"One Saved Message" - Off Stage Films

"Moviepoet seems to be growing by leaps and bounds!"

It's grown faster than I ever imagined possible. I think much like DVXuser, people appreciate a site where they can get honest feedback, make some friends, and not get charged for the experience.
 
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Great job, Chris! I really enjoyed the script, and your film certainly did it justice. Everything was very well done, in particular, Herman's music. Melancholy yet subtle... a little Thomas Newman. Very nice. :beer:
 
Thank you both so much.

As I said earlier, the script is only one page long (written for a one page script contest) and I was trying to capture a very personal moment in time. I hope that makes sense.

I'm so glad you like Herman's score. I love it too.
 
Simple, yet effective.

It was well shot and the sound mix is good.
This movie/script plays on a real event to help drive the emotion. It does this effectively.

My only nit pick would be the acting. It is competent but could have been a little better. It wasn't bad though, I just felt that a pair of great actors could have had me gushing.

Still, I'm willing to bet that this does fairly well this Fest. It was very good.
Herman's score seemed to work quite well.

Nice work, Chris. Well done.

MAH
 
Michael, Thanks a lot. I'm so happy that you liked it.

The sound mix was really hard to do, so I'm glad you thought it worked well.

I loved the actors, they gave me so much to work with (so many choices) and the more I watched the takes, the more I was drawn to the subtlety of their performances and that is what I selected in my edit. If there is any weakness there, I assure you it is with me and not them.

Herman is awesome. I never wanted the film to be melodramatic (which it easily could have been) and I think his score sets the mood perfectly.

Anyway, thanks again for the great review. It means a lot to me.
 
Chris,

You already know this, but I just wanted to make it official with a post... I love this film. What you may not know is that I never read the script. I didn't want to; I wanted to see the film knowing as little about it as possible. I didn't even know it was for the LossFest, didn't know the theme. And I'm glad I kept it off my radar. Much more fun to see it that way.

I've watched your film-making evolve for a long time, (not on this forum, lest others be puzzled) and I'd say this is your best yet. Such a simple, elegant story, beautifully executed. All the elements worked beautifully: lighting, camera, acting, editing... right on the money. I liked your lead actor especially; very subtle read. I got the sense that she was almost laughing at herself, for having saved that message for so long. And those little dolly moves were really sweet.

Again, great job. Now I have to see what other folks have been up to.

Don
 
Chris,

It was a blast working on your film with so many talented people. Having read the script and seen every take on set - and knowing full well what was coming - I was surprised at how much the film moved me when I watched it this morning. You avoided being melancholy or maudlin and yet the images, acting and score were so evocative and elicited a strong emotional response. Great job with the final sound mix. I remember the grocery bag crackling and rumbling like an avalanche on set, so you attenuated that nicely along with everything else in the final cut. Terrific edit of your shots, too! Great job overall!
 
Very nicely done.

(just in case: spoilers)

The writing is so tight. It's remarkable how you manage to make a simple action (deleting a message) so emotionally loaded.

Thanks for sharing. :)
 
filthrich said:
This is the only film I have watched so far that made me tear up. And it's only 2:44. Nuff said.
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I don't think I have the words to tell you how much this review means to me. This was a very personal story for me and I'm truly touched that it moved you. Thanks for putting a huge smile on my face.
 
This is one of the first ones I watched. Overall, I'd say you did a good job. A very intimate and touching story.

The mother had obviously listed to the message many times. It was the last thing she had from him. There was just not enough between the girl and her mother to have me buy her erasing the message. This was short and could have used just a little more to make your point.

The girl's acting felt a bit stiff and forced but the mother as solid.

Herman's music worked well. (Herman on the East Coast/Justin on the West)

I thought the sound mix was good.

You made good use of the single location and shot it well.

You did a good job on this but it still felt like a scene out of a bigger piece.
 
A Perfect Vignette

A Perfect Vignette

This was a beautiful and poignant film, so far the best that I have seen in Loss Fest. The whole feel of the film was real and natural. Both actresses gave perfect performances. It seems that those who criticized the performances just didn't understand what you were trying to say in this brief snapshot of an everyday moment that became a significant turning point. Great directing, great music, great camera work.
 
Blaine, Thank you so much for the detailed review. I really respect your opinion. I wanted to try and keep this film short and leave a few questions unanswered - in particular, why does she choose this day to delete the message? I kind of knew that wouldn't work for everyone, but I'm glad to see you still seemed to enjoy it overall.

Mystaken, I'm thrilled that you liked it so much.
 
Mystaken said:
This was a beautiful and poignant film, so far the best that I have seen in Loss Fest. The whole feel of the film was real and natural. Both actresses gave perfect performances. It seems that those who criticized the performances just didn't understand what you were trying to say in this brief snapshot of an everyday moment that became a significant turning point. Great directing, great music, great camera work.
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Not to nitpick but I read the script for this ahead of time and knew what to expect. Even talked to Chris about it a bit.

Just because someone disagrees with you doesn't mean that they don't get it. :)

I'm rating this film quite high and I expect it to make the finals. I just thought had the acting been a little better that it could be the clear winner. That being said, the acting isn't bad, just a little stiff in spots. That's just my opinion and others will obviously disagree. That's what makes this forum great.

I still expect this film to do very well as it is an excellent entry. :beer:

Chris, hope you don't mind me defending my opinion here.

MAH
 
Michael,

The reviews so far have been amazing, beyond my expectations.

I sincerely appreciate each and every review - especially the honest criticism from people like yourself and Blaine. Without it, I cannot learn and grow.

If my little film sparks some debate (about the story, the acting, or even my directing) I think that is a great thing.

So, please keep it coming, and thanks again everyone for all of the reviews.

Chris
 
Great work, Chris.

The pacing is perfect and I loved the cinematography. The lead actress did a great job and the daughter gave a solid performance. As I said in my comments on the script, this is a story that calls for strong performances. So while I agree with MAH to an extent, these are very difficult roles to play and I think the cast should be commended.

Congrats, and all the best in the fest.
 
DerSpieler said:
Great work, Chris.

The pacing is perfect and I loved the cinematography. The lead actress did a great job and the daughter gave a solid performance. As I said in my comments on the script, this is a story that calls for strong performances. So while I agree with MAH to an extent, these are very difficult roles to play and I think the cast should be commended.

Congrats, and all the best in the fest.
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Thanks so much.

It's cool to know that you read the script first and you still really liked the finished film.

That's awesome that you liked the cinematography. It all takes place in a small kitchen so I worked hard to try and vary the shots, but still keep them motivated. Meanwhile, Timur and his team (including Mark Harris) did a phenomenal job and deserve the lion's share of the credit for making it all look so great.

Sometimes, I think my role as the director is to not ruin the story and just get out of the crew's way and let them all do their magic. :)
 
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