Brad Silberling, the writer/director of Moonlight Mile', is in this indie picture too, in a cameo appearance as a guy in the shower'. His brief performance is hardly noticeable in the movie, except only when it comes to the credits roll, his name is the only one that stood out. Having helm such A' Hollywood pictures as City of Angels', Casper', and directing episodes of hit TV series like NYPD Blue, Judging Amy, and Felicity among others, my initial reaction is to wonder is this really the same Brad Silberling, or some other bloke who bear the same name. Having confirmed his involvement' in `Valerie Flake' from IMDB, I have taken the liberties to make some observations, i.e. comparing Silberling's Moonlight Mile' with `Valerie Flake'.
`Warning: Spoilers ahead'
There are many obvious similarities between the two in terms of thematic elements, characterization, and the plot development. The main protagonist of both films are presented as widows who seems unable to deal with the sudden bereavement of their loved one, crash in to stay with the in-laws, encounters a new love interest in a new environment, and eventually reveals to the surrogate parents (the in-laws) that it is not holy matrimony between his/her spouse all along. It is the underlying secret', the obligatory revelation and the tremendous guilt that is bore by both Joe Nast (play by Jake Gyllenhaal in M.M) and Valerie Flake that drives the core of both films. Hence, I can't help but speculate how much of Moonlight Mile is influenced by the earlier film, although it has been said that Silberling's film is based on his personal experiences after the murder of his girlfriend Rebecca Schaeffer.
Moonlight Mile' is a much better crafted film, in terms of the production values and the high caliber of acting talents, graced with acting heavyweights Dustin Hoffman, Susan Sarandon, Holly Hunter, and the already mentioned Jake Gyllenhaal of Donie Darko' fame. Not to discredit the acting in Valerie Flake, as Susan Traylor did manage a restrained and consistent performance throughout the length of the movie, which keeps me engaged to the story and her character nevertheless. I see it as some sort of a triumph for the underdog, where the likes of Traylor can bag the title role of a movie, playing a sexually charged character that would have traditionally been tailor made to the likes of glossed out beauties ala Julia Roberts (Erin Brockovich) or the Jenny from the block. The choice in casting, together with the filming locations, gives Valerie Flake a look' of raw edge, a heightened sense of reality that complements the story. Such elements can never be found in the otherwise bigger and slicker looking Hollywood productions.
However, the dichotomy of Valerie Flake is that the strengths are also its flaws, given the overall amateur acting, the lazy static camera work, and many other aspects of the production. With a budget of $500,000, I am expecting more from the filmmakers. Look at what Robert Rodriguez can do with $7,000 in `El Mariachi'. The final outcome of Valerie Flake looks more like a final year student project rather than a good independent film made by professionals. Irregardless, credit has to be given to the very original script and Susan Traylor. Themes such as the frustrated artist being unable to relate her work to and communicate with her spouse strike a particular personal chord with me. Weighing the pros and cons, I give `Valerie Flake' a 6 out of 10.
`Warning: Spoilers ahead'
There are many obvious similarities between the two in terms of thematic elements, characterization, and the plot development. The main protagonist of both films are presented as widows who seems unable to deal with the sudden bereavement of their loved one, crash in to stay with the in-laws, encounters a new love interest in a new environment, and eventually reveals to the surrogate parents (the in-laws) that it is not holy matrimony between his/her spouse all along. It is the underlying secret', the obligatory revelation and the tremendous guilt that is bore by both Joe Nast (play by Jake Gyllenhaal in M.M) and Valerie Flake that drives the core of both films. Hence, I can't help but speculate how much of Moonlight Mile is influenced by the earlier film, although it has been said that Silberling's film is based on his personal experiences after the murder of his girlfriend Rebecca Schaeffer.
Moonlight Mile' is a much better crafted film, in terms of the production values and the high caliber of acting talents, graced with acting heavyweights Dustin Hoffman, Susan Sarandon, Holly Hunter, and the already mentioned Jake Gyllenhaal of Donie Darko' fame. Not to discredit the acting in Valerie Flake, as Susan Traylor did manage a restrained and consistent performance throughout the length of the movie, which keeps me engaged to the story and her character nevertheless. I see it as some sort of a triumph for the underdog, where the likes of Traylor can bag the title role of a movie, playing a sexually charged character that would have traditionally been tailor made to the likes of glossed out beauties ala Julia Roberts (Erin Brockovich) or the Jenny from the block. The choice in casting, together with the filming locations, gives Valerie Flake a look' of raw edge, a heightened sense of reality that complements the story. Such elements can never be found in the otherwise bigger and slicker looking Hollywood productions.
However, the dichotomy of Valerie Flake is that the strengths are also its flaws, given the overall amateur acting, the lazy static camera work, and many other aspects of the production. With a budget of $500,000, I am expecting more from the filmmakers. Look at what Robert Rodriguez can do with $7,000 in `El Mariachi'. The final outcome of Valerie Flake looks more like a final year student project rather than a good independent film made by professionals. Irregardless, credit has to be given to the very original script and Susan Traylor. Themes such as the frustrated artist being unable to relate her work to and communicate with her spouse strike a particular personal chord with me. Weighing the pros and cons, I give `Valerie Flake' a 6 out of 10.