The Empty Building (2004) User Reviews

A true testament to storytelling.

[vicspot7 · 10/10 · 5 March 2006]

The Empty building is a really terrific motion picture. Not only is the imagery extremely captivating, the story in a weird way catches you by surprise. You do know you're in for something big after watching the brief story up front and only after watching the entire movie did I fully understand these were individual stories presented under one title. In hindsight, this was rather crafty to do. I won't get into the details, I'd hate to give anything more away and it sure is tough to explain within these narrow margins but the connection between a person and this empty building sets up nicely.

The second story begins seemingly uneventful and takes its time being introduced, although the setup is so out there, you just watch because it's really nutty in a profound way. I found great curiosity wondering where it was all going. And then like a hidden crevice you fall right in with the reality of what this story is all about. I must say, there have been other stories about this topic, but not like this.

I think any story within the empty building would be as inventive as what I watched here and in the end there is explicitly a hint of more topics to come. I hope this makes sense when I say; the biggest story about the empty building is the empty building itself and the topics within are wonderful furnishings. This film is a winner, a true testament to storytelling.

Where everybody knows your demons.

[Jayce · 8/10 · 18 December 2005]

For the past few years, there has been a monthly screening of short films from New York State "Emerging Filmmakers." I saw The Empty Building at the October 31, 2005 screening and it was not only one of my favorites from the series, but one of my favorite short films of all time.

It speaks of the horrors of our modern lives. It speaks of the things in each of our pasts that hold us back -- the subtle and the dramatic traumas that choke off the capacity to live our lives, demanding our attention to try and solve the unsolvable puzzle of how to unchain our present selves from the past. The answer is to change ourselves to accept what happened, but that's not such an easy path.

Thus, there is an empty building where we relive our fantasies and hash out that acceptance. Where we can go to embrace ourselves and our past selves and our successes and our failures. It's where those demons live and where we can look them straight in the eye and say goodbye.

"Wacky" to say the least!

[boberet31 · 9/10 · 22 October 2005]

Throw in "bent" while you're at it. I saw the Empty Building at the Rivers Edge Film Festival just recently and I have to tell you, it is rich in every aspect of film-making. Most intriguing was how they fed the emotional mind-set of the characters visiting the building and what they were up against. My girlfriend and I both felt we visited the building ourselves. It was clearly retrospective. There was a lot going on within the story structure: past and present time, who's who at what age and at times I was confused, but as the story unraveled it all came together convincingly, most especially with the last shot in the movie; simple yet immensely profound. What a high note to slam a story's conclusion with. For me, the established "high end" directors get away with confusing without the risk of being alienated. I watch because there's a sense I won't be let down. Giovanni Sanseviero, the director(and great actor too) has according to his web site, done nothing prior to this directorial debut of his. Wow, we were too glued to even think of splitting. Giovanni deserves a lot for making a film that is by any standards conventional and that's what I guess caught us off guard. His choices are in the line of a handful of these directors that most definitely have their own unique fingerprint to their work. I think and hope Giovanni will be one of these. I scored a 9 out of 10 and the reason its just shy of perfect? It should have been a feature!

Great Pic

[sagactorhire · 9/10 · 6 March 2006]

I saw this film a few years ago while I was screening flicks at the Newport Beach Film Festival. I still remember it and it was great. The direction and imagery laid over the misery of past events seemed almost natural as I was watching it. The audience is connected to the characters through the intense direction of the film and we wish we could save the characters someone from their past fate. The film keeps the audience connected to the characters throughout all shots and intervals. A great director is the making. Everything comes together in the films - the score coupled with the great direction, imagery and actors leads to a great short about such a horrible experience. I look forward to seeing more of his stuff.

Remarkable Debut

[carbonmind · 8/10 · 7 December 2005]

Giovanni Sanseviero has created a truly unique film that uses theatrical devices and a limited amount of dialogue to tell a complex, non-linear story in which the building of the title allows visitors to face buried traumatic experiences. Few first films possess the insight, depth, visual artistry or genuine compassion evident in The Empty Building. The story does not unfold in a straightforward manner, for neither does anyone's personal healing process. Flashback settings are artificially constructed within the building, suggesting the architectural aspect of recalling past incidents.

