I had the opportunity to see this and meet the director at the New Orleans Film Festival. Of all the movies shown which ranged from documentary, sci-fi, drama, romance and comedy this one really stood out for me. The style and cinematography were incredible. The story is witty and will make you rethink your views of the social scene and even love. It is the stories great concept that really challenged me to look at things differently. I won't give away any of the story. It's something you just have to experience to fully appreciate the work and talent put into this. David Drach brings a unique and interesting flavor that has been void in many movies today back to the big screen. I can't wait to see what's next for David Drach.
16 Reviews
Sex in the City-30 Years Later
Bobby25 March 2005
Amazingly perceptive. I think the director must have peeked into the lives of so many of my single friends (of any age). He's captured their sense of lossnot so much lack of sex as the absence of companionship. Just loneliness, pure and simple. And as shown here, it's the lengths people go to reach out to others that makes LAST CALL so poignant and unforgettable.
Insightful as it is, I also found the film's bittersweet realism a bit unsettling at timeslike watching a sneak preview of "Sex in the City-30 Years Later." In less-skilled hands, this might have been a snide sitcom or soppy soap. (It's not at all.) From yet another perspective, its surprisingly surreal elements, both in direction and camera work, lift it into that rarefied ozone layer of a classic Art film (in English but with a Gallic sensibility).
Despite the short length, LAST CALL achieves what standard features rarely accomplish in over twice the running time. I was tremendously moved. You will be too
Insightful as it is, I also found the film's bittersweet realism a bit unsettling at timeslike watching a sneak preview of "Sex in the City-30 Years Later." In less-skilled hands, this might have been a snide sitcom or soppy soap. (It's not at all.) From yet another perspective, its surprisingly surreal elements, both in direction and camera work, lift it into that rarefied ozone layer of a classic Art film (in English but with a Gallic sensibility).
Despite the short length, LAST CALL achieves what standard features rarely accomplish in over twice the running time. I was tremendously moved. You will be too
Henry James-esquire
joseph-panetta8 April 2005
It is said that any true art allows the viewer to interpret it in his or hew own way. There is no right or wrong interpretation. What I found most compelling about Last Call were the following 2 things: That like Henry James' The Turn of the Screw you are not really sure if this is all actually happening, all taking place in a single mind or as part of a collective consciousness among the people in the bar/home. And, the exploration of all forms of desire among a group of "not so young" patrons. The concept that even at this age, people can still maintain, grow and explore all forms of sensuality and sexuality is very appealing - kind of makes me feel that there is sex after 50! Clearly the actors were treated so well and with much love - it comes through in the film.
old love, new love
degen-224 March 2005
Last Call is a psychologically unsettling film, confronting as it does that most endemic of human fears- dying alone, or unloved, or at the very least, without the knowledge of what perfect sexual passion can be. Yet it has at it's heart a kind of divine comedy and a loopy, unabashed, even childlike sense of possibility: To be hopeful that, at age 70, 75, 80, love is just around the corner, or at the end of a phone line, is quite a feat of optimism, and this film is brimming with exactly that kind of youthful anticipation. Ultimately, it's an uplifting experience. The performances range from comically absurd to genuinely touching and affecting, the costumes and production design are sleek, sexy and powerful in an octogenarian way, and the cinematography is moody, unflinching, and true to life without ever seeming unkind to it's subjects. Some people will be put off by the notion that 'Oldies' still yearn for love, and remain interested in the rituals and discoveries of seduction and yes, sex, but many more will be wise enough to look down the road at their own futures and find a new empathy and compassion for the 'senior citizens' they see- or rather don't see- every day.
Filmic Champagne
fubertini24 March 2005
Right from the first frame, Mr. Drach displays his vivid imagination, sparkling style and a splendid sense of irony, together with a socially aware attitude that transcends the usual clichés about age. His film is fun, rousing and a startlingly humanistic look at what might be, if we all shared a generous, more enlightened view of the generations that came before our own.
The look of the film belies its modest cost which testifies to a close collaboration between the director and his cinematographer for intention and effect are wedded seamlessly, a gift to both the film and its audience. Not many short films are able to so quickly make their point and arrive at that point in so entertaining, lively and surprising a fashion.
