King of Herrings

King of Herrings reminds me of the excitement I felt when I first saw Jim Jarmusch's 'Down By Law.' The writing is fresh and fits the setting. The characters live in a parallel universe that draws the viewer in and enlists you to care about their decisions. No car crashes or bank heists. Just human conflict - petty and personal - and believable resolves. Very glad I discovered this film and this unique collection of actors. Eddie Jemison has written himself a memorable character cut from that Joe Pesci cloth of spontaneous and utterly unpredictable screen wise guys. King of Herrings is a pure old school indie, the kind of film that makes you wish you were still hammering out your screenplay on a typewriter rather than a MacBook.

The makers of this film suffered from many misunderstandings. To identify a few for them, filming in black and white doesn't make you an auteur (and it makes a plot mystifying when one character is referred to, for over an hour, simply as "the redhead"); casting character actors as leads doesn't always make them good enough to carry the larger role; long pauses in conversations do not make that conversation meaningful; and working without a script does not inspire brilliance. OK, I'm guessing on that last point, but it sure seems like no one knew their lines. Oh, and lens flare isn't an especially good look in black and white.

In sum, a pretentious, vapid, poorly constructed story.

Had the great opportunity to see a free viewing of this film at BRCC today after our closing ceremony for Art fest. We were also fortunate to meet the actors and production (skeleton) crew. I refer to skeleton because the crew conceited of 2 people. It was great to meet and ask a few question. They were very approachable and were happy to let us pick their brains about the film and what it took to produce. I found that the film gave a sense of familiarity; a feeling that one could connect with the characters and the dynamics of each of their relationships. By featuring the film in black and white I believe it brought another level of depth not only to the story line but also the backdrop.

I was lucky enough to see the screening of this film, and it was quite powerful. The script, the actors and their performances, the photography, and the locations were perfect. "King of Herrings" is quite simple, yet incredibly powerful and thought provoking, bringing you intimately into their world and lives for a few days. Shooting it in black and white was brilliant, keeping you involved in the characters, and the locations, without any distractions. I think everyone involved in creating "King of Herrings", are long time friends, and the relationships between the actors are very honest and real, making it feel like you are hanging out with a group of friends.. even saying "no, don't do that".. forgetting you are watching a film. It is very well written, making you laugh, think, and almost cry. That makes it a "10" for me!

What can I say about "King of Herrings?" So very much. First....you will recognize these people. And that doesn't happen often in American movies. "Ditch," Gat," "The Professor," "Leon," "Augie," and most especially, the women in this film, "Mary" and "Evie." We all know them. We see them in the corner diner, or on the subway, or, likely, in our own homes. Particularly if you have lived in any big city...New Orleans as depicted in "King of Herrings"....but also Chicago, New York, LA....or Philadelphia or wherever. These are real people. Urban characters that live and breath and live and love and strive or fail. What is it about "King of Herrings" that makes it stick in your head and in your thoughts? The story and the writing first. Not many American movies let the viewer decide for themselves how to feel about the characters up on screen. The acting, certainly...uncompromising and rich. Eddie Jemison, known for his wide variety of character roles, often comic, zones in on a whole other realm of his talent. Brando-like he is here. And Joe Chrest, David Jensen, Wayne Pere, Carl Palmer and John Mese all compliment and further Jemison's breakthrough performance. This is excellence in ensemble acting. But, when all is said and done, the secret of "King of Herrings" is its women and the soul they give to it. Andrea Frankle, a featured player in a number of movies, gives a breakout performance as "Evie." It is a performance that should be seen and, when seen, will be appreciated. But, most of all, Laura Lamson is the heart and soul of "King of Herrings." Her performance is impeccable and heartbreaking. Without Lamson, there is no movie. It is a quiet performance amidst all the testosterone hue and cry. And it kills. Lastly, the co-direction of Sean Richardson (with Jemison) and music of Chris Walden fulfill every moviegoer's hope by bringing completion to this wonderful writing and acting. I loved "King of Herrings."