Sanseviero is not afraid to take his time as a storyteller and avoids obvious methods of exposition. As an actor, Sanseviero honestly portrays Benny's emotional struggle without resorting to any obvious theatrics. His performance matches the subtlety and depth of the film surrounding it. Yet Sanseviero is not out to impress. He has a story to tell and engages the viewer with this need.

What delightful misery

[nycdac · 10/10 · 4 November 2005]

So, it's a month or so since the Gotham Short Film Festival where I found the Empty Building. What I can't get over is how entertained I was by stories of complete misery, misery placed within an artful fully textured setting. I guess because what the film is expressing most is our hope, overcoming the past and moving on with our lives. Giovanni Sanseviero, the Director, did a unique job with it.

Entertaining is a strange word to use on this one because I was really taken by the story more then just being entertained. Simply, I was touched by everything it had to offer. I contacted Giovanni through his web site to pass on a congrats for a job well done. He's a great guy and really into his craft to say the least. He mailed me a couple of DVDs and press-kits as a thank you and that meant a lot to me.

He mentioned ideas for a television series based on the concept of the film. What a smashing idea, I thought.

Ridiculous reality shows with people I'd want to shoot, idiots eating worms, and breathless stupid talk? Oh, God, there is still hope! Ihope Giovanni continues with this idea.

Beautiful Film

[tracy_58 · 9/10 · 26 September 2005]

I do not know exactly what to say for I have never done this, but the movie was stunning. The Great Lakes Film Fest in Erie, Pennsylvania was showing it this year and luckily I had the chance to escape Florida for a while to attend. I have never gone to any type of film festival, so this was quite an experience. There were good movies shown and, of course, a handful of...well, not-so-good movies. The Empty Building was definitely one of the top films. As a side note, the actor/director/writer/... was such a nice guy; he really does appreciate the fans. He is a passionate man and it is really shown in his work.

I'd recommend seeing this film. It is not a waste of time at all. Absolutely beautiful. If you have the chance to obtain a copy, please do so. Share it with your friends. It is worth it.

Close to heart

[brokenflower1031 · 10/10 · 4 March 2006]

The Empty Building is an amazing film by a very passionate man. It deserves all the praise it gets.

A funny and charismatic man, Giovanni knows how to make a film that tugs at your inner soul leaving you searching to find your 'empty building'. This film is definitely worth it! A must see! If you haven't seen it yet, you don't know what you're missing.

Giovanni is wonderful at catching your attention through this emotional roller coaster with incredible detail that will leave any and everyone speechless in the end.

Fantastic job! Two thumbs way up! Congratulations and much success to you and your future!

A real head trip and not to be even remotely expected when taking your seat!

[wmozart · 10/10 · 19 October 2005]

At least, that's what I concluded with following the Davis Film Festival in April. What I found most bizarre was the director's impresario-like interpretation of a world, a place- first and foremost a stage where all events begin and end. The premise of this short story, The Empty Building: smaller stories like vignettes belonging to individuals entering the building and based on their most personal ordeals with life's darker side; traumas of sorts that this building mysteriously has influence over in allowing a person to go back in time and deal with. (great concept!) This mystical power is the twisted stage of the story overall, and demonstrated admirably within a highly-highly visual, analytical and emotional vortex. It's such a wacky film... but it makes sense. And even when clearly staged by outrageous sets, the reality of what's being demonstrated within takes on a jarring effect placing it somewhere between make-believe and the almost all-too-familiar truth. Glad the film's still pushing along! Great work!! 10/10

A Hell of a film.

[C_Bottoms · 10/10 · 24 January 2006]

A DVD of the Empty Building was given to me from a friend whom had watched it at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, FL. Naturaly, I asked what the film was about. He replied blankly, "Just watch it." I now see why he left it open the way he did.

The Empty Building is about the personal things we push aside and cover up. The least of things we'd want to be known and be judged by when looked upon by others. It's either purposely or otherwise that we judge, it's human nature to do so, and the thought of being ridiculed or judged unfairly in a hurtful way is what moves one to "Cover up" and make like all is calm and normal.

What amazed me most about this film, other then its top-notch production value apparent from the get-go, is how the things we hide about ourselves is so apparent in the story. What has hurt Benny, the main character most is so undeniably without pretext and handled with an exquisite and genuine honest manner. I just so much understood what this person was hurting from even though I never experienced what happened to him, not even remotely.

Everything in the film, both artistically and technically is what pulls it off. Every phase of the film is a layering of re-confirmation that constantly guides you to remain in tune and vulnerable to what it is it's feeding us with.

