Piggie

I was completely captivated by this film, found it quirky and slightly unsettling. It wasn't until later in the day that I found myself missing the film, and quoting different lines to myself. The soundtrack alone, written by the co-writer Savannah Haske, was incredible - haunting small songs about lice and a sacrum. The main character Fanny, played by Savannah Haske, does a fantastic job portraying teenage girl weirdness. The movie is offbeat, similar to Buffalo 66(another of my favorites, co-written by Piggie director Alison Bagnall).

This movie really went out on a limb to tell a startlingly unconventional story. I cannot imagine being more excited about a film. Savannah Haske gave a performance, not only acting-wise but musically that is one for the history books (Academy Awards go to more well known actresses for lesser performances). I spoke with her after the screening and asked if she planned to release a CD, she said the music from "Piggie" is all she has. I hope she continues to gather more musical material as well as turn in such excellent performances as an actress. Dean Wareham(Galaxie 500 and Luna), like Dwight Yoakam, may convince more than a few actors to take guitar lessons instead of acting classes, he is amazing. Robert John Burke, who plays Fannie's Father (forgive me if that is incorrect, the character list is not complete) gives a very strong and moving performance. Alison Bagnall's direction of the script she wrote with Savannah is truly inspired. Using the images that blur the line between dreams and waking life she has created a movie raises the bar for cinematic storytelling and is simply unforgettable.

Out of all the movies I saw at the Vancouver Film Fest last year, this was by far the best. Quirky, unpredictable with a wonderful soundtrack... full of teenage angst and weirdness. I was very thrilled to have discovered it. The world needs more female directors and more like Alison Bagnall. Wow.

The movie worked in a strange way, from it's playful beginning with the multiple screens popping up with the great music playing, it slowly caught my attention and crawled into my brain.

I love discovering somewhat unknown movies with integrity and marvelous acting. Nice to see Robert John Burke as I haven't seen him in much aside from all the hal hartley flicks.

But it's not all sugary and sweet. There is a real creepiness behind much of the movie, thanks to the dude from Galaxy 500.

Sweet and saccharine. A treat for indie film lovers and it goes to show how creative one can be working with low-fi digital and a minuscule budget. From the script to the music to the acting, it was a real surprise. Find it. See it.