What Happened Was...

I watched this movie the other night and I thoroughly enjoyed it. However, you must be in the proper mood to enjoy a movie such as this. This movie centers around 2 lonely characters, man and woman, on a 'first' date at the woman's apartment. This movie is not too funny nor is it fast paced. The movie simply tries to flesh out each person's character for 90 minutes. This movie also led to some candid discussion between my fiancé and I, especially about the man's 'troubles' at the end of the film. We also discussed if there would be a 'second' date between them. The movie is steeped in realism and is shot very well. Worth a look if you're in the proper mood for a slow but interesting, character development story. 6 out of 10.

A daring movie with few equals: a journey into the heart of darkness of the date from hell. Two seemingly quiet, reserved folks teeming with disturbing secrets and half-truths reveal themselves to us and each other in an increasingly frightening crescendo. Deception, life, the skeletons of a nightmare closet. Gripping, a bit over-long, perhaps, but well worth the time. As of this writing I have rented and seen the film 4 times and each time I've learned something about myself, about my world and about vanity, trauma and deception.

This movie is certainly NOT for everyone. And I would whole heartedly agree with people who feel mislead by the cover of the videotape because it doesn't create any idea of what the movie is. What the movie is, is a very finely crafted film much like "My Dinner With Andre" but much more somber. The layers of these characters peel off as they become more and more comfortable with each other and it creates for an almost voyeristic feel that lends the movie an immediate impact credibility. This movie is reflective of how many, many people interact and present themselves as something they are not and how fragile people can really be. We see and work with people every day who could be lost souls, lonely hearts, broken egos etc.....and this movie simply reminds us that not everyone is what they seem and that the world is full of lost, lonely people. Obviously not a subject that lends itself to the average movie-goer but if you like outstanding writing and want to see what can be done with TRULY indepenent movies, this is the movie for you. I HIGHLY recommend it to literate movie fans.

Tom Noonan's excellent play describes two lonely, damaged people trying to connect, and in the process dark secrets emerge. The only hope for these people is that however difficult, by confronting the demons their respective pasts hold for them, a chance of an honest relationship becomes possible. Kudos to Noonan for keeping the delicious tension new relationships have by his treatment of the ending.

Stay with it. It's worth the time.

Tom Noonan and Karen Sillas portray a disaffected NYC couple- co-workers who are now on a dinner date.

Tom Noonan is somewhat menacing and unpredictable. Interesting presence. (You may recall him from "Manhunter"). Basically, the film develops as the two discuss their jobs(which they hate) but they have other projects in the works, Sillas published a children's book.

Tom Noonan portrays an Ivy League graduate, working as a paralegal who is both amused and disgusted by the attorneys at the firm. He is defensive about why he works at said firm, and Sillas finds him interesting, saying he must have some grand plan to get revenge on the attorneys at the firm.

The only somewhat nebulous plot point is where Sillas reads the "children's book" she has written, which turns out to be quite violent. I will not spoil it for those who have not yet seen this movie, but suffice it to say, it is very strange.

All in all an entertaining film, about alienation and dating in NYC, which has a creative distinction- it is one film in the past ten years that does NOT try to imitate Woody Allen!. 8/10