"The Arrangement" a Robert Eldon Film

I'll agree with Chris about the flowers. It was a little overbearing at times to have all those colors on the screen. It distracted me from your actors.

For some reason it felt like night inside the store too. I know trying to work with lighting inside a store can be rough though.

I don't know if anyone else has mentioned this or not but his line at the end is like "i bought these for the wrong person" was totally not what I was expecting to hear. I was hoping for "i bought these for you" or something like that.

Very cute, and simple story. I liked that.
 
Zak Forsman said:
no, i mean it. i'm a big softie. but i don;t know how to do stuff like this, without OVERDOING it... so in my own stuff, I retreat to minimalism. that, I know and am comfortable with. great work!!
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Zak,

Thank you for clearing that up. I wasn't quite sure if you were being sarcastic? I appreciate your input. :)

I know what you mean about doing something that you're comfortable with. When we did Horrorfest, that was out of my comfort zone and I think I over did it in a 'cheesy' way. However, I do want to expand my experience into areas (themes) that I'm not as comfortable with. It's just more fun to do something and work with people that are 'on the same page' so to speak.

I've watched all of the entries, including your's and I'm trying to get to every one of them for reviews. I can tell you now, that your's in in my top 12 even though the title makes me uncomfortable and the subject matter is almost the antithesis of "The Arrangement". :) I'll be over to your thread in the near future to comment.

Best Regards,

Robert
 
Matty_g said:
I'll agree with Chris about the flowers. It was a little overbearing at times to have all those colors on the screen. It distracted me from your actors.
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Matty_g,

If you're talking about the long dolly shot when they go through the different arrangements, that was originally supposed to have close ups and inserts, but I made the editing decision to keep the one long shot. I thought it worked better.

Knowing your excellent work, I think you will appreciate this. I had wanted a lot more shallow depth of field in those shots to keep the actors in focus. We were working with the 'paneling and glass' walls in the background and the colorful flowers in the foreground. With different equipment and more time, I think we could have composed those shots differently. That's what I love about shallow depth of field. I really appreciate your input on that!

For some reason it felt like night inside the store too. I know trying to work with lighting inside a store can be rough though.
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That's a very interesting comment, because we did shoot some of it at night. And you're right on about lighting inside the store. Again, I know that you can appreciate the challenge of what we were working with. It was a cloudy day, but we had diffused sunlight coming in through the front of the store. It was changing as the clouds rolled by. There wasn't enough light using the store fluorescents (and those sucked anyway) and we didn't have enough of our own color temp balanced lights to use throughout, so yeah, lighting I think was our biggest challenge in this and something I plan to learn more about in the future.

I don't know if anyone else has mentioned this or not but his line at the end is like "i bought these for the wrong person" was totally not what I was expecting to hear. I was hoping for "i bought these for you" or something like that.

Very cute, and simple story. I liked that.
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Actually, the lines at the end, starting when he's approaching her are:

Rose

"Is something wrong?"

Matthew

"Yeah, I bought these for the wrong girl... These are for you."

Rose

"Thank you... I love this arrangement."

So, he's answering her question (Is something wrong?) and then saying, because he realized, that he bought the flowers for the wrong girl, and then say's 'These are for you.' :)

'Cute and Simple', I'm glad you like it! Thank you so much for your comments.
 
This was a sweet film. Normally, I don't fair well with sweet films but you did a good job on it. It looked good and was well acted for the most part. It was a tad hard to accept that your lead character has trouble with girls, though. In fact, on the second viewing I thought this was all an elaborate play by him to get to know Rose. That's based on some of his reactions to her and what I thought I saw in his facial expressions. The way he went about the flower buying seemed more to find out about her than to get something for the girl in the bookstore.

Now, none of that may be what you intended, but I liked it more on the second viewing because of what I perceived to be a very "slick" way of meeting the girl in the flower store. It takes the edge off the sweetness and makes it more interesting to me.

Okay, perhaps I'm WAY over thinking this and it is exactly what it portrays itself to be...a sweet little blossoming love story. And if that's the case, that's all right, too, because it was so well done.
 
