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Tickling Leo (2009)
A family's Secret - un-folds, un-winds and touches . . .
An endearing and very engaging fictional family's ties and hidden history , linked to an actual historic event [ the Kasztner train rescue of beleaguered Hungarian Jews in 1943 ] .
The attendees and myself viewing this very dramatic movie , at The Stony Brook Film Festival this weekend , could not help but be drawn into the interwoven plot lines of a family's secret , and it's impact on individual family members. What unfolds before you is a story of past choices that not only impact and shape those involved in a life and death struggle to survive , but the psyches and values each fall back on as they navigate their own way through life .
Generations from family patriarch , Emil Pikler [ expertly played by actor Eli Wallach ] , his sons Warren and Robert , and grandson Issac - "Zak" interplay , as years of emotional knots and protective walls start to unwind and come down . The inherited genes are subtly displayed , linking family traits ( i.e. love of the "game" - baseball , stubbornness , etc. ) . Yet , it's the impact of seeing a traumatic event take place that sets the stage for the knots and walls to be formed , and hence , individual actions and reactions on one's own life path [ navigating through the cosmos ] .
Eli Wallach is indeed an American theatrical and dramatic institution . (93 years young and still giving us engaging performances. Mazel tov ! ) . Lawrence Pressman gives a fantastically warm performance as the beleaguered and scarred son , Warren . Look for Daniel Sauli , portraying the grandson Zak , ably backed up by his girl friend Delphina ( Annie Parisse ) , who slice us through the plot lines and family history . Kudos as well to Ronald Guttman , as the counter-point brother Robert , who brings shaded comic release and vivid stark reality to the varying situations .
This presentation could apply to a multitude of families whose members have survived WWII ( or other horrific family altering conflicts ) . It's the untold stories ( and secrets ) that may yet haunt and contort warm and strong family ties , causing sad separations . Perhaps , some secrets and histories are better kept hidden . Sadly , many are dying off with their holders , as generations pass away.
Gauging the audience's reaction , this entry should capture at a top prize at the festival , and do well as it's released to the public . Director and writer Jeremy Davidson has constructed a moving and emotional vehicle to be enjoyed with your own families (regardless of nationalities, religions, creeds , etc . ) . Meanwhile , here's to living ( on ) , and to Life ! L' Chaim !
All the Days Before Tomorrow (2007)
All (about modern Life) the Days before (reality and ) Tomorrow (kicks in)
Nice first-time effort by Francois Dompierre . Kudos to him, actor Joey Kern , and Lindsey Davis , Art Director for staying after it's East Coast screening at the Stony Brook Film festival for the Q & A .
The frustrating , platonic "love story" was a little slow in developing , but tended to become more fleshed out as the movie wore on and the character's traits and aspects were revealed to us in the audience . The use of the dream sequences with Richard Roundtree , were somewhat vague , but did tend to lead into the next chapter or vignette .
The desert landscapes spoke volumes of the "relationship" between the two main characters Wes (Joey Kern) and Alison (Alexandra Holden) . Warm and enticing , yet empty and foreboding . This non-committal "dance" between the two directly echos many , many relationships in our modern , fast-paced materialistic world . (Many that i have personally encountered ,and with some of my friends) . Bravo to Francois to presenting this movie in such a way, yet leaving the "possibilties" open for something more substantial in the future .
The acting was top - notch , as they lead us on their journey's of evolving , maturing , and feeling out what "fits' in the present , and what might be a "best" fit .... for each one in the future . ( I can certainly see continued success for both Joey & Alexandra ) .
For the average film - goer , this film may be a bit tedious and frustrating ( as was evidenced in the crowd around me ) . I would recommend this more for an artsy , thinking , engaged viewing crowd , who recall having youth and time on their side , floating through modern life ...... before tomorrow ..... Life ... and the overhead theater's lights ... kick in !
Man in the Chair (2007)
Terrificly Timed Tapestry tying Young & Old - the Rising & the Declining ...
I just got back from the Stony Brook Film Festival , in which "Man in the Chair" , made it's New York premiere .