One wishes for more from such a fresh viewpoint, so we can only hope that this brilliant filmmaker can find the means to continue on his chosen path and that we can join him as he constructs each film signpost along the way.
Have a look and then a second; it's well worth the time. Just be careful with the bubbles.
The look of the film belies its modest cost which testifies to a close collaboration between the director and his cinematographer for intention and effect are wedded seamlessly, a gift to both the film and its audience. Not many short films are able to so quickly make their point and arrive at that point in so entertaining, lively and surprising a fashion.
One wishes for more from such a fresh viewpoint, so we can only hope that this brilliant filmmaker can find the means to continue on his chosen path and that we can join him as he constructs each film signpost along the way.
Have a look and then a second; it's well worth the time. Just be careful with the bubbles.
last call
erikaesast28 January 2011
I loved the film ,dynamic and haunting, it managed to keep me gripped and perplexed until its wonderful, unexpected and tender climax.The final look ,which without saying a single word managed to say everything, really moved me. At no matter what age we may meet, our bodies and minds are home to all kinds of desires and fantasies. Physical decay may reduce our movements, but not our anxieties ,dreams and fantasies. Like how a single look can hold so much desire and happiness, defeating the passing of time and reminding us that elderly people with their decaying bodies,are still dealing with the most intense human passions in their minds. Brilliant ,deeply thoughtful and a cry of hope. A beautiful film ,wonderfully sensitive. Thank you.!
Fun, intriguing, and beautifully executed
cabriolet26 March 2005
This film won't take you very long to see, but it will leave a lasting impression. It's bright, witty, and reflective of the realities of today's society with an edginess and sophistication that tells you you're in the hands of a master filmmaker.
The actors are fabulous and the script is sharp and witty. The ending is unforgettable. I loved all the little lines and nuances that made it worth watching twice. It's a compact piece that looks like it was fun to shoot and yet has all the impact of a much larger project. I particularly liked the colorful costumes and the way they brought the innovative set to life. I thought the actors were amazing and had the pleasure of meeting several of them at the screening.
I can't wait to see this writer/director's next story.
The actors are fabulous and the script is sharp and witty. The ending is unforgettable. I loved all the little lines and nuances that made it worth watching twice. It's a compact piece that looks like it was fun to shoot and yet has all the impact of a much larger project. I particularly liked the colorful costumes and the way they brought the innovative set to life. I thought the actors were amazing and had the pleasure of meeting several of them at the screening.
I can't wait to see this writer/director's next story.
A Clever Twist on the Plight of the Aging in America
MarcEaston26 March 2005
This film takes you on a pseudo-sexual journey through the eyes and minds of several virile seniors. What you think you are getting at the beginning is not with what you will leave. Kudos goes to the director and his creative staff for approaching this heavily debated topic with such fearless creativity. A quality film should evoke the thought process and possibly release repressed fears and anxieties. The surprise ending should leave the educated viewer questioning his or her own personal views on the plight of the aging in America. If this is a 15 minute journey, I cannot wait to take a full-length journey with this man.
original and fascinating idea
sjw2126 January 2011
Charming and different. Terrific actors who are obviously very professional as I recognized many from film, TV and stage. An intriguing original idea. In wonder how many seniors would be interested in this video dating. It speaks to the difficulty of meeting new people in the big cities and elsewhere. Of course loneliness is a problem for the elderly. The twist at the end is startling and fascinating. I understand it was shot at a bar that actually does video dating and has the set up for that. I was surprised these places were actually real. It also show that seniors have needs and desires and age does not dim these needs. Basically everyone needs someone. Young people are not alone in this search.
an excellent film for all to enjoy
omemed29 January 2011
What a remarkably insightful look at life, done with taste, humour, elegance and intelligence. This film should be required viewing for every 18 year old. It should be shown in nursing homes. It holds up a mirror in a brilliant way to a society fixated on beauty, casual sex, and ostentation. When we hear these lines spoken by the actors in the film, we can hear ourselves saying them, we can sense the ridiculousness of our own behaviour in similar settings. All technical aspects of film have been managed to perfection and the result is a gem of a film that one wants to see over and over again. Bravo to its director, the fantastic actors and everyone involved in this wonderful film.
