Sure Fire

This experimental, low-budget film, with its combination of moody music, numerous extended takes (including many breathtaking scenic shots of Utah -- which are better experienced on the big screen), brilliant writing (both subject matter and dialogue), and innovative narrative mechanisms puts director Jon Jost at the top of my list of important, and certainly creative, contemporary American directors. If you're into indie/art films, and don't know who Jon Jost is, this is an excellent place to start. If you already know who Jost is, I think this is his best.

SURE FIRE is a striking and haunting film; shot in glorious anti-establishment 16mm color, it uses the small frame to drill deep and quickly into the souls of a few everyday hicks in Utah. This is my first Jost film and I have to say that I am blown away by what he can do with such a small budget (he filmed, directed, and edited it himself) and it serves as quite an inspiration to this hopeful filmmaker. Better than any high-budget film I've seen this year (with the exception of Eyes Wide Shut, of course) and it was made in 1993, but my point is that SURE FIRE is a dark and disturbing portrait of America, beautifully executed, and well shot. *wink*

Shot on 16mm in rural Utah in the early 90's, Sure Fire is obscure American cinema at its finest. Josts style is very unique, containing many long scenes of dialogue, and beautiful photography of landscapes. This film contains some of the longest, most engaging monologues I've ever seen or heard, courtesy of the lead actor, Tom Blair. Blair is an amazingly strange actor that really gets into his roles. All I can really say is watch him work, it is fascinating.

The story was developed in accordance with the people Jost met in Utah and what was going on in their lives and the area at the time. The story concerns Tom Blair's character, Wes, wanting to sell real estate to people moving to his town from California. It goes on to explore his relationship with the people close to him.

At times, the film feels like a weirder version of Twin Peaks, and that's a very good thing. But it is no doubt a singular vision by a truly underground filmmaker. It is hard to find, but worth the hunt. -James Sinclair 7/07