Reviews
The Troubled Interviewee (2002)
A funny and joyful film, Funny all the way through
"The Troubled Interviewee" the premise An incompetent new filmmaker wants to try his hand as an interviewer, with half an idea he sets out to find a willing subject. From the start you know it will be a humorous film, as the new filmmaker starts his project he pans the camera from his car to show how unpopulated the area is and as he points it out the back window you get more of his back seat and he comments, "Well, my back seat is not populated anyway." There are many deadpan deliveries that Anthony pulls off very well.
He approaches a girl and with clumsy and inept questions he stumbles along but actually gets her to agree to let him into her house, after she starts talking you see why. As the interview progressed I was grinning the entire time. I didn't know which was more funny, the girl, who was artfully played by Rebecca Lynne, which could have been a case file for a psychiatrist, or Anthony as the interviewer who sees he has gotten in way over his head. They follow no script which is fantastic imagination on both actor's parts. Plus, with no script, you will be surprised at what comes next as it does not follow a boring Hollywood template.
Unstable (2005)
A Movie to Make You Think
After the third watching I went through the ending in slow motion to figure out (maybe) Jim shot himself. I first thought he shot Anthony, or it could have been Wade, or he could have stormed back to the campsite to shoot the person he thought was the killer. The picture of Jim and Bobby confused me more. Had they been lovers or friends once? Was hate the real reason for the killing? Was Jim really the killer?
I read through the IMDb site looking for clues to what I had missed. I read the two external reviews and comments.
The one reviewer I didn't agree with when he wrote that "Spadaccini uses a curious recursive premise to set up the film". I thought that was a clever addition. How I took it was here is an up and coming film director and that explains the constant use of the video camera even when the situation most people would have turned the cam off. I think it lent more authenticity to the film. The difference I felt between this film and "Aftermath" was instead of feeling like a part of the moment, I felt voyeuristic. I did identify with the character Anthony as being caught between two loyalties and trying to remain neutral but tense as he sees the situation unfolding and he cannot stop it without a dramatic severing of one of the friendships. Anthony played it well with the emotions. I felt that he had been in situations similar to this one as his portrayal was spot on. There never seemed to be acting, and again I had to reassure myself that this was not real, it was a story in a movie.
I would have like to have seen more background of the characters, instead of repeated people telling Jim to lay off Bobby I would have liked to see them ask what is up between them or find out why he really hates him.
Aftermath (2005)
Cinema Verite (literally film truth) at its best,
"Aftermath" Is So believable, it did not seem like a movie. It was like I was invited along and then became familiar with the characters and became part of it. I knew I was too engrossed in the film when towards the end when Steve made a derogatory remark to Jim, I actually said aloud to Steve "Ah come on guy." Like he was going to hear me. Excellent acting, the emotions, the postures, the characters were each like someone I knew. I would find myself checking the DVD case to make sure it was a story and not a true event unfolding before me.
Cinema Verite at its best, "Aftermath" could be used as the consummate definition of this style. The story line is one many can identify with and was handled very well, again with great true emotions. To be able to elicit such a great range from the actors and to be able to portray them himself, I would compare Spadaccini to Robert Altman in his directing of "Gosford Park". With no script the actors must have had confidence in Spadaccini to be able to get the story across through them. Spadaccini should be applauded for directing them so well and allowing them the freedom within their characters. The actors are a very astute and talented ensemble,I have seen some of the higher paid actors not able to do what they did.
I liked how the use of the difference of color and B&W mix. Such as when Anthony was pondering what to do with what he knows, The cuts from him looking at the phone, to just standing under the shower, great editing to capture that angst. I also liked the natural interaction and familiar touches, like the cats at play, people making real jokes and laughing naturally. Even the line of "You threw away my Tater Tots," gave it a realism, and connection usually found in Stephen King's novels. The intro was captivating, the music fit nicely. The music all the way through kept the right tone. When the movie ended I became aware that I actually felt connected with the characters like I had known them awhile.
Monday Morning (2005)
One of the best shorts I have seen
"Monday Morning" has to be one of the best shorts I have seen.
It was hilarious.
The bed scene was fantastic, the movements of Nate Edwards fit so well I laughed aloud.
The style of the old silent films was perfect for this. This is one of the movies I will take with me when I visit with friends so I can show them, as I know they all will enjoy it.
I found this film similar to those Funny home video shows, or the humorous video clips you can find on the internet and want to share them with everybody. You will want others to watch this one also. I would like to see more of this style, very enjoyable. I think this is funnier than most of the SitComs playing today and would like to see one of the independent stations to pick this up for when they need a short filler.