep here. Perhaps being surrounded by such grow-up fare as Penn & Teller made him nostalgic for the silly daydreams of his youth, but tempering the sugary story with a touch of cynicism would have kept the wonderful premise of the film from falling into the marshmallow-fluff pit in which it currently wallows.
A Mess
Gondor11429 March 2005
Warning: Spoilers
SPOILER ALERT!!!!!!!!!
"The Dust Factory", a movie written and directed by Eric Small, is a text book example of why most independent films remain independent: they are poor movies. The whole plot of this story is lacking. Two kids (Ryan Kelley & Hayden Panettiere) get trapped in some type of purgatory. However, this paradise hell, as you could call it, happens in the middle of their life!? Even the acting can't save this movie. Hayden Panettiere, the girl who braved it in the classic movie, "Remember the Titans", and the cute, "Raising Helen", is just seen dancing by herself unstop of a lake for half of the entire movie. Ryan Kelley, though brilliant in his own scenes, has no chemistry whatsoever with Ms. Panettiere. Then comes the grandpa of the male role: he is suppose the wise figure of the movie but all he does is walk into closets. However, the worst character in the book, is the villain: the evil circus guy who owns the Dust Factory. He is purely laughable! What are the good things in the movie? Nice scenery, great cinematography & the fact I only had to see this movie only once!
"The Dust Factory", a movie written and directed by Eric Small, is a text book example of why most independent films remain independent: they are poor movies. The whole plot of this story is lacking. Two kids (Ryan Kelley & Hayden Panettiere) get trapped in some type of purgatory. However, this paradise hell, as you could call it, happens in the middle of their life!? Even the acting can't save this movie. Hayden Panettiere, the girl who braved it in the classic movie, "Remember the Titans", and the cute, "Raising Helen", is just seen dancing by herself unstop of a lake for half of the entire movie. Ryan Kelley, though brilliant in his own scenes, has no chemistry whatsoever with Ms. Panettiere. Then comes the grandpa of the male role: he is suppose the wise figure of the movie but all he does is walk into closets. However, the worst character in the book, is the villain: the evil circus guy who owns the Dust Factory. He is purely laughable! What are the good things in the movie? Nice scenery, great cinematography & the fact I only had to see this movie only once!
"The Dust Factory" an excellent, inspiring, family film!
bocaproduction25 April 2005
Warning: Spoilers
"The Dust Factory" was for me one of the finest allegorical films about life, death, and loss, that I have ever seen.
It presents this theme in a story that is entirely suitable for both children and adults. "The Dust Factory" is charmingly sentimental without being sappy, maudlin, or too scary for a younger audience. I applaud Eric Small's fine writing and direction.
I appreciated and enjoyed this film more than I did "Finding Neverland," yet it only shows what a difference that a good distribution deal can make to insure a successful movie. While I read a consumer review of the film that said they saw it in a theater, I have also read that it went "direct to video." If the former is true, I don't understand why "The Dust Factory" didn't open and play to a larger audience? I recommend this film to any and all, and can only hope that Eric Small has a long career to continue following his dream and inner vision.
Gary Myers BOCA PRODUCTIONS
It presents this theme in a story that is entirely suitable for both children and adults. "The Dust Factory" is charmingly sentimental without being sappy, maudlin, or too scary for a younger audience. I applaud Eric Small's fine writing and direction.
I appreciated and enjoyed this film more than I did "Finding Neverland," yet it only shows what a difference that a good distribution deal can make to insure a successful movie. While I read a consumer review of the film that said they saw it in a theater, I have also read that it went "direct to video." If the former is true, I don't understand why "The Dust Factory" didn't open and play to a larger audience? I recommend this film to any and all, and can only hope that Eric Small has a long career to continue following his dream and inner vision.
Gary Myers BOCA PRODUCTIONS
Most Dreadful Movie Known to Man-Kind
MrsRWeasley11 February 2006
Well, like I said. This movie is the most dreadful movie known to man-kind.
The movie jumped around and left you confused. The plot was forced, and barely ever made sense.
The acting was horrible. No real emotions whatsoever. Everything seemed forced.
