Heaven Strewn

An impressive and intelligent thriller/noir in the vein of the Coen Brother's "Blood Simple". Desperate characters on the margins of society. They're barely hanging on as they dwell in the dark cracks of the California dream. The film is like razor wire, stretched tight, ready to snap and cut everyone in half. Solid acting. Looks great. Fab score. It's even got meteorites. And it's all done on what appears to be a shoestring. (Which makes what they pulled off all the more impressive.) Looking forward to seeing what director Gurzi can do with a real budget. He's obviously a bold filmmaker - one who's sure not gonna pull his punches. "Heaven Strewn" is definitely worth a watch.

First-time filmmaker JT Gurzi gets winning performances from his two leads (Wyatt Denny's character especially of note - keep an eye out for this guy and say you saw him here first), and he lays out a nicely-measured-paced, thought-provoking, crime conundrum story. Excellent camera work and a score that makes you want to buy the soundtrack help make this a solid, low-key,character-based thriller worth watching. If you like a Wim Wenders/Jim Jarmusch/John Cassavetes-like indie approach to crime stories, you should appreciate what Gurzi is doing here. I'm interested in seeing what this guy puts together next, and you should be too.

This film reminds me of the so called 'first films' of some of my favorite contemporary storytellers and directors who have gone on to make consistently great films throughout their careers. Like when I saw 'Bottle Rocket' for the first time. This film had the same sort of fresh sincerity and lawlessness that can only be achieved by a true storyteller who knows what they are doing around a camera - and the value of having someone's attention from opening frame to end. Time well spent. Hit me right where it hurts at a time in my life where I have been struggling with letting go of tough times for love of chaotic circumstances and friends. Beautiful. Tender. Intensely personal without being overly sentimental or distractingly snarky. I can't wait to see what comes out of Gurzi next.

I wanted to like this movie, being a desert flick and all, but overwhelming problems prevented that from happening. Number 1: If your movie lacks subtitles, then record the dialog SO YOU CAN HEAR IT! There are these things available called wireless microphones. Number 2: Editing...overly long scenes (such as the one that opens the movie) cause the viewer to LOSE INTEREST rapidly. Number 3: Camera...use a good one; this looks like it was shot on a camcorder. Number 5,000: Script...oh, forget it.

I think JT Gurzi is the new film director we all should be watching for. His story line keeps the viewer engaged and wanting more. I absolutely love this film and intend on watching it again. I first watched it at a friends house and had to order my own copy. Makes you wonder if you really have that kind of friend. Mickey and Jasper make quite the pair. Then there's that Anna and Diablo, not to mention Snipes. I'm not giving more info on this film because it would spoil it for those who have yet to watch it and I highly encourage you to do so. Bring me more Mr. Gurzi, please!!! One of the better crime thrillers I've watched in a long long time. It's that good 👍