Gameface

Jim Rhodimer and the Brash Studios/Aleron Entertainment crew have set a new standard in independent film-making (often guerrilla) with GAMEFACE. They've also set a new benchmark for what you can do with MiniDV and how great a film can look -- even on the big screen -- without spending tens of thousands in post production.

Set within the life of an embittered divorcé and the stunningly impactful rock music that defines his life as a musician, GAMEFACE takes us on an unapologetic journey of discovery. What does it take to get beyond the pain of heartbreak? How does one recover their connection with the goodness and excitement of life? What and who do we hold on to when all that we've known is gone? Often mixing music video style editing with edgier random and deliberate movement, GAMEFACE offers candy to the eyes and food for the heart. Each performance is deeply connected, not only to the story but to the theme of the film as well. All this can be attributed to brilliant casting, directing and editing -- an indie film trifecta! Too often in indie film-making stories tend to drag out, with the filmmakers getting caught up in redundancy for cinematic purpose. But with GAMEFACE the journey is the thing that links every scene, every sentence of dialog transcends typical ranting diatribe and speaks to the core of character. You'll be hard-pressed to find better dialog in an indie film.

As an indie filmmaker myself I look for inspiration amongst my peers and the folks who are happily on the same journey as I...GAMEFACE inspires me.

I had been waiting since Nov. 2006 to see Gameface after having attended a soundtrack release party and seeing a teaser trailer. The time finally had arrived. I saw the film at Dances with Films on July 8th. I was impressed! I still find it hard to believe this was the writer/directors first film. This film really has the whole package.

The story, the cinematography, the editing, the actors, all brilliant. The performances by all the actors had me sucked in from the very beginning. Nothing was forced. The music was amazing. Everything just worked. I would definitely recommend this movie to everyone. I myself am anxiously waiting for a Gameface DVD.

Kimberly Prendez~

I caught this film at DANCES WITH FILMS in Hollywood last night and I must say, I was pleasantly surprised and thoroughly entertained. Being a veteran of many film festivals, I have to admit that it is rare to find independent films that are worth the hour and a half they ask of you. This one was bare-bones to the core, but most indie movies are. You quickly forget the rough edges and deep focus shifts (some I'm sure were intentional) and get lost in the story of a thirty-something musician adrift in the L.A. dating world after a premature marriage, one that produced both a beautiful child and enduring bitterness.

What strikes you about this film is it's sheer force of will. It sucks you in, sometimes making you dizzy in the process. But this WORKS. The characters reveal their flaws without apology and we spend this time with them, always wanting to know where they are headed. The writing is top notch, even if at times I wondered what certain vignettes actually meant to the story on the whole. GAMEFACE also contains some of the most achingly funny moments I have seen in a very long time. Long story short, this movie deserves to be seen. The performances were solid and at times heartbreaking, and the direction was assured and daring. There isn't a doubt in my mind that we'll be seeing more of all of them soon. The killer soundtrack doesn't hurt either.

I don't much comment on movies here, but this one is well worth your time and money. So if you ever get a chance to catch GAMEFACE (and I'm pretty certain you will) be sure to do so. You won't be sorry.

I've never driven over 400 miles to see a film before. I'm glad that I did this past weekend.

My wife and I went to see Gameface at the Dances With Films film festival in West Hollywood.

I had no idea what to expect from the film and was moved by much of what I saw. The performances were great. You'd think the actors were pros who had worked together for years rather than a freshly cast group of newcomers, including one recruited from Craigslist (a gem I gleamed from the Q-n-A after the film).

I have to echo the thoughts of the first user to comment on this film - it deserves to be seen. I want to see it again.

While I'm not in the same place that the main character finds himself in, this movie made me care about his situation and also care about his search for a resolution. Along the way, we were treated to so many memorable scenes and lines. I've still got lines of dialogue going through my head. The interaction between the band members felt so real you'd think the movie was filmed around a real band.

On top of the excellent writing, direction, and editing, the audience is entertained with a terrific soundtrack.

Jim Rhodimer is one of the best independent film directors I've worked with. I was amazed at how fantastic the film looked on the big screen.

The cool rock music is a perfect soundtrack for this coming of age story with witty lines and classic performances. GAMEFACE has brilliant casting, directing and editing -- an indie film extravaganza! One of my favorite scenes is when Jack takes the time to connect with his neighbor. This kindness leads to great changes in Jacks life. I really appreciated how stylistically creative these scenes were filmed. It drew me in and made me want to know more. The other favorite scene of mine is the dates....especially the brunette date, she was hilarious.

I look forward to seeing more from this talented Director.