R.T. Herwig's THE GOOD THIEF was a thought-provoking, visually rich film, which artfully deals with questions of quilt and forgiveness. It was a haunting and very atmospheric piece of cinema, where the darkness not only ruled the streets, but also in the hearts of the people living within the shadows. It was a terrifically well-crafted film that features excellent performances by its cast, a very effective score and beautiful cinematography.
RT Herwig's THE GOOD THIEF is a stunning testament to independent filmmaking. RT handles the daunting task of brining a dark, moody morality tale to an audience, and he delivers. In an assured, well-crafted manner his directorial debut shows that he is a storyteller with a firm grasp on his work, even more telling is that he co-wrote, edited and produced the piece. I'm so sure he will continue to make films for many years to come, and I don't doubt that they will continue to challenge him, and that he will meet the task, to a film going audiences delight.
Christopher Kadish holds a likeable screen presence as the lead character Christopher Doogan. he carries the audience with him by his somber understated performance. Kadish holds the charisma and the sometimes appearance of a young Robert DeNiro. But that said, there is much originality to his acting. His career I suspect is just starting to take off to the next level.. This is breakthrough stuff for Kadish. He was great. He turns in a brooding performance, the kind that great indie's are known for. His moral dilemma, to go straight or succumb to his past, pulls him apart inside, and Kadish bleeds out these emotions carefully, never giving in to the temptation to overplay his hand.
Lisbeth Bartlett portrays the semi-destroyed matriarch of a collapsing family with an intense performance. I read online that she was nominated for a Best Supporting Actress nod at The Method Fest in LA for this performance. Clearly she has had her share of roles and knows how to tap into territory of tragedy. Throughout the film she holds the most sympathy from the audience, even while her ineffectiveness earns our frustration, it's her weakness that we most relate to. She drives the story forward and provides the back-story with her strong performance as a clueless, unloving mother who thinks as all bad mothers do, that she has done her best for her child.
I just loved this film. RT used darkness, mood and music to create the world of Doogan (Kadish). The film broods over his dilemma, and allows the audience to invest in his future. The camera lingers over the many strong dramatic performances, allowing all to do their best work. Much of the movie is lit from above and has a tilted camera angle. The sharp contrasts become metaphor for the manic highs and lows of the world they inhabit. It's a strong film, a true indie film. Give the film a chance to grow on you.
Director RT Herwig is a filmmaker that will be heard from again and again. I'm so glad I found his work.
RT guides this story along smoothly, never allowing the threads of the storyline to come unravel. RT brings out the details of his characters through the actors, his camera and the use of light, in a seamless manner that is fascinating to
behold. This I guess if what they call the Herwiglian style. I myself was mesmerized by his camera work and the film's mood and applaud RT's courageous choices while maintaining accessibility. Give it a shot.
RT Herwig's The Good Thief is highly recommended. RT is my new favorite upcoming director. You should really look into his work and career.
C.P.
RT Herwig's THE GOOD THIEF is a stunning testament to independent filmmaking. RT handles the daunting task of brining a dark, moody morality tale to an audience, and he delivers. In an assured, well-crafted manner his directorial debut shows that he is a storyteller with a firm grasp on his work, even more telling is that he co-wrote, edited and produced the piece. I'm so sure he will continue to make films for many years to come, and I don't doubt that they will continue to challenge him, and that he will meet the task, to a film going audiences delight.
Christopher Kadish holds a likeable screen presence as the lead character Christopher Doogan. he carries the audience with him by his somber understated performance. Kadish holds the charisma and the sometimes appearance of a young Robert DeNiro. But that said, there is much originality to his acting. His career I suspect is just starting to take off to the next level.. This is breakthrough stuff for Kadish. He was great. He turns in a brooding performance, the kind that great indie's are known for. His moral dilemma, to go straight or succumb to his past, pulls him apart inside, and Kadish bleeds out these emotions carefully, never giving in to the temptation to overplay his hand.
Lisbeth Bartlett portrays the semi-destroyed matriarch of a collapsing family with an intense performance. I read online that she was nominated for a Best Supporting Actress nod at The Method Fest in LA for this performance. Clearly she has had her share of roles and knows how to tap into territory of tragedy. Throughout the film she holds the most sympathy from the audience, even while her ineffectiveness earns our frustration, it's her weakness that we most relate to. She drives the story forward and provides the back-story with her strong performance as a clueless, unloving mother who thinks as all bad mothers do, that she has done her best for her child.
I just loved this film. RT used darkness, mood and music to create the world of Doogan (Kadish). The film broods over his dilemma, and allows the audience to invest in his future. The camera lingers over the many strong dramatic performances, allowing all to do their best work. Much of the movie is lit from above and has a tilted camera angle. The sharp contrasts become metaphor for the manic highs and lows of the world they inhabit. It's a strong film, a true indie film. Give the film a chance to grow on you.
Director RT Herwig is a filmmaker that will be heard from again and again. I'm so glad I found his work.
RT guides this story along smoothly, never allowing the threads of the storyline to come unravel. RT brings out the details of his characters through the actors, his camera and the use of light, in a seamless manner that is fascinating to
behold. This I guess if what they call the Herwiglian style. I myself was mesmerized by his camera work and the film's mood and applaud RT's courageous choices while maintaining accessibility. Give it a shot.
RT Herwig's The Good Thief is highly recommended. RT is my new favorite upcoming director. You should really look into his work and career.
C.P.