Particles of Truth

This film was given to me by a friend for two reasons: 1)she loves Gale Harold as a result of his role on "Queer as Folk" and 2)like the protagonist Lilli Black, I paint. Consequently, I wanted to like this movie, I tried to like this movie... but all I could get into was the soundtrack. I wish I could've read the music credits at the end; maybe I need a bigger TV.

The good news: There are threads of a good (movie) story that exist in this film. The camera work is great, the atmosphere compelling, the music evocative. Larry Pine and Leslie Lyles (as the Wileys, Gale Harold's parents) turn in the most honest performances. I was disappointed at the lack of depth in their storyline; there was a real start of something there.

The bad news is simple: this film tries. There is a very contrived quality that overshadows the whole film because the audience (at least this one) recognizes that the director is trying to get us to feel something. The story was full of meaning and angst, with a very unfulfilling explanation of its origins. The viewer is not allowed to come to any conclusions on their own because the whole of the movie is leading them from symbol to indicator to cliché; in short, everything people resent about bad poetry.

With all due respect, this film (for me) is a perfect argument for keeping directors on one side of the camera. Yes, it works for a select few to act and direct, but those individuals (usually) have a clear idea of who the film should be about, and foresight enough to let someone else be the star. Maybe the director made the film she set out to make. It's just possible, however, that a singular focus on directing the film would've revealed the movie's true strength: the characters who made the protagonists who they were, not the angst they forced on the world as a result. The last twenty years of pop culture have given us our fill of angst and blame, but that wounded family dynamic will hit home almost every time. It needs to be honest, though, or it turns into a poor excuse for a life-long tantrum. And nobody wants to watch a movie about that.

In late June, I was fortunate enough to attend the IFP Los Angeles Film Festival. I saw many films at the festival, however only one film had promise, purpose and power. "Particles of Truth" is a cinematically poetic film, which delves into humanity's weakest yet most prevalent characteristics: self-doubt and insecurity. Rarely can a film simultaneously evoke opposing emotions of joy and depression. Nevertheless, "Particles of Truth" successfully masters this formula. Director and co-star, Jennifer Elster allowed me to search my inner self. The characters are so deep and personable; I truly felt a connection to each of their fears, flaws and hopes.

I highly recommend this film to anyone who is disgusted with Hollywood's phony and artificial portrayal of life. "Particles of Truth" is a real movie, with true characters and authentic resolution.

Particles Of Truth is an intelligent and thought provoking film. I was fortunate enough to catch it on the Sundance Channel's (New Voices). I did not know what the film was going to be about but the opening sequence drew me right in. The intense subject matter, combined with Elsters ability to make me laugh, made it a hopeful ride. Rarely do i see independent films that are sincere and meaningful. This is a standout first time feature film.

"Particles of Truth" is a one-woman, low budget indie which plays like one long string of trailer moments. Elsner sticks a couple of neurotic protags in front of us, asks us to care without good reason, and then proceeds to toss in anger, hate, self loathing, disgust, angst, woe, frustration, abuse, AIDS, yadayadayada, all of which all seem like excuses for drama rather than elements arising from the natural progression of a story. If you can't find something better than "Particles..." to watch, you're not trying. However, if you're an indie junkie, you may find value in this flick which did receive some positive comments from critics and all those folks who submitted comments to IMDB.com albeit suspiciously for this movie and this movie only. At this writing 64% of IMDB.com users scoring gave this film the absolute highest score, a ten, as they apparently would have us believe this film is better than "Citizen Cane" or "Gone With the Wind". Go figure. (C)

I have seen Particles of Truth when it previewed at the Tribecca Film Festival two years ago and when it appeared on the Sundance Channel this past December.

Impeccably casted, suburb acting, excellent soundtrack and not one minute of boredom is how I came up with a 10 rating for Particles.

I don't know how anyone could leave the theater without seeing themselves in at least one of the main characters. And just when things became to unbearable sad, Ms. Elster was able to sprinkle in just enough humor to lighten things up.

The worse part about Particles is that it had to end.

Hopefully Ms. Elster will be putting out some more Indies in the near future.