I recently attended The New Jersey Film Festival in Asbury Park, New Jersey. My main interest in going was to watch Minimal Knowledge. I had heard a great deal about the movie and I had been interested in watching in for a long time, but it was making its round in the Independent Film Festival circuit. Finally, Minimal Knowledge it came home! The wait was well worth it. Minimal knowledge is unlike many independent films. The storyline and the characters are rich, full of emotion, depth, and unique. The storyline revolves around re-incarnation, a topic that is not really seen in the mainstream, but handled extremely well in this picture. The charaters created entice you and propel into the movie. De la Fuente and Miko along with the rest of the cast illicit an array of emotion that leaves you with no choice but to become a part of them, to feel for them, to love them, to hate them. An example of why I felt this to be true can be seen when we meet Matty's (de la Fuente) neighbor Rosa (Iraida Polanco). Although Rosa is a supporting role, we learn a lot about her. She can be seen as a mother-figure to Matty, who has no parents in the film. Even though Rosa has a son, she is closer to Matty; she extends motherly love and advice where and when he needs it. Matty is with her on Mother's day, when he cannot be with his mother, and when Rosa's son is nowhere to be found. Just like Matty, you grow to love Rosa, and just like Matty you fall apart when Rosa's character falls victim to the murderer whose case Matty has been following. As I mentioned before Rosa a but a mere part of the film, but I felt the need to examine this relationship and to use it as an example of how the film mentally and emotionally involves you. A good example of a well written story and strong acting performances. De la Fuente and Miko, had good on screen chemistry, they complimented each other very well in the film. The ending is unexpected and very original. And that's all I will say about the ending :-) Minimal Knowledge was shot in Digital video, and unlike many projects shot on DV, the colors are rich and the photography is beautiful. I am not a big fan on digital video but after the first two minutes, I got so wrapped up into what was going on, I had forgotten about it. The direction of the film was well done and felt while you watch the movie. The suspense was there when it needed to be there, the same can be said for the action. The only thing I would have wanted to see were camera angles and shots that were a little more unique; with a story like this, it can add to the element. The editing was well done as well, but there were a couple of transitions that could have been done differently. All in all, I enjoyed the uniqueness of this film. The is a great example of independent film at its best. The film is very well supported by its cast and crew and I can see why. You do not win audience awards around the country for nothing! I can see why Minimal Knowledge has been in the festival circuit for an incredible year. If you're a fan of Independent projects I definately recommend this film.
Review of Minimal Knowledge