Whoever directed this movie should NEVER get to direct again. Because if his/her movies are anything like this one, they should be put to shame and kicked out of Hollywood.
If you go a lifetime without seeing this movie, it will probably be the best thing that happens to you.
The movie jumped around and left you confused. The plot was forced, and barely ever made sense.
The acting was horrible. No real emotions whatsoever. Everything seemed forced.
Whoever directed this movie should NEVER get to direct again. Because if his/her movies are anything like this one, they should be put to shame and kicked out of Hollywood.
If you go a lifetime without seeing this movie, it will probably be the best thing that happens to you.
Danger-Philosophical-Requires Functioning Brain Cells
aimless-463 September 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Contrary to popular belief, films do not have to be dumbed-down for children. Much of the pleasure they get comes from puzzling out complex plot developments and recognizing subtle details. And there is actually a small sub-genre of children's films (mostly independents) that challenge young viewers to use their imaginations and film viewing skills.
"The Dust Closet" joins "An Angel for May" and "Restless Spirits" as the best recent examples of this type of film. These films have a hidden depth to their story and storytelling technique that will interest even the most sophisticated viewer-provided that they retain at least some of their childhood capacity for wonder. The weak vote count probably reflects viewers unable or unwilling to deal with a film that requires some mental energy and a few functioning brain cells.
Ryan Flynn (Ryan Kelley) is a teenager who has refused to speak since seeing his father killed at a train crossing. Ryan's father died when Ryan was nine years old, but not before he passed on a passion for astronomy to his son. But now Ryan is having trouble connecting with astronomy, symbolized by his inability to find the man in the moon his father drew for him. Like an impressionist painting, the moonscape becomes meaningless when viewed close up through his new telescope.
Ryan's family takes care of his grandfather (Mueller-Stahl), but Ryan barely knows him because he has had Alzheimer's for a number of years. Ryan hangs out with his best friend Rocky (Michael Angarano), and they communicate fine nonverbally. Rocky does not question Ryan's silence-he just accepts it. Things dramatically change one day when Ryan falls off a bridge and into a lake while roller-blading. When he surfaces Rocky is gone and everything is a little off-kilter. His grandfather is completely recovered and living alone it their house, which was his originally. They have meaningful conversations and his grandfather tries to pass on advice on how to get the most out of life. Ryan meets a pretty girl his own age named Melanie (Hayden Panettiere) who can ice skate on the surface of the lake-even though to Ryan it is summer and the lake is not frozen.
The story is basically told from Ryan's point of view and we learn along with him that this new reality is a place called "The Dust Factory". The film is an allegory (the expression by symbolic means of generalizations about human existence) about the process of living; much like "Groundhog Day". The idea is that most of us just go through the motions of living (each day is just a repeat of the day before). The themes are basically the same, the importance of having the courage to live life to the fullest and to get the most out of each day.
"Groundhog Day" illustrated this by having one day keep repeating itself for the main character . "The Dust Factory" does it by creating a symbolic place between life and death. This place is populated by all those in a coma state, their bodies are alive but their conscious mind is no longer functioning. These people are allegorical and meant to symbolize those who are not living a full life. The circus ring is the point where people finally decide whether to get on with living or to get on with dying (a line borrowed from "Shawshank Redemption").
Either choice is a valid alternative depending mostly on what stage you are at in your life (the grandfather chooses death-the teenagers choose to live for a while longer). The wrong thing is being stuck there in limbo, afraid to risk it in the circus ring. Such people are called dawdlers and symbolize the day-to-day existence of many people. But "The Dust Factory" is also a place where people can pull back and take an objective and distanced look at their lives; seeing things from this perspective allows them to recognize things (like the man in the moon) they were too close to see before (can't see the forest for the trees). Those who come back have no conscious memory of the place (they have been dreaming while in a coma) but subconsciously retain things they have learned; like the Grandfather's advice to not forget that you are on a quest for paradise, and that a fear of dying or hurting keeps you from letting go of security and really living. It takes some work to sort this film out and it probably should be viewed several times because it withholds a lot of its pleasure from the first viewing. The cast does a first-rate job. Panettiere is unexpectedly effective. In her prior film work, her extreme self-assurance overwhelms the character she is playing and works against her performances. Here she plays someone who uses a cocky attitude to hide her fear and insecurity. This multi- dimensionality connects with viewers who then relate to the protectiveness Ryan develops toward Melanie.