Blaine said:
This was a sweet film. Normally, I don't fair well with sweet films but you did a good job on it.
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Blaine,

I knew that this wouldn't appeal to everyone, but I appreciate that you commented on it for what it is. This fest has had a great diversity on the theme of love and not every take on that theme will appeal to everyone, but I'm glad we can all comment on the films for what they are and even suggest when the idea doesn't appeal to us. Good stuff!

It looked good and was well acted for the most part. It was a tad hard to accept that your lead character has trouble with girls, though. In fact, on the second viewing I thought this was all an elaborate play by him to get to know Rose. That's based on some of his reactions to her and what I thought I saw in his facial expressions. The way he went about the flower buying seemed more to find out about her than to get something for the girl in the bookstore.
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I find these comments very interesting. Everybody has a different take on what his motives are and if he has a pre-existing relationship or adoration for the girl. It could almost be whatever you, as the viewer, want it to be. Interesting?

My intent was for the guy character, Matthew, to not realize that she's a girl he's talking to, because it's just a matter of fact that she's a florist ('Yeah, but you're a florist') and he's there to buy flowers. Then she says 'and... I'm a girl'. It's a revelation to him at that point, then he's back to uncomfortable (beat... 'right').

The subtext for the girl character, Rose, is that she's one of those pretty girls, beautiful maybe, that guys think, there's no way that she would ever be interested in me, she's too pretty. So Rose never gets any flowers, and we can even assume she has a boyfriend, but, she doesn't have a boyfriend. So she meets a genuinely nice guy and... she gets flowers. Ahhhh! :)

Now, none of that may be what you intended, but I liked it more on the second viewing because of what I perceived to be a very "slick" way of meeting the girl in the flower store. It takes the edge off the sweetness and makes it more interesting to me.
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I'm glad that you're able to see it that way and make it more interesting. :)

Okay, perhaps I'm WAY over thinking this and it is exactly what it portrays itself to be...a sweet little blossoming love story. And if that's the case, that's all right, too, because it was so well done.
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I don't think it's 'over thinking' and I'm glad that you've thought about it at all. It's nice to know that people are wondering about the motives and questioning his intent. I like that!

I'm sure a pun is intended with 'a sweet little blossoming love story'. Can I quote you on that?

Thanks much,

Robert
 
I loved this film. Was it me or did the actor look a bit like Napoleon Dynamite? lol

Anyway well acted on both parts, kept my interest in how he was going to relay the not good at talking to girls part to her. You can start to see the interest in her early on. I tell you, the shots, the acting, the audio were A+ in my book. I also showed my wife and daughter, although they think these fests are "stupid", they watched, and enjoyed this one.
 
This was a cute film. I liked the actress a lot. Natural behaviors and emoting. A Sarah Michelle Gellar quality. Interesting setting for the story. A nice, wholesome movie.

I also think it's cool that you and your son make films together.

Good stuff.
 
Kdawg said:
I loved this film. Was it me or did the actor look a bit like Napoleon Dynamite? lol

Anyway well acted on both parts, kept my interest in how he was going to relay the not good at talking to girls part to her. You can start to see the interest in her early on. I tell you, the shots, the acting, the audio were A+ in my book. I also showed my wife and daughter, although they think these fests are "stupid", they watched, and enjoyed this one.
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Kdawg,

Napoleon Dynamite! :) That is so funny. I'll pass that on to the actor (the actor is my son, who also makes movies and prefers to be behind the camera instead of in front of it).

Thank you so much for the comments and thanks for the good 'grade'!

That's so cool that you were sharing this with your wife and daughter. Tell them I really appreciate the fact that they watched and enjoyed this. We're expanding our audience!

Best Regards,

Robert
 
mentatDUKE said:
This was a cute film. I liked the actress a lot. Natural behaviors and emoting. A Sarah Michelle Gellar quality. Interesting setting for the story. A nice, wholesome movie.

I also think it's cool that you and your son make films together.

Good stuff.
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mentatDuke,

Thank you for your comments. I'll pass on the compliments to Jane about her acting. She'll be glad to hear it! Sarah Michelle Gellar? That's interesting, I haven't heard that one. Hmmmm. :)

The location (setting) was a blessing and a curse. We had an authentic location for the story to take place, but had to deal with lighting and sound. They have these big coolers where they keep the flowers chilled and they sound like big refrigerators!

