Trans

This film reminded me of the Iranian film "White Balloon", in the following sense.

In White Balloon, the whole plot is "two kids go to buy a goldfish, and a bunch of stuff happens to them along the way". That's it. Nothing else. There isn't necessarily any point to any of the stuff that happens to them. There isn't any theme. There's just... lots and lots of stuff. And then the movie just ends.

In the same way, this movie is: a kid escapes from juvenile detention, and a bunch of stuff happens to him while he's on the run. And then the movie is over. What's the point? No point.

If you can get PAST that, then there's a lot to enjoy here. This, in spite of the fact, that as another commenter pointed out, there are lots of technical flaws in the cinematography, that might *appear* to be intentional, "for effect", but are probably just goof ups or inexperience. However, in between the out of focus shots and the "unsteady-cam" shots and the underexposed shots are some really interesting sequences and very nice use of music to create mood.

To really enjoy this film, change your expectations: see it as a series of 3-5 minute "mini-plays" that all happen to revolve around the same character, Ryan Kazinski. And then, just to watch this young actor, Ryan Daugherty in his first feature film, is a real treat. Especially heartbreaking is the scene between Ryan and his brother (played by his real life brother, Jon Daugherty.) I expect that after some casting directors see this film, the phone may be ringing in the Daugherty household.

With one month to serve out a Fort Myers, Florida juvenile prison term, teenager Ryan Daugherty (as Ryan Kazinski) joins two fellow inmates as they spontaneously escape from a road cleaning crew. After enjoying some fresh freedom, the other two lads desert young Mr. Daugherty. Left to his own devices, he is unable to cope. Daugherty can't differentiate between those who try to help him and those who would get him in deeper trouble. After visiting little brother Jon, he becomes determined to visit their long lost mother.

Julian Goldberger's "Trans" is a semi-documentary, film festival friendly effort. The story's beginning is very good, with Daugherty's boredom and alienation nicely visualized. His natural and convincing narration gives the film a voice, and would have been welcome throughout the film. Although "Kazinski" presents as a rather ordinary, confused, and probably unintelligent soul, his plight elicits sympathy. However, a series of unspectacular and/or improvised events squanders much of film's initial appeal. An uplifting ending helps.

***** Trans (9/11/98) Julian Goldberger ~ Ryan Daugherty, Justin Lakes, Jon Daugherty, Michael Gulnac

This is a very good and honest movie. You feel how this kid felt, and I especially relate because I used to just walk around as a kid (but obviously not as a convict or something.) You really feel for the main character in this movie, it has its own feel to it, very real. Very honest. Its not so much a movie as an experience, like a doc. film but real. Its certainly worth the watch. I saw it and it grabbed me enough to stay there, watch it and forget what I was doing. Any film that can do that has achieved it's goal in bringing you into the realm of cinema and is worth the watch.

I'm not sure if I was watching the same movie as everyone else. The premise was interesting but the story went absolutely nowhere. The `Cinematography' was terrible. All hand held with hard zooms and pans sometime with with late focus which appeared unintentional. The shots were all ill thought out and the dialog seemed as if it was all improvisation (and bad improvisation at that). There was quite a bit of narration in the first 15 minutes, which just dies with the rest of the film somewhere in the middle. You don't get to know or care about any of the characters. However, there were some very interesting editing and musical soundtrack choices but in the end good editing and music does not a good movie make.

The whole movie had a visceral feel to it. I could, believe me, feel the swelt of the Florida swamp. The boy is amazing. The scene, where he stands over the bridge, ecstatic after his escape, is stunning. So where some other characters.

If u can suspend yr judgement on the ending and want to "feel" the movie go for it. very sensual.