Empty Building is one of the most, if not the most personal film I have ever seen. And when combined with it's presentation of a dreamy fantasy world all within a building, it becomes so engrossing, you're left with reflecting how human we can still be while in a world that sells all but that.

I've read the director is working on a TV series based on this story or the concept of Empty Building as an ongoing series. YES-YES-YES, these are correct plans. Best of luck.

A real treat to watch and wonder...

[Patsy_B-548 · 9/10 · 12 February 2006]

Fabulous film-making, it was quite engaging. A real treat to watch and wonder. Felt more like I was exploring much like the characters. At first, I felt a little uneasy with the subject matters then realizing this is real stuff, it's life and the characters struggling for better understanding is a great dimension of mankind...hope. The Director, Giovanni handled things with great sensitivity and honor for the events depicted and never playing with emotional strings. He also exhibited great imagination to set up the story and where it all takes place. Bizare, Bizare! (Outstanding actor I should also mention. People will come to know his talents.)

Make more stories about people confronting the building. It will probably help a lot of people too. I think you'd like that. Thank you,

Patsy B.

Unbelievable!

[ReedKalisher · 10/10 · 14 January 2006]

The visuals are awesome, the concept is so creative. This film restores 'art' to the industry. After being pummeled with (so called) 'reality' programming and 'space aliens', it is a pleasure to watch this film delve into something more real and human. Without any 'spoiler', the last 60 seconds will tie together any lose ends you may have.

Discussions with Gio on the techniques, history of the film, actors and time spent were enlightening. The film truly explores inside the mind of a 'human being' who has been seriously (mentally) scarred in his youth. The multitude of thoughts as to 'how to deal' while growing up show the turmoil we can go through. Some of us succeed in dealing, others do not. This (40 minute) short has the potential to go on as a special (MOW), a series (weekly) or a feature. I hope everyone has a chance to see what kind of great work can be found in the world of 'short' films.

Reed Kalisher

A great ride

[udailydum · 9/10 · 5 March 2006]

A really good piece of film work here. Much like the other comments, I found it very entertaining to sit through. By far one of the better films I got my hands on involving independent filmmakers and their abilities to tell a story. Clearly the most inventive. I'm glad to see there was more effort in creating then just throwing a story together. Tons and tons of detail and a command for taking you aboard for a stirring ride. This could not have been an easy film to do.

This is the Director's first film, nice nice way to start a career. There should be more coming, I'm sure of this. He says things that make you think instead of just showing with a predictable formula. Wake up you other wanna-bee Directors. Start with this film and get it right.

Great all-around film

[nyctaxi · 9/10 · 25 October 2005]

Caught the film at the Gotham Short Film Festival a couple of weeks ago. I was blown away by the story and art filled scenes-- one beauty after another. Strong contents involving the mind set of people having todeal with their early years where problems occurred, big big problems. All within this weird building where anything goes. Excellent Production values from top to bottom. This film is strange and gets stranger by the minute but there's something there that keeps you watching.

Great acting from the director Govanni Sanseviero. This man has talent in many fields. This film works!

This film gets a 10 for the acting alone!

[in-step · 10/10 · 8 November 2005]

Great Method Acting ... is there such a thing anymore? Giovanni Sanseviro's performance was most remarkable even while given the constraints of also being the director, writer, producer, plus one of the executive producers, and even the production designer?

Reading the credits at the SoCal Film Fest., Huntington Beach, I had to laugh thinking how in the world could he concentrate on his character to a level of apsolute per-fec-tion? I've seen many films with the directors giving themselves the lead role and mucking it up with sucky acting and obvious self-concerning moments smelling of demo reel. Giovanni's performance was subtle, poised and pure while still very intense and powerful. I was reminded of a young Pacino in Scarecrow, and even the God Father scene when "Michael" executes Sollozzo and the Police Captain. These types of actors are the old-school types that are a stratosphere ahead of the way-over superfluous over-glorified types of today. And man, they're all over the place. If you enjoy good acting, good honest acting, see Giovanni in the Empty Building.

Great work, intense. Way to go, 10 for the ticker!

nice nice work

[franny-66 · 9/10 · 4 September 2006]

I was really blown away from the intensity of the film. It is a real grabber once you get into it. It's a strange setup right from the beginning and it does lurk deeper and deeper into its own world. I was absolutely taken from the subject matters it used to show what the building was all about.

