Foreign Correspondents

On the surface, this is a story of young people who are battling loneliness. But it's also the story of getting past pretense, of finding out who a person really is. It deals with fooling oneself, and fooling others. There's a rather humorous undertone of how foreigners view Americans, and vice versa. During the story, some of the characters develop, and some don't. Those who don't develop seem to prefer deluding themselves, in order to protect their hearts from a world of hurt. I recommend that you go see the movie, if you can!

My sentiments about this film remain much as my earlier comments indicate. However, the director, Mark Kines, was kind enough respect my right to the opinions I offered, while pointing out -- via the IMDb -- that, factually, Melanie Lynskey did NOT have to pay her way to the US from New Zealand. She was treated rather well here, glad to have an opportunity to be near Hollywood to explore possible future roles, make contacts with major studios, etc. She also knew the script in advance of coming. Kines had the smarts to seek her out and ask for her -- and PAY her! He deserves credit for that and more. I am sorry to have misled people. Was it fair to characterize her role as Melody as being "a wallflower"? A few other viewers' comments have been even less kind; still, "wallflower" probably was the wrong word. Melody knows what she's about; she's no push-over. She may be unhappy, yet never desperate or desolate. My problem remains: it's just not very dynamic. I'm not asking for gunfire, or weeping and running about. So-called quiet films often appeal to me for their very quietness. And, as I said before, there's much to enjoy about "Foreign Correspondents." I'm happy to say it again. What Kines attempted with her plot-line was extremely difficult -- and maybe film schools should post signs in big letters: Don't try this! Having Michael J. Fox play a coke-head in "Bright Lights, Big City" comes to mind. Not for a minute was he convincing in that role. (Loved him in "Doc Hollywood.") Kines' error was of a much lesser magnitude. And... my expectations for Lynskey and her part were sky-high, up in the clouds. I would accept no less than another "Heavenly Creatures" turn. And why not add in some startling b&w images from old Orson Welles' films, too -- and those terrific dancing mud-creatures -- what happened to them? All of which made it difficult to see and appreciate "Foreign Correspondents" in its own right; so I apologize.

The story with Danova has a lot more zing to it; Wheaton doesn't have an especially likeable part to play, but that doesn't mean that he's not acting well. I was invited to see an early screening for this film in San Francisco; it was well received there, but then many in the audience had acted as extras in the film. Chris Farrell does a nice job with the music; but the title suggests too much of a comparison with the famous Hitchcock film -- which isn't apt; these are love stories or friendships, teenagers on the verge of adulthood. A good first effort, and given the difficulty factor of having a very low budget -- more credit is due to all involved. Melanie Lynsky, a tremendously gifted actress -- she did terrific work in the outstanding film "Heavenly Creatures -- is largely wasted here. She sacrificed, basically paid her way from New Zealand, just to be given another chance to act -- after having a complex and challenging role in one of the greatest films of the nineties, she hadn't received many offers. But the part Kines gave her is one of a wallflower, more or less. Yelena Danova was new to me; yet she appeared to be the brightest light in either section. Lynsky could well have the potential to be another Bette Davis type star; but she'll need more imaginative or experienced directors to work with for this to happen. Or she may have to write her own scripts, like Katherine Hepburn did.

"Foreign Correspondents" tells two short stories back to back with a clumsy attempt at the end of the second to dovetail it into the first. Both have annoyingly indecisive protagonists so don't look for any heroics. Both remain unresolved at the end which some will find unsatisfying. Both are sufficiently lacking in complexity as to require plenty of filler; inconsequential stuff which doesn't add impetus to the plot. Nonetheless, for a low budget indie, the first story is surprisingly compelling and the second is surprisingly engaging. "FC" should be a moderately enjoyable watch for indie lovers into drama. (C)

One has to admire Mark Kines for making a truly independent movie.

Unfortunately, the first story is a little weak and I agree that Melanie Lynskey is underutilized. She is supposed to have a boring life, but the vignette doesn't rise up to the challenge of making a boring life seem interesting to a viewer. However, Will Wheaton does have a great role as the awkward neighbor.

I understand the second story is loosely based on an incident in the director's life. It is unfortunate that this could not have been the subject of a full-length feature. Corin Nemic (of Parker Lewis Can't Lose fame) is great, and I'd like to see him again. Unknown Yelena Danova is also excellent. I really cared for the characters and those in supporting roles. Yelena's host parents are interesting and the Father has some unexpected character development. The hilarious and telling scene in a bookstore featuring Martin Mull is an added bonus. The secondary theme of Cultural Variations and how strange Americans can be to foreigners is expertly handled.

Overall it is a great first outing and I'd recommend it to any indie fans.