The Gun (From 6 to 7:30 p.m.)

I thought this film was absolutely amazing. I haven't seen such a brilliantly made film in a very long time. It represents what filmmaking is really all about. I'm sure this film will become very successful and known all over the world winning numerous awards. I can't wait for Vladimir Alenikov's new works of brilliance.

I saw the film at MFF. It's pure art-house. A vision of one man. You either love it or hate. But if you stick with it, the film nonchalantly creeps up on you with its captivating, brilliant camera-work and non-intrusive, yet powerful message. It's an important film to see in this day and age and it makes a perfect sense why our less-violent northern neighbors chose to screen this piece of art IN COMPETITION. The film is original and unique, which makes it worth checking it out. The filmmaker has a strong voice and opinion and he's not afraid to show it. Last summer I was watching at least 2,3 movies a week in theaters and after a few weeks all of them started to lose identity and became to blend together. They're all done in the same Hollywood fashion. The only difference is the plot, which sometimes, is not all that different at all. Out of my 2 months long movie run only 1 or 2 films stood out and that's it! Most of them I don't remember. "The Gun" however, I'll remember for a long time. It's food for thought. It's provoking and intelligent. We need more diversity, more opinions and more films like this.

The Gun in my opinion is a very important piece of filmmaking that I fear may be slightly misunderstood to the general viewing audience. Upon reflection Alenikov and Company had quite a few obstacles to overcome which they did. One shooting a film in real time. The story takes place in 1.5 hours and therefore the film is 1.5 hours. Second and the most difficult is only 15 scenes using one steady cam to capture all of the action in one continuous shot. Now thats tough. It's more like directing a live play but then with the added difficulty of having to add the camera and lights so that the flow is natural and so is the look. This is what impressed me more than anything. Alenikov is truly an artist. I don't think many directors whose names are recognized today could have pulled it off the way he did.

This film is a must see for any aspiring director and/or DP and even actor who wants to see how someone thinks out of the box in approaching a film. Very interesting stuff. I would like to get a copy of this film so I can review each scene and see exactly how he did it. When I originally watched it I kept finding myself asking "How did he do that?" "Where are the lights?" It was pretty impressive.

Definately see this film and don't forget what the preperation is to pull something like this off. I'd love to see what Alenikov could do with a big budget.

-Cyb :)

I thought the movie very powerfully reflected the gloomy, sinister and murderous nature of guns. The film expressed brilliantly the fact that guns inspire and cause murder. Period.

Vladimir Alenikov's film grabbed me immediately and kept me hostage for the whole duration. They way the film was shot (in real time) makes it feel very real, it's like you are watching the events happening in front of your eyes. The creepy character of a musician boy who takes possession of the Gun is outstanding; his crazy smile after he spooked first people with his power because he had the Gun still stands in my eyes and gives me goose bumps. Powerful movie! I wish we saw more films on the subject come out and in the US the viewing of this film, should be mandatory! Great Job! Masha Tsiklauri

The Gun takes Vladimir Alenikov's vision into the shadowy world of obsession, and no one underscores the price of obsession better than the talented Jack Forbes, as Victor. Fraught with good intentions and overwhelmed by the relentless pace of urban living, Victor clamors for a solution, only to find that his problems are just beginning. Jack Forbes' performance is so subtle, compelling and real, combined with the steady-cam no-cuts filming technique, we really feel like we're living out the 90 minutes with him. This should be a break-away film for Jack. Tim Colceri plays AJ, an energetic strip bar owner, and the chemistry between AJ and Victor is both entertaining and heart wrenching. Vladimir's direction of this foray into the minds of everyday people is seamless, inspired and innovative. Cinematographer Kirill Davidoff, through the steadicam of Chris George, is remarkable as it winds through the story in continuous no-cut shots of unprecedented lenght and complexity, all the while in perfect focus and lighting. Jeremiah Hasseman is interesting in the role of Gene, the unruly and unemployed transient, and as a newcomer holds his own in this production. Tamara Tara, as Anna, Victor's hapless wife, shows her range from disdain to distraught to desperate, finally landing in the sypathetic laps of the audience. Val Dillman is delightful as Christie, the alluring and endearing stripper who seduces Victor and tosses Gene out on his ear. And Robert Harrell III is convincing as Lamar, the street-person thief. The Gun is a ground-breaking film for all involved, and should be a winner.