Fabled

I had an ex-boyfriend who was about as jealous and paranoid as the guy in this movie. He didn't go kill anyone, but he was just as obsessive. So this really rang a bell with me. Unfortunately, it also made me hate the character. Still a good film. Be better for a rental than paying full theater price.

Looking at the credits, I don't remember some of these characters. Was there a lot left on the cutting room floor, or did I miss it when I went to the bathroom?

I give it a 10 for effort and about an 8 for results. 2 points off for hitting too close to my home.

Simon from the movie Go goes nuts.

This is one of those everyone's out to get me paranoid flicks. If you like the is-it-really- happening-or-not storyline, then Fabled is for you. If you are looking for something really scary go rent the Exorcist or the Ring again. The filmmakers try to make more out of a very simple plot and it works for the most part, but it could have used a bit more in the plot department. The acting is as good as could be expected for a small indie movie. Desmond Askew really stands out, but since he's in almost every frame it would be hard to not to.

It's hard to say something bad about the movie, since it was clear that so much thought and heart went into to it and nothing was particularly wrong, but I'm not sure it came together in the end. I guess I was a bit disappointed it was just good and not great.

Why is this movie still not available on video.

I saw this movie during the Austin Film Festival in 2002. Here it is three years later. What is going on? I didn't think it was that bad enough to get shelved. Actually, it was one of the better movies at the festival.

I guess with no real stars in it, and nothing shocking, it slipped through the grate. Perhaps the filmmakers should have had more killing, or sex, it certainly had enough profanity.

Too bad. Maybe it will make it's way to late night cable. That's really where it would play best. Late night mind fu**. Sometimes you find gems on late night TV.

It's a shame that this fizzled out without even being given a chance, especially when there is so much crap out there getting every chance millions of dollars can buy.

There is a certain bias when it comes to foreign films in America. American critics cut foreign films more slack. If you have a film in French and it has no discernible plot and is very interpretive, then it is considered artistic, abstract and everything was intentional.

Now if an American made the same film in English, then that film is labeled vague, meandering, and the filmmakers were unable to make it complex, especially without being pretentious.

It is a double standard.

Don't believe me? Okay, how about this. Take Hero - Make it in English, with Bruce Willis instead of Jet Li and have it take place in the old west, but otherwise the exact same film. In fact, let the same director direct it, but change his name to Frank Walker instead of Yimou Zhang.

Critics will hate it. Yet, it has just as much story and just as good, if not better performances, since Bruce Willis is probably a better actor than Jet Li.

Why would they hate it? It wasn't in Chinese, about Chinese history, starring Chinese actors and made by Chinese filmmakers.

Lost in translation -

I watched Fabled and I couldn't help feel that it was very European at heart. If you compare this to I'll Sleep When I'm Dead, you'll find Fabled is the stronger of the two, yet that Mike Hodges film is considered great film-making, and the critics found this arrogant and not successful.

Another glaring double standard is symbolism. In Europe and perhaps the rest of the world, symbolism is smart film-making. In the United States it's always looked upon as one, unnecessary and two, as the filmmaker thinking he/she is being clever when they clearly aren't.

It all comes down to expectations. This isn't Memento, nor is it the Grudge.

Come on people, the movie is called Fabled. If you go into it not expecting symbolism and a references to a fable, then go watch Boogeyman.

If you like to think at the movies, at least more than about why did this cost so much, then spend some time with Fabled.

PS. Don't listen to those who say it is only worth one viewing. While there are no twists, there is plenty going on for another go. If only for understanding the voice over alone it is worth that second try.

This is a very ambiguous movie, so if you're not one for figuring things out or thinking about a movie for a while afterwards than this isn't for you.

A lot is intentionally left up to the viewer, including the ending.

You really don't find out what the hell is going on, but that isn't the point. At least, I think that's not the point. Maybe THAT Is that the point?

A real twister. Not because it has a twist or surprise ending, but because it leaves you questioning your own life.

I give it - Overall Grade:A Story:B+ Acting:A Direction:A+ Visuals:A+