Posted by Black Protagonist at cache-mtc-ag05.proxy.aol.com on March 15, 2003 at 14:00:56:
In Reply to: Vincent: Just saw 'A Better Place' posted by polatron on March 15, 2003 at 13:35:38:
a FINE piece of cinema. Though I thought Carmens work was flawless, in that she apeared totaly natural....real. And super nice legs too(sorry Jason). The main deal with Vincents flick, is the emotional content is the most prevalent aspect of the entire thing. You can, and I have, "watch" this entire movie with your eyes closed, a'la old time radio shows, and STILL get the whole thing. Although this is not to take away from the visual excellence. The visual aspect is PERFECT, as it has it's own feel, which is VERY unique to the content of the story being told. The story, and the visual, match up in every way. I even think it has a late 70's early 80's feel to it, which is appropriate, since this is when "young Vincent" was soaking up the world of film and media like a sponge, in preparation for the days when it would all be released again.
When I first ordered the DVD, I wasnt getting it for the movie, but for the commentaries, which I had seen him mention had lots of "how to-ish" information in them. As far as the movie, I expected the over striving, pretentious efforts of a man struggling to be "edgey". I was prepared to have to suffer through the film, to hear his commentary. But I first watched the film, just to see my new DVD, and I was blown away by what I saw. The most mature first(or most any)effort in a film, I had ever personaly seen. That I know of, anyway. It lived up to the ideals put forth by Ray Carney, to ALMOST every letter. Dont know Ray Carney? Do indeed Google the name, if you like independent cinema, or ANY cinema for that matter. And the commentaries are great too, but a little disapoining, as far as what I MYSELF, had in mind, but once I gave up my desires of a How To Instructional in the most SURFACE way of seeing things, I grew to understand the GOLD that these too were. This DVD is indeed, a great how to, as long as you know how to milk the data properly. And for anyone with an interest in filmmaking, this is a must have, as it will probably show you just how idiotic the script YOU'VE been working on is. At least, it had that effect upon myself. And I was really comming along good with it too. Back to the drawing board! My own personal bar has been raised.