...deserves much greater exposure than it has apparently gotten so far.
I caught this one courtesy of a DVD loaner from one of the actors involved, with whom I just finished doing a show. I expected little, but got far more than I bargained for. Basically a low-budget dramedy, "The Wayfarers" conclusively demonstrates the talents of an as-yet-unknown auteur, Todd Norwood, and his equally-unknown-but-capable DP, Michael J. Palmer. The IMDb plot summary covers things well enough, so I won't spoil anything by being repetitious. The acting is quite decent, coming from a cast of primarily theater people, with special nods to Bob Jodka as the dedicated lobster fisherman, M.J.J. Cashman as the affably cynical in-law, and Julie O'Connor as the winningly feisty girlfriend. This is not to say that the others do badly; they don't. It's just that these three stood out, imnsho. Also of note is the appearance of William DeCoff, an ex-wrestler/cop/bodyguard whom I'd just run across in the equally low-budget but regrettably incompetent "Feeding the Masses." This guy has a great look and what appears to be a blossoming film career.
"The Wayfarers" suffers a few weaknesses, which is to be expected of a maiden full-length effort. Writer/director Norwood cast his brother as the narrator/ostensible lead and I'm not sure it worked. Now, Chris is a likable fellow, playing his observer part in an amiable enough fashion, but his look in this film is a very Charlie Brown-ish bland, and his range of expression seemed limited. However, I've seen a trailer for his brother's next film, a horror movie currently titled, "Blackwater Farm," and he seems to have grown into his face.
I'm not a big fan of "films" shot on HDV, as most if not all of "The Wayfarers" was. It just doesn't look as good as real film. In addition, some of the editing is naff, but overall this is a remarkably professional and satisfying production. Some of the "bits" seem out of place (notably a nod to Quentin Tarantino's "Reservoir Dogs"), and a few of the scenes just sort of lie there, but if Mr. Norwood can't use this film to get some bankrolled work in Hollywood, there is no justice in the world.
Judging from the quality of "The Wayfarers," I'll be looking forward to "Blackwater Farm" with great anticipation. I recommend "The Wayfarers" to anyone with an interest in quality indie film-making.
I caught this one courtesy of a DVD loaner from one of the actors involved, with whom I just finished doing a show. I expected little, but got far more than I bargained for. Basically a low-budget dramedy, "The Wayfarers" conclusively demonstrates the talents of an as-yet-unknown auteur, Todd Norwood, and his equally-unknown-but-capable DP, Michael J. Palmer. The IMDb plot summary covers things well enough, so I won't spoil anything by being repetitious. The acting is quite decent, coming from a cast of primarily theater people, with special nods to Bob Jodka as the dedicated lobster fisherman, M.J.J. Cashman as the affably cynical in-law, and Julie O'Connor as the winningly feisty girlfriend. This is not to say that the others do badly; they don't. It's just that these three stood out, imnsho. Also of note is the appearance of William DeCoff, an ex-wrestler/cop/bodyguard whom I'd just run across in the equally low-budget but regrettably incompetent "Feeding the Masses." This guy has a great look and what appears to be a blossoming film career.
"The Wayfarers" suffers a few weaknesses, which is to be expected of a maiden full-length effort. Writer/director Norwood cast his brother as the narrator/ostensible lead and I'm not sure it worked. Now, Chris is a likable fellow, playing his observer part in an amiable enough fashion, but his look in this film is a very Charlie Brown-ish bland, and his range of expression seemed limited. However, I've seen a trailer for his brother's next film, a horror movie currently titled, "Blackwater Farm," and he seems to have grown into his face.
I'm not a big fan of "films" shot on HDV, as most if not all of "The Wayfarers" was. It just doesn't look as good as real film. In addition, some of the editing is naff, but overall this is a remarkably professional and satisfying production. Some of the "bits" seem out of place (notably a nod to Quentin Tarantino's "Reservoir Dogs"), and a few of the scenes just sort of lie there, but if Mr. Norwood can't use this film to get some bankrolled work in Hollywood, there is no justice in the world.
Judging from the quality of "The Wayfarers," I'll be looking forward to "Blackwater Farm" with great anticipation. I recommend "The Wayfarers" to anyone with an interest in quality indie film-making.
