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rhodimer
Reviews
Love Conquers Paul (2009)
Surprise!
I will choose to go to a smaller indie film over a big popcorn flick any day. And sometimes I am let down by the lack of acting prowess that tries to support a deep script... but in this case... not the case. In fact when I read the synopsis I was a bit doubtful about the premise. It just seemed like something I'd already seen in the past that didn't work. In this case I think that Brendan Bradley's performance took a character that would seem unlikable, and unbelievable, and made it work. Like the 40 year old virgin, who would believe that that character would even exist, not to mention be someone you would find endearing. It's all about the acting, and this movie had that going on.
Until Next Time (2007)
Feature Quality Short
I've been to many blocks of shorts in film festivals. Typically shorts are a grand concept poorly shot on minidv and acted, well, in a less than convincing manner. Until Next Time was so far ahead of the shorts in it's festival and shorts that I've seen before that I thought I was watching a feature film. I was very disappointed that it was only 20+ minutes long. I wanted more.
The film was shot very well, on 16mm I believe. In B&W. Adding to the feel of it's period. The camera movement, lighting and overall look were very well done. Nothing was overdone.
The story, like a parable, was simple enough to keep any viewer involved yet had deeper levels for those who could relate and prefer depth. The dialogue was just right. Not a bit more than necessary which for me is nice because it leaves you searching the actor's faces for answers. And the answers were there. This was made by a savvy set of filmmakers.
Ten 'til Noon (2006)
Creatively Solid
This is a great indie film. And when I say indie, I mean true indie. Not a huge budget, big studio film with "A" list actors trying to "keep it real." More about using a clever plot device (or several) great directing and sharp acting. The script I felt was well written with several memorable lines in it. Rare these days. The humor was a bit shocking but a refreshing departure from the "safe" old used jokes of it's contemporaries. The performances were solid, skating between stylistic and realism which is a tough line to ride consistently while keeping believability, again, good directing.I enjoyed it and would definitely suggest it.
Severed (2002)
I feel great
I own this movie. I bought it for $3.99 at a fairly major video retailer in order to do some "indie"" type movie research since I had just finished my own feature and was editing it. Now when I feel down about my skills as a first time director I just sit down with a plate of cookies and Severed. Within minutes I feel great!!!
I hate to down talk another filmmaker so I'll just use constructive criticism. 1. Find good actors. Take the time. It really helps. 2. When shooting video, over light your scenes and darken in the computer later on in post. 3. Closeups are better for Video. 4. When an actor enters a scene, wait a bit before
having them speak so that we know what's going on and who's talking. 5. Never show the back of a door while we wait for someone to come open it. Damn well worth the $3.99
The True Horror would be getting the reviews Severed has here on IMDb. And you have to give these guys credit... they did get distributed.