Rush

Rush was a masterfully crafted film.

I went into the theater with an aversion to all things racing. My butt was only in the seat for two reasons: 1. There wasn't any other movie showing with an interesting trailer. 2. Ron Howard won over Machete Kills.

The difference between this and other race movies was the time given to developing the relationships between the characters. Usually, the drama is secondary to high throttle action--don't get me wrong, there is plenty of action--but this film is tricky. It is based on real events and the filmmakers actually develop human characters.

Rush has the proper distribution of action, sex, and drama to keep the average movie goer, and typical "car guy" alike, satiated.

The look of the film was beautiful as well. DPs/Cinematographers/Colorists should see it for the look alone.

To The Woods

To The Woods from Jon DeMonte on Vimeo.

A sound design project for class.

Escape from Tomorrow

This was a bizarre movie. My interest was peaked because of their unique methods of production--i.g. filming without permission incognito at Disney World on DSLR--but I was happy to see greater production value than images invoked by those defining principles. This was well thought out to achieve the level of production it accomplishes without permissions, equipment, and especially under the stress of film making down low.

I don't really want to give away any of the plot. Besides, I'm not sure I could really reveal much besides what happens sequentially. I could hint at meaning but I think it is best to discover the film unadulterated. I recommend Escape from Tomorrow to all movie goers and would say it is a must see for all film makers.

The Zeroth Law

I'm working on this new short about Reciprocal Determinism and what it is we inherit exactly as we all cool to an even temperature as a society.

When feminine influences mix with sadomasochistic machismo of the past, what do we end up with?

Is it this cold calculated corporatism we all consume and clutter on along to?

What does it take to start anew?

Blue Jasmine

I really liked this movie. The ending left those that I watched it with feeling unsatisfied, but I think the ending of all things was most satisfactory for me. It was different and didn't leave you with an uplifting arch but a haze of probability. I felt the narrative did a great job of conveying the main character's state of mind and engaging the viewer emotionally.

I only did enough reading on the film to know it was a Woody Allen film. It was satisfying to realize halfway through that it was a re-imagining of A Streetcar Named Desire. It is so different, however, this knowledge going in couldn't ruin it. You're probably going to love it or hate it--and those are usually the best films because they inspire a passionate debate.

I highly recommend Blue Jasmine.

Watch it and then track down a copy of A Streetcar Named Desire.

Grip: Grissly Hand

worked as a grip on the Country Singles music video for the Grissly Hand.

Beware of a Holy Whore

This film is interesting to watch with a group of informed film critics--which is how I viewed it earlier this evening. However, I'm not sure I would recommended it--even to passionate cinephiles. Even "insider" knowledge going in rendered a painful experience probably best reserved to filmmakers and know-it-alls.

The film is composed of very long static shots (without a lot happening within the frame) which eventually lead to claustrophobic tracking shots. The cinematography and editing gives you the impression that time has stopped and you become very aware of the seat beneath you.

The characters all seem unable to cope with their feelings. Their frustrations are released through violent or sexual outbursts. The only outlet for these sad individuals is the film, they are lost without it. The few times they are barely active is on set. There we only see them setting up as they never seem to make it to a take without fighting or rambling on some tangent.

The only time the director seems able to articulate his thoughts is when describing the shots, motivations, and meaning of his film--his art--which has become an utter disaster and will probably never be finished. His inner turmoil goes on unbeknownst to all parties involved--unless, perhaps, you take a close listen to his descriptions of the film he is making.

Pursue with caution.. BEWARE of a Holy Whore.