Heißer Atem

rented this awhile ago-very ethereal movie, atmospheric, movie is dreamlike all through. If you appreciate these types of movies you will like this-even the title has that dreamlike feel.I'd have to see it again to give it a rating, but remember it as atmospheric, different and disturbing. A good movie for summery rainy day.

About a year and a half ago, I was browsing my favorite video stores drama section(ya know the kinds of stores who carry all low budget titles on their catalog listings), and I came across this film. I liked the description and it reminded me alot of Last Tango In Paris, so I tucked it under my arm with my other releases brought it home and watched the other three films first. It was around 2 am and I put this in....the first 5 minutes drew me in hook line and sinker: there is no sound just pleaseing mood music as a shroud of quick cuts display a beautiful woman lying in a pool of blood with images of her past playing out before the viewer...no smart perceptive dialogue, no state of panic...just beautiful images. The film then begins and it could all go downhill from here...but it does'nt..this woman is fully aware of the constant daily grind of life and the annoying people that inhabit it...so she gets up in her hospital gown, witnesses a dying old woman and then leaves town...no destination, no cause. What progresses then is basically alot of sex and insightful, yet not overly cocky insights into life, love, death, and isolation between a dim witted drifter whom she meets in an almost ghost town.

The astonishing thing about this film is that it is perfectly aware of its characters problems, yet it doesnt bore us with the details....they meet, they do the most logical thing and have sex constantly in an abondoned house...they state their cuases...and then try to conform somewhat to the outside world by the films great ending. I love this person. She wants to be alone and she wants to be isolated. Combined with stunning imagery and camera work...even if u mute the sound..u still feel the isolation and quiet moodiness of the film..compared to Last Tango..this film is much better.Tango is loud it is repellent unsenseibly..this film is bright, evocative and mildly entertaining...it shouldnt be entertaining however.

If only more films like this could be made....better yet..no..this is a one of a kind...maybe only meant for the people who find it wipe the dust off of it and give it a try. I watch it every once in a while...when the wind is blowing and im alone.

Although given short shrift by the few critics who watched it, this is a worthy effort, marked by good acting, direction, technicals, and an intelligent script. Although in a state of undress through much of the film, Kelly Lynch is given an opportunity to display the full panoply of her acting range as there are essentially only two actors. And, as so often with independent films, all involved have an opportunity to be truly creative. The desert setting enhanced the starkness of the extreme emotions to which the viewer is exposed.

Depressed Kate (Kelly Lynch) fails in her suicide attempt. She is brought into the hospital. After some visitors, she walks off wearing only her hospital gown and an overcoat. She takes a random bus and gets off in the middle of the desert. She finds a kitty and then finds a bar. It's a meandering drunken sexual journey. She wakes up next to the well-dressed stranger (Barry Tubb).

If you like Kelly Lynch drunk, troubled, and naked, this movie is for you. That is what you get and there is plenty of it. It's an erotic romance that leans more towards the art-house side. I'm not in love with this couple but I don't hate them either. It's an artsy erotic dysfunctional journey. Her bandaged wrists are the most striking part. Suddenly, there's a baby. Of course, they're naked a lot. This is one weird movie.

If you are a film buff, and do not mind a different style of film, this is worthwhile. It does not leave you with such a great feeling, but overall it is done very well. Psychological, even philosophical; thought-provoking.

Sometimes it is refreshing to see a film venture away from the usual 'Hollywood formula'.