The movie goes out on a painfully sappy duet "Someone Like You," performed by Panettiere and Kelley (she can sing-he cannot). My advice would be to hit the off button very early in the closing credits.
Then again, what do I know? I'm only a child.
"The Dust Closet" joins "An Angel for May" and "Restless Spirits" as the best recent examples of this type of film. These films have a hidden depth to their story and storytelling technique that will interest even the most sophisticated viewer-provided that they retain at least some of their childhood capacity for wonder. The weak vote count probably reflects viewers unable or unwilling to deal with a film that requires some mental energy and a few functioning brain cells.
Ryan Flynn (Ryan Kelley) is a teenager who has refused to speak since seeing his father killed at a train crossing. Ryan's father died when Ryan was nine years old, but not before he passed on a passion for astronomy to his son. But now Ryan is having trouble connecting with astronomy, symbolized by his inability to find the man in the moon his father drew for him. Like an impressionist painting, the moonscape becomes meaningless when viewed close up through his new telescope.
Ryan's family takes care of his grandfather (Mueller-Stahl), but Ryan barely knows him because he has had Alzheimer's for a number of years. Ryan hangs out with his best friend Rocky (Michael Angarano), and they communicate fine nonverbally. Rocky does not question Ryan's silence-he just accepts it. Things dramatically change one day when Ryan falls off a bridge and into a lake while roller-blading. When he surfaces Rocky is gone and everything is a little off-kilter. His grandfather is completely recovered and living alone it their house, which was his originally. They have meaningful conversations and his grandfather tries to pass on advice on how to get the most out of life. Ryan meets a pretty girl his own age named Melanie (Hayden Panettiere) who can ice skate on the surface of the lake-even though to Ryan it is summer and the lake is not frozen.
The story is basically told from Ryan's point of view and we learn along with him that this new reality is a place called "The Dust Factory". The film is an allegory (the expression by symbolic means of generalizations about human existence) about the process of living; much like "Groundhog Day". The idea is that most of us just go through the motions of living (each day is just a repeat of the day before). The themes are basically the same, the importance of having the courage to live life to the fullest and to get the most out of each day.
"Groundhog Day" illustrated this by having one day keep repeating itself for the main character . "The Dust Factory" does it by creating a symbolic place between life and death. This place is populated by all those in a coma state, their bodies are alive but their conscious mind is no longer functioning. These people are allegorical and meant to symbolize those who are not living a full life. The circus ring is the point where people finally decide whether to get on with living or to get on with dying (a line borrowed from "Shawshank Redemption").
Either choice is a valid alternative depending mostly on what stage you are at in your life (the grandfather chooses death-the teenagers choose to live for a while longer). The wrong thing is being stuck there in limbo, afraid to risk it in the circus ring. Such people are called dawdlers and symbolize the day-to-day existence of many people. But "The Dust Factory" is also a place where people can pull back and take an objective and distanced look at their lives; seeing things from this perspective allows them to recognize things (like the man in the moon) they were too close to see before (can't see the forest for the trees). Those who come back have no conscious memory of the place (they have been dreaming while in a coma) but subconsciously retain things they have learned; like the Grandfather's advice to not forget that you are on a quest for paradise, and that a fear of dying or hurting keeps you from letting go of security and really living. It takes some work to sort this film out and it probably should be viewed several times because it withholds a lot of its pleasure from the first viewing. The cast does a first-rate job. Panettiere is unexpectedly effective. In her prior film work, her extreme self-assurance overwhelms the character she is playing and works against her performances. Here she plays someone who uses a cocky attitude to hide her fear and insecurity. This multi- dimensionality connects with viewers who then relate to the protectiveness Ryan develops toward Melanie.
The movie goes out on a painfully sappy duet "Someone Like You," performed by Panettiere and Kelley (she can sing-he cannot). My advice would be to hit the off button very early in the closing credits.