A new talent
films-963-48775229 January 2011
I liked this film very much. At the beginning, it is mysterious and we don't know precisely what it is about. And progressively, we enter in this movement. It gets fascinating. Those old characters appear very accurate. The camera is excellent, the light is brilliant , as well as the sound editing and mixing. At times, one thinks of images of paintings like James Ensor's.
This film is the work of a very talented director who has a real sense for getting the best from actors, creating a strong atmosphere. It is unusual, innovative, far from all sorts of "cliches". I believe that this director should soon write and direct a feature film.I expect it with confidence.
This film is the work of a very talented director who has a real sense for getting the best from actors, creating a strong atmosphere. It is unusual, innovative, far from all sorts of "cliches". I believe that this director should soon write and direct a feature film.I expect it with confidence.
So many nuances in each scene that I discover a new "Last Call" every time I watch it
pisani-963-55995929 January 2011
I discovered "Last Call" thanks to a friend who has a DVD and showed it at a party at his place. Everybody loved it and had a personal interpretation of the story narrated by this remarkable short movie. I'm not telling more about the plot to avoid writing a spoiler and also because it wouldn't do justice to the many perspectives each viewer can see in it. I admit that, from time to time, I like to watch it again to find a new jewel hidden in the acting, photography, editing and set design. You might see some influence from other works in the "sometime in a different future" atmosphere created in the bar where the story takes place (Brazil, by T. Gilliam; Blade runner, by R. Scott) but this never steals the scene from the actors and distracts from the essential dialogue between the different characters that will find, all together, a common destiny at the end of the movie. "Last Call" is a compact masterpiece of cinematography.
bad film, and that's a compliment!
leobachman200526 December 2005
i was at the new Orleans film festival and saw this horrible movie. I'm not sure who directed it and seeing all the user comments, i'm wondering if these guys are just friends of the filmmaker. This is not a witty movie but rather boring and slow- paced. The story is really not compelling and I never believed in the characters. Rather, i was looking at my watch. The visual is "artsy' and 'pedantic". Just a waste of my time, really. This is not a comedy! People think that the story line is witty, I guessed all the twists and plots ahead in advance and I'm pretty gullible usually. But this film didn't do anything for me and I totally forgot about it after I left the theater. I guess it's a bad sign. Two thumbs down.
Young At Heart
royalhassel-128 March 2005
David Drach beautifully captures the essence of what it means to grow old and grow weary from knowing the body is failing the youthful spirit. The "gang" of older folks in Last Call represent all of us, regardless of age, in our fears, our desires and our needs.
Mind over matter is what Last Call prompts in me, and I for one look at people around me, young and old, with the knowledge that we are all human beings, equal and the same, and yet fiercely individual. Common for us all is that we deserve respect, despite our inevitable demise. This short film makes this abundantly clear.
Last Call inspires thought and provokes emotions and will stay with you for years to come.
Mind over matter is what Last Call prompts in me, and I for one look at people around me, young and old, with the knowledge that we are all human beings, equal and the same, and yet fiercely individual. Common for us all is that we deserve respect, despite our inevitable demise. This short film makes this abundantly clear.
Last Call inspires thought and provokes emotions and will stay with you for years to come.
last call for not much
caseyburns929 December 2005
One wishes for more for more talent in such a film! The actors looked like they're fresh from acting class! Amateurish! Come on, the filmmaker could have done better. Apart from some rare funny seconds, I thought this film was a bore. I didn't find it refreshing but rather stiff and stale like old bread. When a user said ' the filmmaker is brilliant"? Come on, this is a bit much! I find it rather ironic that someone would call this film brilliant. Is this a joke? or people have lost their minds? I saw a lot of good films at the festival but this one didn't do much for me. The title intrigued me at first but it should be really named: " last call for no much to see" !
LAST CALL is to Movies What a Dream is to People
sunluc24 March 2005
- It packs in a lot to unravel in a short period of time. The music is as alluring as the visuals on this one. I wanted to listen to it over and over as much as watch it repeatedly. I found myself doing double takes as one surprise after another came into sight and sound. There is life in these 12 minutes like there is life in a rich dream. This film is a metaphor for aging, youth, sex and intimacy. It's sexy and hot and will make the young and old rethink their lives and their relationships and encounters in and out of the futuristic bar room. My only frustration was that I wanted to see more. I didn't want the dream to end or to wake up so soon... I can only say to the filmmakers, wow --give us more!
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