Excellent Oscar worthy performances turned in by Christopher Plummer [ Best Actor ] in the role of Flash , a former gaffer for Orson Welles and M. Emmet Walsh [ Best Supporting Actor ] in the role of Mickey , a forgotten , award winning screen writer . Both roles revolved around the young high school movie enthusiast and budding filmmaker, Cameron Kincaid [ played by Michael Angarano ] .
The evolving plot(s) not only take you into his world of a teen-aged student and "peer-pressured" lower class adolescent , but weave into our current societal "maladies" of throwaway , and discard-able "living remnants" all around us . The "remnants" to include the elderly (their abuse and sad state of being forgotten and being "discounted" among family , and society - at - large ), dogs ( and pets ) in general , that are abandoned by humans ( and their fate amongst the heap of "the remnant pile" ) , and "old Hollywood" memories , personal pictures , cameras , equipment , "secret gathering places" with loads of history and nostalgia ( lost to modern methods , means , and maniacal quests for mega-money ) .
You leave the theater with these topics in mind , forever floating as the "tapestry" of them has been woven right before you . As with the elderly , for anyone who has seen Micheal Moore's "Sicko" , this movie ties nicely into the bigger aspect on not only health care , but the elderly's forgotten "value" and skills and attributes , that one day shone brightly in the world , and may be tapped into again , if only asked . Most importantly , we ALL will be elderly , ... someday !
Pets were linked to the throwaway theme , and screams loudly at other "items" that we once care for and may care and love us , unconditionally back .
Sadly , noting the many , many "little people" that so profoundly produced the celluloid epics we have loved on the silver screen for generations . That they "may" have been listed in the flashing credits at the end of every movie , but yet played an everlasting part to bring us memorable film magic . Their stories, their memories , their memorabilia , mostly discarded and forgotten . Yet , just as integral a role as the finest Actor and best Director on a memorable film . As Flash put it in the film , " we "others" who didn't socialize with the "uppers" , but took just as much pride in the wrap ! " .
I leave it to you and your experiencing the film ,to encounter who THAT man in the chair IS , and what responsibilities , sacrifices , and amounts of time and love are required , to be , there . As a society , we are : the rising younger generation , and please ponder , with this film , their ties ( our ties )to the declining , enriched generations , we will someday become .
Good luck to Micheal Schroeder and his ensemble in an award worthy winning film .
Easy (2003)
Not so easy , but definitely a wake-up call
Have to concur with pythonking, a pretenious art house flop indeed ! Caught this feature at the Stony Brook Film Festival, last night. The "hollow" crowd reaction at film's end did indeed echo my own assessment of a cliche' ridden and drawn out relationship journey. I get the feeling that there may be more of a West coast-East coast dichotomy at work here. Free LOVE ( at a cost ! ), and a "lacking" morality.... when further delved upon , seem to stand out to those involved [like the brightest of highway billboards] , yet seemingly and blindly passed over by most of those involved , like non-stick teflon brain tissue ! Marguerite Moreau , although a talented actress , falls short in this faux pas , with a weak supporting cast. Again, perhaps us "eastcoasters" have a harder time grasping others missing the obvious and a lack of patience , there of. Gauged my own reaction to those of others in the mixed and diverse crowd screening it there. In discussion with many college students in attendance there, most left with gaping mouths, but waking up to the joys and truths of : Trust , family , monogamy & common sense and sensibilities !
The Rocket Post (2004)
a tiny movie with an explosive impact
A wonderfully thoughtful and involving movie that leaves an imprint well beyond it's initial liftoff. Based on a true story , one of the many "small" stories prior to WW II , that lend an understanding to the mindsets of the majority of common man cultures, impacted by others perceived as former enemies and perhaps future foes, with the darkening of war clouds on the horizon. Viewed at the Stony Brook Film festival, the film was enthusiastically received . Well written and expertly cast. The characters were most believable and drew one in to experience their trials and tribulations.
Water's Edge (2003)
Tense, edgy drama ... soaked in mystery
Nicely paced drama with tense to intense moments. Excellent casting and location make for superb ingredients of an unfolding rural mystery. The human conditions of broken dreams, empathy, greed, and love play major roles in fleshing out the characters brought together in this small place, in this small moment ... in time.
