As I sat quietly after watching "Our Father", a short film written and directed by Linda Palmer, I was amazed 22 minutes could touch me so deeply. The performances by Michael Gross, Michael Worth, David Top, and Eileen Grubba were powerful. You will not realize this is Michael Gross at first. It looks like him, but he embodies the hateful, confused, pained father. Michael Worth's low key deep performance as Jared, his estranged son, expresses all of the feelings a child has with a father who is insufferable, violent, and distant, along with the desire he has as a man to be decent and a caregiver during his fathers' illness. David Top as the grandson, Danny, is gentle and kind. He understands his father is hurting and wants to help Jared too. Danny represents the love and forgiveness. Eileen Grubba, as Kate, Jared's' wife, is the glue holding it all together. This ensemble is nothing short of fantastic! I do not believe you have to have someone with dementia in your life to appreciate this movie. The twists and secrets and compassion and confusion are intense and all draw you into that bathroom with the family. If you have the opportunity to see "Our Father", it will be 22 minutes well spent!
Reviews
4 Reviews
Our Father
(III) (2014)
Passionate, profound performances portraying fear, suffering, animosity, tenderness, clarity, and love.
29 September 2014
Road to Paloma
(2014)
Road To Paloma
17 July 2014
As I sat in the movie theater watching Road to Paloma, Clint Eastwood came to mind. Just for a moment I thought he directed this film, however it is the directorial debut of Jason Momoa, who also co-wrote and starred in the film as Wolf. The performances are low-key, the visuals tell the story, not a lot of dialogue, wonderful use of music, and the movie is leisurely and laid-back. It is about family, love, redemption, brotherhood, and justice. And it is also has an "Easy Rider" vibe. The Cinematography by Brian Mendoza is to be noted. I was immersed in Wolf's journey. If you are looking for a shoot-em up action movie, this is not for you.
Phantom
(I) (2013)
No way this is an Independent Film!!!!
6 March 2013
Not a fan of war movies or cold war submarine movies, BUT went to see this because Ed Harris and Lance Henriksen were in it. To my complete surprise it drew me in and would not let me go. They obviously used an authentic submarine and the claustrophobic, this sub is going to just implode any minute feel, had me on edge. The cast included David Duchovny, William Fichtner, Sean Patrick Flannery, Johnathan Schaech, etc.. Did it have ' "action" - yes, but the meat of the movie was the interaction of the characters, the terror of the time - nuclear annihilation, personal guilt, love, friendship, bravery, and hatred and fear that breeds radical actions. You will regret not seeing this movie!
It's in the Blood
(2012)
Must See!
1 May 2012
The unfolding of the story was presented in a refreshing, confusing, provocative manner. A style of storytelling and filming I have not experienced before. Lance Henriksen, as Russell, presents a heartfelt, authentic portrayal. Sean Elliot, as October, plays perfectly against this veteran actor. They are father and son. Scooter Downey and Sean Elliot are the authors of this deeply frightening film. Mr. Downey as director manipulates sound, lighting, the setting, the actors in such a way to impart a sense of dread and horror. We are drawn into their experience. We become disoriented, bewildered, and perhaps we cannot escape. It is almost like you can taste the emotion and fear.
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