Ally Sheedy is in the cast list of "High Art". Like me, a lot of couch potatoes would probably think: " Oh, that's the girl who was in that movie about the cute robot." True, "Short Circuit" (1986) was fun to watch, but this is a very different story. It is also a far cry from "Buried Alive 2" (1997), which I remember cured my insomnia one night. I suppose HA is what is called an "art house movie". It strikes me that one look at a synopsis of the script would have most distributors feeling in need of a drink. (I could be wrong of course!). This is a rather bleak tale of friendship and lesbian love, arising out of a chance encounter between an assistant photo editor and a long lost art photographer in the building where they live.
Initially, I started watching this one one morning for the sake of something to do while a work crew was relaying the floors in my kitchen and bathroom, so the soundtrack was punctuated by a certain amount of unscripted percussion. I quickly realized I was getting interested. There is stuff in HA for people to dislike if they are so minded. Hard nosed types could say there are too many losers in it to be worth bothering with. Someone with strong religious convictions could feel distaste at its perceived decadence. Drug takers, failed talents, useless men and the spiritually lost can all be found in this movie. I reckon Lisa Cholodenko's film is an audio - visual think piece rather than an entertainment. This whole thing smacks of deep personal commitment from its director. I notice she also has the writing credit.
The mature and rather gaunt Ally Sheedy in this movie is excellent as "Lucy Berliner", the once famous photographer who vanished to Germany years ago and has since returned to self - imposed obscurity. She is truly believable as the character on screen. Radha Mitchell is "Syd", the assistant editor at Frame Magazine. Actually, she is a little wooden at times. I think she puts in a much more assured performance in the recent, exciting sci- fi outing "Pitch Black" (2000). I recognized the names of Patricia Clarkson and Tammy Grimes among the supporting players in HA. Nice to see people getting work. HA also offers the pleasure of watching the seldom seen actress, Anh Duong. As "Dominique Podhue", her striking looks steal the attention in some scenes. I agree with her character's assessment of the photos too.
I think "High Art" on release must have been tough going for the audiences who got the chance to see it. I got my copy in the small hours via a VCR and a cable channel. It certainly hasn't been seen much in the UK. This aside, it is well made, insightful and deserving of appreciation
Initially, I started watching this one one morning for the sake of something to do while a work crew was relaying the floors in my kitchen and bathroom, so the soundtrack was punctuated by a certain amount of unscripted percussion. I quickly realized I was getting interested. There is stuff in HA for people to dislike if they are so minded. Hard nosed types could say there are too many losers in it to be worth bothering with. Someone with strong religious convictions could feel distaste at its perceived decadence. Drug takers, failed talents, useless men and the spiritually lost can all be found in this movie. I reckon Lisa Cholodenko's film is an audio - visual think piece rather than an entertainment. This whole thing smacks of deep personal commitment from its director. I notice she also has the writing credit.
The mature and rather gaunt Ally Sheedy in this movie is excellent as "Lucy Berliner", the once famous photographer who vanished to Germany years ago and has since returned to self - imposed obscurity. She is truly believable as the character on screen. Radha Mitchell is "Syd", the assistant editor at Frame Magazine. Actually, she is a little wooden at times. I think she puts in a much more assured performance in the recent, exciting sci- fi outing "Pitch Black" (2000). I recognized the names of Patricia Clarkson and Tammy Grimes among the supporting players in HA. Nice to see people getting work. HA also offers the pleasure of watching the seldom seen actress, Anh Duong. As "Dominique Podhue", her striking looks steal the attention in some scenes. I agree with her character's assessment of the photos too.
I think "High Art" on release must have been tough going for the audiences who got the chance to see it. I got my copy in the small hours via a VCR and a cable channel. It certainly hasn't been seen much in the UK. This aside, it is well made, insightful and deserving of appreciation