Then again, what do I know? I'm only a child.
this movie is very bad
msegan20 May 2005
tonight i saw a movie called "the dust factory" on a bus from boston to portland, maine. it did nothing to improve the ride. in fact, it was positively, without a doubt, the worst collection of moving images i have ever looked at in my thirty-three years on this planet. the idea that anyone ever thought it was a good idea to make this film is bewildering to me. at best, it is trite, cliché-ridden, interminable and directionless. at worst, it is unwatchable. if it would help, i would offer to pay the director NOT to make a movie ever again. shame on you, MGM, for distributing this cinematic atrocity. and eric small, writer/director? you owe me two hours of my life back.
Confusing And Poor Film
RECB314 March 2024
I did not understand anything about this film at all and I am sure that other viewers would not understand it either. Everything about this film was very confusing and did not make any sense at all. It was extremely difficult to follow. I do not know at all what the crew were thinking when they were creating this film. It was that bad. The storyline of this film was poorly executed and really weak. The cast selection could have been better and stronger. They did not all commit nor connect to the storyline nor to their respective characters. There was no chemistry between the cast members. I do not think the cast members were into creating this film. This film should not have been created.
i just watched this movie
njohnson21417 March 2005
This movie seriously was a great film. The writing and the performances turned in by the young cast were amazing, Working in the movie industry I do see a lot of films and this one was one of the best I have seen in a long time. This movie will probably never win an Oscar but for any sake it should. This movie will tug at you heart strings from the moment you meet the Melanie Character. This movie about the magic land between heaven and earth will really make you think about how you live your life and what you can do better. Hayden Panettiere and Ryan Kelley are a great pair and can actually make you believe this place is real. THe Grandfather Character played by Armin Mueller-Stahl is difficult to grasp why he is even in the picture until the "dust factory" is explained. I do happen to agree with the woman who said it has a foreign film quality to it it does and for once i happen to think it makes a positive effect on the movie.
Beautiful and Enchanting
TheArgentWolf26 September 2005
The trailers for this movie didn't really appeal to me, but as it was a Hayden movie, I ended up buying it anyway, and I don't regret it. It was a beautiful movie, with such a touching storyline, and I found myself crying at the end, because it was so sweet. I think it deals very well with the subject of loss and bereavement.
Ryan Kelley and Hayden Panettiere's performances were amazing, especially Hayden's, as I love the character of Melanie, she's so sweet, and has the ability to make you laugh and cry.
Yes, the storyline was a little predictable, but it didn't stop it being set out well, and performed well.
Ryan Kelley and Hayden Panettiere's performances were amazing, especially Hayden's, as I love the character of Melanie, she's so sweet, and has the ability to make you laugh and cry.
Yes, the storyline was a little predictable, but it didn't stop it being set out well, and performed well.
This movie is touching, emotive, and moving without the usual misery.
Zadanian7 May 2005
This movie discusses topics that may not be understood by all ages, but are certainly suitable for all ages. The basic question of what is life's purpose is a central theme. The movie brings up the notion that life is not a problem to be solved, but rather something to be experienced; finding paradise and total bliss comes at a price, but must be paid. The movie's theme is something that is rarely touched on by most mainstream films, now dominated by empty action films.
The acting was superb. Armin Mueller-Stahl played the guiding, grandfather very well; and Ryan Kelley is easily identified with his character. The filming location in Oregon was beautiful, and fits the film perfectly. In addition, the soundtrack fits scenes well. The plot however at times seems slow, and there seems to be periods of confusion when the audience has to guess what is happening if they missed a single line.
Overall, this movie presents ideas that an entire family should consider, while at the same time presenting it in a new and innovative way. It definitely will reshape your view on life.
The acting was superb. Armin Mueller-Stahl played the guiding, grandfather very well; and Ryan Kelley is easily identified with his character. The filming location in Oregon was beautiful, and fits the film perfectly. In addition, the soundtrack fits scenes well. The plot however at times seems slow, and there seems to be periods of confusion when the audience has to guess what is happening if they missed a single line.
Overall, this movie presents ideas that an entire family should consider, while at the same time presenting it in a new and innovative way. It definitely will reshape your view on life.
See also
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