FEATURE REVIEW

"Away From Her"
Three Stars
B

An unexpected favorite at the 2006 Toronto International Film Festival, “Away From Her” is actress Sarah Polley’s writing and directing debut. Based upon Alice Munro’s short story, “The Bear Came Over the Mountain,” “Away From Her” is a slow, patient film reminiscent of Bergman and requiring patience, thought and intense listening. Oscar-winning actress Julie Christie is mesmerizing as a long faithful wife suddenly faced with the onset of memory loss. While Gordon Pinsent performed just fine as Christie’s long suffering spouse, he at times got lost in the shadow of Christie.

“Away From Her” is one of those rare films that, it seems, the more uncomfortable you are the more you become aware of the film’s subtle impact. Olympia Dukakis and Kristen Thomason shine in supporting roles, though the supporting roles felt under-developed and several scenes in the long-term care facility screamed were jarringly unrealistic.

While the market appeal for “Away From her” is undoubtedly limited, the film should have a long DVD life and both Christie and Polley fans should consider this film a must-see.

CAPSULE REVIEWS

"Proper Care and Feeding of an American Messiah"
One Star
D

As conceived and created by Christopher Hansen, “Proper Care and Feeding of an American Messiah” has remarkable potential…as a skit for SNL, perhaps. For the audience of 4-5 people who viewed the film during its initial screening at IIFF, the film unfortunately played like one of those godawful SNL scripts that was moderately interesting for 3-5 minutes on SNL and then somehow found its way onscreen as a 90-minute feature film. The film, which has received at least a couple rave reviews, follows a self-proclaimed messiah (Dustin Olson), not THE Messiah, as he goes about his daily routine with a loyal wife, dimwitted brother, sister and his own unique vision.

Virtually every scene is played with a deadpan seriousness and Olson tackles the role with a rather admirable conviction, while Joseph Frost is delightful as his brother. Kudos to Hansen for his unique vision, but “Proper Care and Feeding of an American Messiah” has turned this minister/film critic into a non-believer.

"War/Dance"
Three and a Half Stars
B+

This US/Uganda entry into IIFF is sure to be one of 2007’s most powerful documentaries and emotional journeys. As written and directed by Sean Fine and Andrea Nix Fine, “War/Dance” is the story of a group of children who reside in a northern Uganda misplaced persons protected by the military from the Lord’s Resistance Army, a rebel group determined to eliminate their Acholi tribe. A powerful story of hope through community and music, “War/Dance” is is beautifully photographed and the children are heartbreakingly real in choosing to reveal themselves. While early on, the film occasionally becomes a bit maudlin in telling the children’s stories and over-utilizes head shots and close-up photography, once the children become involved in preparations for a national music and dance festival, “War/Dance” becomes a richly authentic, moving and exhilarating documentary to behold.

"Rural Rock n’ Roll"
Two Stars
C

”Rural Rock n’ Roll” is a documentary based upon the local band scene in Eureka, CA., a small-town in California with an unusually rich alternative music scene. Director Jensen Rufe mostly steps back and lets this story of a week in the life of 13 bands/musicians unfold. Largely empty of any major drama, “Rural Rock n’ Roll” takes a blue-collar approach to filming its subject with photography that occasionally borders on grainy and a color scheme that reinforces the music’s edgy, alternative outlook. Several of these bands are, in fact, quite good and the personalities involved are infinitely watchable. Yet, there’s something about “Rural Rock n’ Roll” that never feels quite right and ultimately I left the film feeling I didn’t know much more about Eureka music or its musicians than when I started