Yeah, it's very cool making movies with my son. I was making movies when I was 14. Now I'm... older and my son is taking film courses and making movies. One of his first films (short) was nominated for a Student Achievement Emmy! We actually worked on a film that he directed for Lovefest but couldn't make the deadline. It's still a great piece though and we'll have an audience after the voting ends.

Thanks for 'stopping by' and thank you for your review.

Best Regards,

Robert
 
Hey Robert, I just watched your film again. I just love this film. It is so sweet and sincere.

Your actors are wonderful. I just love the girl. (She gets my hottest woman vote as I tend to like the wholesome kind!)

The story is just charming and I found myself welling up again at the end.

I was really appreciating the music this time around. I don't know if I commented on that before, but the music is wonderful. AND THEN I SAW THAT JUSTIN WAS YOUR COMPOSER! WOW! What a different style than I have ever heard from him.

Justin, WONDERFUL MUSIC!!!

Robert, You should really be proud of this film. It is definitely one of my favorites!

Congrats again and good luck in the voting.

-Ted
 
Hey, good work. I found the story predictable, but nonetheless entertaining and engaging. The only suggestion I have is the pacing. Since I felt like I knew what was going to happen, i couldn't help but feel like it was being put off a little too long. Anyway, I don't mean for that to be negative. Just how I felt.

Otherwise, everything was great. The actors we VERY cute together. Good job with the casting. Oh and I liked how the clueless main was so impressed with the sleaze bag. Perfect example of the (usually) oh-so-wrong "so that's what girls want" thinking. Ha.
 
My 2 cents ;)

My 2 cents ;)

RobertE said:
Jason, thanks for stopping by. Jane may be checking out this thread, but if not, I'll pass that on to her. Thanks, and before I reply any more, let me tell you how much I enjoyed your film. It really touched me on a personal level and I'll explain why when I post to your thread. Great job!


Yes, I'm checking out this thread ;) Thanks to everyone for the compliments and thank you Robert for being a generous and open director and friend. I always have a great experience working with you and Jaron and I look forward to progressing every day. I love nothing more than being on set, working on a character. Thank you for the opportunity.

May I throw in my 2 cents? Art and specifically film is such a blessing to have in general. I very much appreciate most of what people express--its great to see such a variety and I'm thrilled by everyones' talent and entry! I loved this film's story because it IS sweet, and a big twist or completely unexpected ending really wouldn't have suited the story for me. When I see a romance or romantic comedy I really hope for it to be happily ever after. If Tom Hanks didn't go back to the top of the empire state building to meet Meg Ryan, I might have died a very young girl lol! Its the hope and the smile I leave with after watching a "sweet" film that makes me love this film and grateful to play the girl next door.

On that note, I still love to play crazy insane or kick-butt superhero; even a man. Thank you again Robert, and I look forward to future projects with you.

Jane
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Ted Arabian said:
Hey Robert, I just watched your film again. I just love this film. It is so sweet and sincere.
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Hey Ted,

With all the sweetness that everyone is commenting on, we could make sweet tea or candy! :)

Your actors are wonderful. I just love the girl. (She gets my hottest woman vote as I tend to like the wholesome kind!)
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Your compliment will be passed on to the actors and... I'll let Jane know that she gets the 'hottest' woman vote from you! I agree with the 'wholesome' kind.

The story is just charming and I found myself welling up again at the end.
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I know that there have been the 'predictable' comments, but I like to think of it as an expectation and then a payoff. Give the audience what they want (with this kind of film anyway). Something I want to work on is giving the audience what they want and making the journey to that end enjoyable. Do you know what I mean?

I was really appreciating the music this time around. I don't know if I commented on that before, but the music is wonderful. AND THEN I SAW THAT JUSTIN WAS YOUR COMPOSER! WOW! What a different style than I have ever heard from him.

Justin, WONDERFUL MUSIC!!!
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Ahhh! Maybe that explains the 'welling up'. I love what Justin did with this. We talked about the beats and mood and Justin just worked his magic. I think it was different from what he's done too! His stuff is so epic and orchestral. I think for "The Arrangement", that he captured the sweetness, upbeat, awkwardness and melancholy really well. And then the bass notes for the 'pick up guy', just makes it more funny!