I'd like to know how the director came up with such a twisted idea: a building people go to to relive terrible memories. It's not that this concept is so hard to come up with. Many stories have characters going to places to find themselves. It's just the world that was created behind the door that really made it so interesting to watch. That coupled with how people can see and communicate with themselves at the time when the events took place, different dimensions of themselves, really really interesting.

Great acting, great camera work, great music! I see a series is being worked on? How befitting!

Reasons for my "10"

[Ipoppy81 · 10/10 · 7 March 2006]

There are three reasons why I gave this film a ten.

This is one of those films that are as offbeat as they come. Nothing is to be expected here, and surly not a Hollywood formula. You'll love it or you might just be walking out of the theater thinking, "What the #*$%?!*! was that about..? And even if that, you'll still want to gain sense of it because instinctively you'll feel it had something to do with you. The film forces communication with a part that distinguishes us from all other species and that its very own formula goes beyond those that merely rouse our adrenaline or funny bone.

Then, the subject matter; people reliving dreadful moments for a better understanding of whom they now are because of it. In a world that seems to always be pushing for the think forward "sell" … "Buy this, do this, think this and you'll feel better," this film thrives on clarifying the things we've already done and for this, truly becoming a better person through self-understanding. Given the arduous nature of what these moments are like, (heightened intensely with one example within the story,) this film is one of the most daring and successful attempts at self-awareness, hands down.

And last, for the film's production values, superb. It's so evident how much care was applied both behind and in front of the camera. The direction was poised and well-mannered allowing the overflowing details to set in and play an enormous part of the overall story and its objective. If not for anything else, they help keep a viewer in focus by consuming their desires and expectations as a living witness to the events and not just as some reactionary spectator.

The Empty Building is a gem that you'll ultimately be adorned by. And in time you'll come to realize it was there only to remind us of the greatness we are and seem to sometimes forget about.

An excellent achievement.

[Kissofrose21 · 9/10 · 25 October 2005]

Its to no surprise Empty Building is still on the festival circuit. I had had the pleasure of watching it at the Newport Beach Festival back in April 04. I had a thought about it and was moved to look it up.

Its hard to describe a film knowing I'll fall short of mentioning all the layers mandatory for an accurate description. These layers are what made it so appealing to watch and remember so easily. There were the immediate distinguishable ones: the superb cinematography, art work and wonderful acting, the biggest contributor here being Giovanni Sanseviero. So convincing and genuine was his performance, without it the sell of "a world people in need of going to" would have been terribly disrupted.

But in my view the area containing the most generous of layers was the story, more so the idea within the story; a once familiar world now abandoned and light-years away but still within reach to regain and be guided by. I still remember this. An excellent achievement.

A good all around flick

[a-hellos · 9/10 · 13 March 2006]

The quality of this film really surprised me. I was expecting to be sitting through another so-so film at the Socal Film fest and this was not the case for sure. Without question, one of the top ones there. Giovanni Sansevero, the director, was on hand and it was nice to see someone representing the film. He gave me a DVD and when I got home I watched it again. Quite a few times since.

There's so much to take in (lots of quick reverses on the remote if y-k-w-I-m) with fantastic sets, great acting, and mind blowing story. He acts in it too and he really grabs you with his talent. I think this was his first film. He really set a bench mark for himself. he was talking about a TV series based on the story? That works, I could picture a cool series here. Get the film and see what I mean. I recommend it highly.

Indy films are great.

[d-fridgit · 10/10 · 11 March 2006]

A copy of this film was given to me by a guy I was sitting next to on a Boston red-eye to New York. After watching the film I later realized he was the director and star. All he said was he was promoting a film he really enjoyed watching, so I guessed maybe a sales rep. I wish he could of autographed it because that would of made my DVD that much more special. I'm not much of a film person and hardly knew what an Indy short was as he described it being, "It's personal, not product". That was an understatement. I have never watched this type of film before, one that got so personal. It was very interesting to watch. I was even a bit spooked by the intensity of it but in a good way. I have a great admiration for what he put together. Thanks to him I have a much greater understanding of films that aren't as popular as the big ones but offer a lot to be touched by. I am very happy to have sat next to him. Best of luck.

Intriguing little movie

[knortham689 · 9/10 · 25 October 2005]

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...

