Altered Minds

I was able to see a preview of the final cut of this film before it went out to theaters. I didn't have many expectations. Judd Hirsch is a name I recognize and didn't really know anyone else. I figured that it could be interesting with the usual amateurish bits that come with low budget films. Well, this one must have spent a ton of time in editing because each time I was expecting a lull, the film kept you moving and engaged.

Without saying too much, the premise is a birthday party for the dying father, afflicted with terminal cancer. His family consists of his devoted wife, his biological son and three adopted children. His oldest adopted child is acting strangely and complains of nightmares and has become obsessed with finding a buried urn. He's convinced that his adoptive father, a world renowned psychologist, has kept some secrets from the family. And it is about time that Dad confessed to the whole family the real truth about what kind of psychological work he performed with patients - birthday or not.

I half expected the film to become a bit sloppy towards the ending, as most do in this genre, but I was very pleasantly surprised that it is tied up quite neatly and in satisfactory fashion. There shouldn't be any groans from the audience. In fact, I found it an interesting piece on the subject of the human mind. In a world filled with mediocre Hollywood films and independent films that try to hard, this is a hidden sleeper that will keep you engaged.

though I don't see the rave reviews for it.

Do generally like Judd Hirsch but kinda felt him unbelievable in the character, in fact none of the acting particualry stood out.

Decent plot, decent premise, decent pace... nothing spectacular but comparatively a solid effort.

I had the chance to see this at a special preview screening and really enjoyed it. Without giving too much away, the concept is really ingenious and the plot twists kept it exciting throughout as it very cleverly peels back the layers on this deeply f***ed-up family. It was shot very well with a great long tracking shot to open and some very solid work throughout — and the production design was excellent too. The actors did some wonderful work creating an authentic family vibe that feels real where they know each other's back–story (with some notable details excepted). It's a really ambitious project and though it doesn't have a lot of star power it clearly deserves to get wide distribution. I love films that break the rules of genre to create something more original. Red Robin interestingly straddles the space between a serious indie drama -- almost an art-house film -- and a psychological thriller, without sacrificing too much on either end. The score lays it on a little thick at certain points but is generally very good. I just wish there were more movies like this getting made, and I'm curious to see what this filmmaker does next.

Was not going to comment on this until I read one grossly overrated review comparing this film to a Bergman production and another response likened it to that of Hitchcock. This film was nothing at all to be held in such esteem. What insult.

The story was poorly written. Mumbo jumbo of supposed psychoanalysis. It's entire plot failed. Any degree of suspense is predictable. Emotional moments, intending to be poignant, are not qualified by any caliber of acting and in my opinion, forced and cringe-worthy.

As producer and curator of The NY Film Critics Series I chose to screen TRR for our groups due to its mysterious vibe of the unmanifested. What I mean by that is that it appeared that the filmmaker(s) approached this project with a vision in mind and that the film ended up with exponential layers. It is a known fact that at some point every movie takes on a life of its own, but in this case, it is entirely clear that the director was keenly aware of when to get out of the way.

I strongly recommend that when viewing this film, that one should experience it in the same spirit. When watching it, clear your head with no expectations. Do not try to draw your own conclusions or predict what may happen next. Allow the work to wash over you as a willing vessel, placing your human on vacation for 90 minutes or so.

mark ehrenkranz NYFCS series producer http://nyfilmcriticsseries.com/