Abilene

Before my wife and I saw this movie, I read the review in the Austin Chronicle. As a result, I expected a pretty, but very slow - and probably boring - movie. However, I went because Abilene was being shown as a fundraiser for a local non-profit organization. It was a Good Cause.

Boy, were we surprised. Abilene is a gem. Perhaps even flawless. It's both lush and lean. Yes, the photography is gorgeous, but the characters are equally well-crafted. Every one of them is real and interesting. The dialogue is excellent, with no unnecessary verbiage. The relationships are authentic. The script is intelligent and has depth. Ernest Borgnine is at the top of his form, as is Kim Hunter. In fact, the entire cast was outstanding.

We liked this movie. A lot. And, of course, we cried.

"Abilene" is a moving portrait of the lives of two souls in the winter of their lives and the people who surround them. A slice of village life in the heart of America, the film undulates beautifully through their story, capturing those moments in their lives that will always be etched in the stone of their memories; a coffee cup rattling the moment Emmeline's husband's heart fails, a look, a gesture. Cinematically these moments unfold in a graceful movement of stunning tableaus. I will remember "Abilene" for some time.

Abilene is a heart-warming tale. It was refreshing to see this type and quality of a movie in this day and age. It proves that violence, sex, and foul language are not essential elements for an enjoyable show.

All of the actors and actress' did a fine job of portraying realistic people in small town America. This is an age group that needs to be addressed more often. Everybody knows about the "graying of America," however a large majority of the films are geared towards teenagers. Camp and crew did a good job of making this enjoyable for not only seniors, but all ages.

The storyline is humorous, sad, and sweet. The camera captures the beautiful vast landscape of Texas. The costumes were great, the music was an asset.

I hope that all will be able to sit back and watch this good ol'fashioned film, soon.

This is redundant, but the picture industry is overlooking the huge audience of nice people with gray hair. We are sentimental, nostalgic, love to shed a tear at a happy ending. We avoid obscenities, public nudity, abuse or addiction of any kind. Abilene is the essence of what our generation enjoys. I applaud those who assembled this beautiful, sensitive and modest motion picture.

Abilene touches the heart, soul, and conscience (hopefully) of the moviegoer. A refreshing tale about love and beauty told in the same manner as the Texas countryside itself -- unassuming, eloquent, simplistic, peculiar, and sometimes...forgiving. Joe Camp III has forged the aesthetic of movie making into a new realm upon which movie makers and viewers alike can reflect.