Local Color

These days we have movies that hurl us into outer space, throw us into life threatening situations laden with violence and hysteria, or filled with so many amazing special effects that one cannot tell what is real and what is not. George Gallo's newest film, LOCAL COLOR offers none of the above. Not that I don't love the Wachowski Brothers or enjoy peaking into the twisted, creative mind of Quentin Tarantino. I do. But for countless reasons having to do with the state of the world today, I think that most of us long for this kind of "entertainment". The kind that serves to connect us to our humanity and give us hope. I love this movie. The acting is stellar, the story is compelling and inspiring. The cinematography is nothing short of spectacular. I was able to see the world through a true artists eye. It made me understand the level of passion and tenaciousness it takes to reach that level. Some might say that the film is too sentimental, others might say it is self-indulgent or egocentric, but I disagree. I feel that the tale was told with hat in hand that it will serve to inspire anyone who is open to the message it delivers. It is a movie about achievement attained by following one's passion, not by selling ones soul.

I just saw this incredible movie at the Sedona Film Festival and met the director, writer and artist, George Gallo, on whose own youth this true story is based. I could not be more enthusiastic in my recommendations for this film, AND it could use support, as he and his wife mortgaged their house to make it. So please see it and if you like it, tell your friends.

As an artist myself, I can well relate to the "death of art" described by the elder mentor in the film, who is discouraged by modern art and its snobbish disregard for the classical artists who passionately seek to capture and share a moment of divine beauty. Even more so, it is a powerful and sensitive human story of the power of love to redeem the tragedies of the past.

Other reviewers have described the plot better than I. My intent is to alert all artists of any media, and those who care about beauty and love to go see and support this film. Gallo said it was very difficult to get it distributed because it lacks sex, violence and destruction, as though that were all we moviegoers want to see. What a parallel to the theme of the movie itself, in which the elder artist laments that too much art is no longer about inspiring us or sharing beauty, but to express the ugliness and violence of the world.

I saw a rough cut of this film a while back and was deeply moved by its simple beauty and meditative pace.

The performances have so much depth and take the diverse characters to a level that must have moved even the writer/director and producers.

It is also surprisingly funny, well not surprisingly, but when you read terms like "deeply moved" or "meditatve pace" you might *surprisingly* find yourself laughing out loud...a lot...

This is a feel good movie without being forced to feel good...it is an unfolding story with the heart and soul of the writer/director, producers, crew and cast made available to us, the audience, to take, relate and in our own way, give back...

It has been a long time since I have seen a movie with as much integrity and honesty. As the writer so aptly states in the opening of the movie: this is a movie for romantics not critics.

When I hear someone trash a film or is angry about something the first question I ask is "what are they afraid of?". It IS easy to be cavalier and self serving. It is much more difficult to truly speak from the heart.

The characters are real...the performances excellent. The script is brilliant. There are so many gems...words of wisdom that it is hard to remember them all.

What I like most about this movie is that it is completely unapologetic. It takes courage to let it all hang out.

Perhaps if our culture was more in tune with nature and less about cynicism and ego we would all be better off.

I would highly recommend this movie to everyone.

Best film of the year in my opinion. I hope it gets wide distribution since it is being offered by a small independent producer with excellent credentials, George Gallo. Mr Gallo previously wrote "Wise Guys", "Midnight Run" and his best previous effort "29th Street". This is his best yet. Local Color is a sensitive film with outstanding art, color, and photography. Actor Armin Mueller-Stahl is especially good in his role. The premise of the film is that a young artist wants an "old master" to give him lessons and the old man is not a "touchy-feely" kind of teacher. Plot turns are unexpected and the ending is especially well done (many other options could have been used).