PVC-1

A COLOMBIAN Film that is Astoundingly "DIFFERENT"!!!

BUT BEFORE diving in....

FIRST... Let us FOCUS on the Title's Content and Context:

You think you know "Reality" in movies? If you do, I invite you to take the PVC-1 CHALLENGE! BTW, due to Non-Stop PVC-1 Ricocheting around my brain since seeing it some hours ago, I have revised my rating to 10*! Upfront, I will state very clearly: I absolutely cannot even Begin to be the LEAST BIT objective about this film. I really don't think any Colombian or any long time resident of Colombia possibly could be either! 6.8 Stars Average.... Huh! Pathetic!!!

Let me tell you a few things you DON'T know about PVC-1. Forget the Blurb. This is the most realistic Single-Take, Real-Time, Docu-Drama any of us have ever seen. Why? From the "Family-That-Slays-Together-STAYS-Together" opening scene; where the Can't-Get-Out-A-Single-Sentence-Without-Multiple-Obscenities Uncle/Patriarch sociopath/psychopath "Traqueto" whips his motley crew into shape for their up-coming grizzly caper... Until the literally mind-blowing, in every sense of the word, closing scene; every minute detail, EVERYTHING depicted on-screen is a pure, unadulterated Reality Bite. 6.8 STARS?!?! GIVE ME A BREAK!!!!!

OK...Here is my COLOMBIAN PVC-1 CHALLENGE: As you watch the hysterical Elvia, mother of three (Merida Urquia) being fitted for her PVC-1, pipe-bomb necklace, superimpose, on her face, the face of YOUR mother, or sister, or wife, daughter, girlfriend, Aunt, cousin, or best friend...as she scrambles around desperately, for her life, as the seconds tick by. When the bomb-squad police lieutenant, who is trying franticly to save her from certain death, cuts his hand with a knife and says to her, "I'll be back in SECONDS!" She then loses it completely! "SECONDS?" Elvia shrieks insanely, "What Seconds? They took ALL my Seconds! I don't have ANY Seconds for ANYBODY!"...And then I CHALLENGE you to rate this 6.8 STARS! Because the harshly stark reality of Colombia ensures that when WE look at Elvia, we see the face of someone near and dear to us! 10**********

....ENJOY! / DISFRUTELA!!!

Any comments, questions or observations, in English o en Español, are most welcome!

A single shot, a real time film on location about an assault, a ransom demand, bomb deactivating and desperation should have been nothing else than a breathtaking piece with its audacity. P.V.C.-1, the FIPRESCI award winner of the International Competition, is indeed breathtaking. Given the information that P.V.C.–1 takes place in a rural area in Colombia —where the political situation is critical— and the film is based on an actual event, the tension automatically increases. It is a brilliant directorial debut.

The outstanding work of the steady cam operator — by the director Spiros Stathoulopoulos himself — makes the audience become eyewitnesses to the tragicomic tale, seeing the helplessness of the authorities dealing with a cruel crime. We witness a poor farmer's family being slowly victimized by the harsh third world reality.

The originality of the idea and style transform the event into a genuine thriller. The panic- stricken family contacts the local military authorities and makes an appointment to meet the unit that might dismantle the PVC tube device from the mother's neck at the crossroads. They are not sure if it is a real bomb or a sick joke.

The use of real time and the camera's movement like the human eye as if turning our heads from one point to another, as if changing positions, creates a psychological effect. We feel as nervous as a person on location. Time passes, it gets darker and we get impatient.

P.V.C.-1 succeeds in creating the suspense that most thrillers, horror and action films fail to. It heartily involves us.

Without any artificial lighting, without any close ups, without any cuts, with only little dialogue, with amateurish acting and with some bitter, dark humor derived from the absurdity of the whole event, P.V.C.-1 reaches the level of high profile film-making.

Just saw PVC-1 on a recommendation from a friend and although I had never heard of it, I was seriously intrigued at not only the premise of the film but of course the fact that the movie plays out in a single take. As a camera operator it's an idea that I've always loved so I was very excited to check out this film. The film succeeds on many levels and at times is a gripping piece of work. Excellent camera work, very well shot, genius subtle changes in exposure and well thought out camera movements to help convey the emotions of certain scenes. The acting was also solid except for a few over the top moments. Remember though, this is essentially like theatre with the actors pouring their hearts out for almost an hour and a half. Very well done! However, I found myself becoming frustrated with the film at various points, ranging from the actions of some of the characters, to the inexplicable absence of certain tools (yes i realize this is Columbia but a scalpel will work better than a dinner knife and a car engine will surely generate more heat than a candle), to the lack of rational thinking. I was also upset at the lack of explanation as to why the woman had a bomb placed around her neck. I'm assuming this is a common act - but for what purpose. To what end? Sometimes the lack of motive works amazing but not in this case. And finally, while I applaud the film on its realism, I found there were just too many times where nothing was happening to advance the story and or bring you in to the story. The ending was spelled out but props to the quality of the movie because it still got me. PVC-1 is a great piece of filmmaking, no question. But while other reviewers rave about the movie's impact, I was left feeling somewhat let down. I feel that the filmmakers became too caught up in the whole "single take" thing and forgot to really work on adding more special pieces/elements to the story. For sure check it out. I'm looking forward to Mr. Spiros next film.

It's been a few years since I've seen this film, but I'll add a few words.

From a technical perspective the film was incredible for me as I remembered it was filmed in a single take with one camera. That is stage-theatre discipline right there.

I liked the general idea of the plot, but the pacing was agonizingly slow. This did help to achieve some incredible tension as the film progressed. I recommend screening this flick once for the experience; but this really isn't the kind of film you'll find yourself wanting to revisit.

PVC-1 is one of the most influential films i've seen all year. You can't take your eyes of the screen for one second. The brilliant camera work and directing, is complimented by outstanding acting and a sound script. This is a movie not to be missed. It succeeds in pulling you into a true story that deserves such a telling. If only every film in Hollywood had a film maker who could do justice in such a gripping fashion.

If you haven't seen this film yet, you're missing out!! Trust me you won't be disappointed!

GO SEE P.V.C-1!!