Sublime

Back around 1980, when cable TV started its proliferation, it still had that anything goes feel that happens with something new. HBO was one of the first premium channels and along with the usual movies that filled out its limited on-air hours (it was not on 24 hours back then) the network often programmed what could be described as filler content especially on the weekends when it was on the air for somewhat longer stretches. Most of these films were forgettable movies like Ashanti" (boring and lifeless) and "Voyage of Tanai" (truly a WTF movie if there ever was one). But into this mix would sometimes appear movies that did spark interest and sometimes became hits because of their airing on cable. Two films that come to mind are "Over the Edge" (which made a big impact on the girls in my 8th grade class due to Matt Dillon) and "Homebodies", a truly oddball movie about senior citizens becoming homicidal when confronted with the prospect of being evicted from their homes. Both of these films were true finds and could have found life playing commercial stations as well but their presence on cable made their impacts more pronounced because of the lack of commercials and no editing. "Sublime" falls into this category. Apparently a straight-to-video release, it stars what could only be described as second tier TV actors (Tom Cavanagh, George Newbern) and directed by Tony Krantz who had no directorial credits to his name. Surprisingly, the movie plays extraordinarily well. It's suitably eerie, confusing (intentionally so) and most importantly, it makes you care about the main characters especially Cavanagh's George and Kathleen York's as George's wife, Jenny. I will admit that I did not "get" a lot of what is allegedly the films symbolism and frankly the point of the movie really didn't hit me (I kept rewinding it right before the end to hear what Jenny and George were talking about because it seemed to be related to what he does) but to me, it didn't really matter. "Sublime" is not a film that someone just threw together. It has a great atmosphere, is intelligent and thoughtful and is certainly not your run-in-the-mill enterprise.

Let me start off by saying I'm an avid Horror fan. I enjoy horror movies ranging from the classics such as Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Henry Portrait of a Killer, and Susperia to lesser known B horror such as Deranged, to esoteric masterful ghost films such as Ugetsu. With having been such a fan of these types of films, I have to say the previous reviewer was totally off base with his harsh criticisms of Sublime. Sublime is an allegorical graphic horror film that takes it's inspiration from many sources. The previous reviewer mentions a parallel between this film and Jacob's Ladder, while this may be true, I feel that there's nothing wrong with this since many modern films do this to pay homage to classic films. There have been numerous times where I've watched a Quentin Tarantino film and have been amazed that they've copied a scene from Sonny Chiba movies, or from great films such as the Lady Snowblood series, almost verbatim. Yet he is praised for being an innovator (and I think he in in many regards, if not slightly overrated). Sublime is a discordant yet captivating whirlpool of many different inspirations and a truly great graphic horror film. If you're a fan of horror, political allegory, and cult cinema then you should find no faults in Sublime.

I found this movie surprisingly good and I am quite sure it is going to be seen as such for anyone with a taste for oniric quasi-Kafkian moods (understandably deemed "boring" by the usual cheap-thrill lovers) . Yes, it's not a horror movie, not an action movie. It is a well written dark psychological piece that apparently asks too much from the typical movie consumer (i.e. following the thematic dialogs and references in the flash-backs).

I also didn't see any problems with the acting or direction -- I generally liked the whole package. The only downside I can see is that perhaps there is, at times, a bit too much blood and pain -- that is, more than some sensitive people can endure to watch (e.g. my wife). Otherwise, this is definitely a decent movie for the intellectual viewer.

Very deep movie that is bold enough to ask those fundamental questions of life that seem to be completely out of fashion nowadays. The film is technically very well done, the actors are up to the not so easy challenge and sometimes they perform at the highest levels, but the most outstanding thing is the script. The movie can be seen as an excellent investigation on fear. Fear of Death, but, most important, fear of Life. If this was not enough, the script also delivers a wonderfully well packaged metaphor of the relationship between USA, Europe and the rest of the world. If you are in the mood to think, take your time ad watch this movie about your fears and be aware: you are gonna watch it again (I will!) ;-)

Maybe the people giving bad reviews didn't watch the film all the way through. Its true the acting/script seems a little strange in parts, but otherwise this film is seriously intense. The ending had me hanging on the edge of my seat, and there are twists that come completely unexpectedly. Will he live or will he die? The answer is definitely worth the build-up.

Its true its fairly slow moving to start with but the whole way through it begs for a conclusion which makes it all the more rewarding when one finally comes.

If you're interested in human psychology, you will like this film.