Us, Forever Ago

This is a challenging but ultimately rewarding watch. Mixes genres effectively, blurring the line between fiction and nonfiction in an alluring and atmospheric way. Definitely requires some patience to follow its meanderings, but you'll be glad you spent the time.

This film isn't to be missed. I was struck by the deepness and beauty - the visuals - the cadence - All of it. The juxtaposition of internal and external views of the fimmaker's private world is breathtaking. I was very fortunate to attend one of the screenings and look forward to it being released to a broader audience. One time isn't enough.

Varina's account of her process in developing her documentary is wonderfully personal and subtle and intimate. The documentary portion itself is also provides a refreshing variety of perspectives from a spectrum of artists. It's just good writing and acting.

I was fortunate to be able to catch this film during its festival run. Hybrid narrative and documentary is tricky and I think Us, Forever Ago handles it very well. One of the things that stood out to me as interesting about the film was the way the filmmakers chose to present New York City in much of the film. So often NYC is presented with filmmakers shooting up at it from the ground level and the buildings seem dominate the people, but most of the shots of the city in Us, Forever Ago are from up high. The city feels a bit smaller and more lonely. I thought that was very effective for the story.