I think it's interesting that you didn't pick up on the music the first time. That could be a good thing, because the music shouldn't draw attention to itself, but add a layer of emotion to the experience.

Agreed whole-heartedly, Wonderful Music! And when we talked about him doing this, he was still at Skywalker Ranch and wasn't able to get to this right away! So he cranked this out in an amazing short amount of time!

Robert, You should really be proud of this film. It is definitely one of my favorites!

Congrats again and good luck in the voting.

-Ted
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I'm very happy with this! We made it just to make it and had fun. The fest is just the motivation. Thank's to all of the guys that put these on and the DVXuser members that review and vote!
 
JaneMichelle said:
Yes, I'm checking out this thread ;) Thanks to everyone for the compliments and thank you Robert for being a generous and open director and friend. I always have a great experience working with you and Jaron and I look forward to progressing every day. I love nothing more than being on set, working on a character. Thank you for the opportunity.

May I throw in my 2 cents? Art and specifically film is such a blessing to have in general. I very much appreciate most of what people express--its great to see such a variety and I'm thrilled by everyones' talent and entry! I loved this film's story because it IS sweet, and a big twist or completely unexpected ending really wouldn't have suited the story for me. When I see a romance or romantic comedy I really hope for it to be happily ever after. If Tom Hanks didn't go back to the top of the empire state building to meet Meg Ryan, I might have died a very young girl lol! Its the hope and the smile I leave with after watching a "sweet" film that makes me love this film and grateful to play the girl next door.

On that note, I still love to play crazy insane or kick-butt superhero; even a man. Thank you again Robert, and I look forward to future projects with you.

Jane
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Jane,

What a nice surprise with you stopping by! :)

I really appreciate what you've had to say: "Its the hope and the smile I leave with after watching a "sweet" film that makes me love this film and grateful to play the girl next door."

You brought the 'Rose' character to life, so thank you for that.

I don't know if you saw the comment above about you having a 'Sarah Michelle Gellar quality'? So maybe with the next project, you can play a 'Buffy the Vampire kick-butt superhero' type?

You were wonderful in this and most of the members agree! Thank you!
 
Thank you Robert! 'twas a fun lil film. Now... to get my arse in gear and join in the fun on the next fest. (which, btw, i'm sending you an email with my lovefest script that I didn't get a chance to make)

Jane, I enjoyed your performance in this film and perhaps have a chance to work with you on future projects. :)

Cheers!
/j
 
Bryce A said:
Hey, good work. I found the story predictable, but nonetheless entertaining and engaging. The only suggestion I have is the pacing. Since I felt like I knew what was going to happen, i couldn't help but feel like it was being put off a little too long. Anyway, I don't mean for that to be negative. Just how I felt.
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Bryce A,

I've had a number of comments about the story being predictable and that's OK! With this kind of theme, I wanted to set up the expectations for the viewer and then pay them off at the end. I've thought about this a lot, and how I could have done this different, but if the guy character (Matthew) just left, and didn't come back, that would have been lousy! Or, if the two characters didn't get together, I would have been getting comments like, 'Dude, so what!' :) I started thinking about feature romantic comedies and I think from the beginning you have an idea that the main characters will get together (or you hope so if you like them) and you watch the movie to find out how.

I think Jane just added her .02 very eloquently!

Otherwise, everything was great. The actors we VERY cute together. Good job with the casting. Oh and I liked how the clueless main was so impressed with the sleaze bag. Perfect example of the (usually) oh-so-wrong "so that's what girls want" thinking. Ha.
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Thank you so much for the comments. The actor is my son and Jane is... well... cute and a fantastic actress!

Yeah, I thought, well if Matthew doesn't know how to talk to girls, he would be impressed with the over confident forward 'sleaze bag'! Ha. Sleaze bag. That's funny. In our script notes and shot list, he was listed as the 'PUG' (Pick Up Guy).

Thanks again for taking the time to post Bryce!
 
Edgen said:
Thank you Robert! 'twas a fun lil film. Now... to get my arse in gear and join in the fun on the next fest. (which, btw, i'm sending you an email with my lovefest script that I didn't get a chance to make)/j
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Justin,

Your arse has been MIA on this forum a lot last year. Hopefully things have settled down for you so you can 'join in the fun' and make a movie! :)
 
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