Refinement

[greatlakes909 · 9/10 · 10 March 2006]

I saw this film at the Santa Cruz Film Festival a while ago. It won Best Short and that was no surprise. I'll avoid colorful adjectives with the exception of just one… stunning.

I appreciated the director's attempt at presenting a film that was well rounded. It was pleasant to the eye while very truthful in its exploration of dealing with life's mishaps. Given the subject matters it was at times considerably blunt which I was happy to see. It wasn't glazed at those moments maybe other directors might sidestep in fear of narrowing an audience appeal. Fearless storytelling, it went head-on.

In fact, sitting in the audience, I was really taken by the intensity everyone watched with. It made me feel secure because I was doing the same. Outright truth and even an uncomfortable awareness accepting the things depicted nailed everyone into their seats. I felt ease to continue feeling this way, feeling no safer then the characters on the screen, which is why it was so easy to relate to. Those characters were me, or just as easily, the people sitting around me. At the conclusion, what was most remarkable was how the director summed things up. He demonstrated this with one moving image. No words at all, no big bangs, no fancy camera-work. In fact nothing was said to try to hit us over the head. And holy cow, with his method of complete silence, a picture, and our interpretation, he gave a further definition to the word, refinement.

If you must go out of your way to see this film, go right ahead. You'll only want to share it as an example of you.

Very enjoyable

[Randolph_4 · 8/10 · 5 April 2006]

A very enjoyable film by a thoughtful film maker. Great care went into this piece and it proves hard work can pay off. I liked the ideaa of a building where everything people are dealing with takes place. It was smart to keep it in the building and not go to different places like different locations. It intensified the stories by recreating locations. It had a twisted feel. I liked the sets very much. And the acting was very professional. I highly recommend seeing this film also because of the story. And that really makes it a winner for me. Very very enjoyable!!! I got a great press kit with mine. Lots of interesting information. Very funny how the director got his hands on this building in NY city. Very brave to take such a chance.

A fault or two but still a nine.

[rlasalla · 9/10 · 17 March 2006]

I found a couple of faults with the film somewhere bordering around the writing and story structure. Not that it was so much a mistake, but maybe simplifying a section or two might of allowed the story to flow a bit better. Maybe this was intentional because it is curious how this 'fragmentation' that I'm calling it paralleled with the physiological setbacks the characters were fighting with. Sanseviero, the writer-director, took on a hard task to emanate pain, analytically speaking. You don't really show it outright although this is a visual art, so I can understand the intricacies. He does still manage to get this across well

With this aside, I still cannot help give the film a score no less then nine.

Some others have mentioned how hard it must of been to put together a film like this, I completely agree. Having worked on many productions, I'm aware of what it takes to pull off a successful production, even at a 101 level: straight narrative, common story lines, ordinary locations, minimal dressing, and where the camera basically sits on sticks and rolls. Its a hair puller to do. The Empty Building is anything but this and I can only imagine the insurmountable hurdles in a logistical sense. If you've seen the film, you'll understand what I'm referring to.

As for in front of the camera, the final product all the other stuff boils down to? Well, splendid, just really splendid. The cinematography is rich in texture while floating in and about. (This is a DP's dream to do). The music, sound design, editing, all terrific contributions. The acting is very powerful. There's the woman's story in the beginning, short in comparison to the second story but well done and very convincing. The other story with the different actors representing "Benny" at different stages in his life, all these performances were terrific to watch. The youngest of them, nice nice work, and the adult version played by the director himself, excellent, an excellent performance. I hope he's contributing his craft to some other projects. I've bought a DVD which comes with an impressive presskit. I'm giving it to my girlfriend for her birthday and I know she'll love it. For her sake she better not ask why I've never worked on such a beauty … I'll have to kill her ;-)

Buy the DVD!!!

[twogals-1 · 9/10 · 13 October 2006]

The Empty Building will impress you with an alternative means of storytelling. It is not typical and if you're open to experimenting with the film's reality, you'll find yourself in it's world. The world is bothersome and ugly. It is a dark world of the unspoken and that's what I found really interesting. I welcomed it with curiosity and with the anticipation that there could still be light at the end. The film did prove this very well and in it's own strange way.

The scenes are so staged, they become truthful when roped with the sad predicaments some people find themselves with.

You may start with resisting The Empty Building reality. In the end, you'll be leaving the building as a true visitor and witness of the world's unspoken events.