The major characters of Robert, Molly, and Rae flow downstream in increasing torrents of emotional whitewater, as jutting rocks of sex, murder, and deceitful suspense reveal themselves. Nice "Hitchcock-tonian" touch applied with a goateed Daniel Baldwin playing the shrewd small-town Mayor. [ What better way to accentuate a drama/mystery than applying a 'lil Daniel .... with those piercing blue eyes !?! ]
In my opinion, the climax was a bit "watered down" , but as in Life ... all is not as we might have hoped for , but as we have wrought , going up... only .... to the edge .
Good move by the producers to change the title to the present one from the former ... "Wicked Season" . Vive la Canadiens ! Bringing us all .... to the Waters Edge ....
Resistance (2003)
engrossing tale from pre-liberated Belgium
Best dramatic work by Bill Paxton since "Apollo 13" and " A Simple Plan", and Julia Ormond's ( since her limited role in "Legends of the Fall" ). Engrossing and believable WW II tale . I personally viewed this film at the kick-off of the Stony Brook film festival. GREAT choice by SB's Director Alan Inkles ! This film may appeal more to an older crowd ( with a sense of having lived through earlier wars ), but a packed house with spontaneous gasps , oohs and ahhs tells more of it's involving appeal . The young Belgian actor portraying a disenchanted child of a Nazi collaborator and a shallow mother almost "steals" the movie, as an emotional soundboard of this edgy drama. Well done ... well worth your time !
The Jimmy Show (2001)
Depressing, downward spiraling, emotionally draining movie
... Must admit well acted, but "dark" & depressing film portraying a wannabe stand-up "comic" .... with no clue toward humour. Viewed this film at The Stony Brook Film Festival. One of a "book-end" weekend topping off another Frank Whaley vehicle ... "The Pursuit of Happiness". Frank (and his brother Robert, as his Tops boss Mr. Slocum) & his buddy Ethan Hawke stand out in this film as hopeless "common men" ... stuck in a rut of Life's problems and of no seeing any chance of rising above it. Frank (Jimmy O'Brien) sees a calling as a stand up comic, but a mix of stage fright and overwhelming domestic problems, put him in a trance, undermining a "true" escape from his downward spiraling Life. See it for the acting (which is top notch), but as with earlier comments, if U need a feel good and less tragic movie see Frank Whaley in "The Pursuit of Happiness" .
Dinner and a Movie (2001)
Inspired story of the trials and tribulations of film making vs. a personal LIFE and missed interactions (i.e. Love life, et al )
A wonderfully produced and directed film about inspired film making. In order to present your vision on the silver screen, are you willing to sacrifice MORE of your vision and values (to complete a commercial venture) in order to gain the next step in completing ur "pinnacle" film ? Do personal sacrifices really weigh in against reaching that vision "film" ?? These are just some of the conflicts and dichotomies wonderfully explored, and presented to the movie viewer as it enticingly unfolds before you. Truly an enchanting film that appeals both to the regular movie-goer and hits chords of those within the industry. A "fresh" and must-see film for our age. Well acted ... well plotted .... and attention holding. Kudos -----> Lisa Kors and crew !!!
Don't Let Go (2002)
excellent movie that draws U in ...and doesn't let GO !
Great Mix of emotions, believable characters, family in dysfunction ,facing LIFE and GUILT, youth growing into adulthood, and period pieces (harkening back to the emergence of Rock & and Roll, and specifically here--> Rockabilly ! ... an underrated unique American invention ( i.e. see Ken Burn's Jazz docuementary)). Director Max Myers & cast have truly made a must-see epic, that renders one so involved with the film, u become one with those and that being portrayed. A timely film, hitting on emotional chords in these times of patriotic and homespun yearnings. I personnaly viewed it at it's NY premiere @ the Stony Brook Film festival. The crowd reaction following the movie and my personal talk with writer & director Max Myers, at a reception the following day cemented my opinion on this film and the extrodinary , yet humble and exacting efforts of all involved. See it for yourself ! U as an American and film connisuer owe it ... to yourself!