The Frame

I pre-ordered this film from its makers and received the digital download link a couple of hours ago and now, here I sit my mind racing and my heart lifted. I loved Ink, nowhere near enough people have seen that masterpiece and whilst The Frame has fantastical and whimsical elements it also plays like several stories from many genres. We have Ink like fantasy and mystery, a thriller style narrative about criminals heisting from other criminals, the story of a lonely paramedic, it is a tale of loss, love and there are undertones of philosophical debate throughout and, in my mind anyway, even a nod to the Wizard of Oz. Do not worry if my description paints a canvas of chaos, these various threads are seamlessly blended under a umbrella of science fiction and depicted by cinematography that is simply put, perfect. More than quite often you could freeze a frame, print it off and instantly have a work of art such is the use of colour and the beauty of the splendidly dressed sets. The music compliments all of the above and is subtle, mostly, unless otherwise required to be, and moving. The performances from the leads are simply outstanding and, despite the films wider theme, wholly believable. Every other character in the movie is likewise played without flaw. I implore people to see this movie and hopefully another piece of work from this company will not be long in coming.

Be patient with the first twenty minutes, which may seem slow, but are crucial in establishing the starting point before you are taken down a truly fantastical sci-fi rabbit hole. It most definitely is not what you think it is when you first start watching, and waiting for the weirdness to begin is worth the wait, I promise you. This film asks familiar questions about free will and determinism but does so in a very original and thought-provoking way. David Carranza's performance is complex, layered and award worthy. What is The Frame? You'll have to watch to the end to find out!

THE FRAME is the second film from writer-director Jamin Winans and it represents a significant improvement over its predecessor, INK, on all fronts. The basics of the plot, which is very hard to describe as it is without giving away too much information, is that there are two people, Alex and Sam, who are each going through some difficulties in their lives. Through some weird turn of events they end up meeting and eventually help each other come to terms with their pasts and current realities. I'm possibly missing something, but that was the gist of what I got out of it. The film speaks to the theme of our past defining who we are, to ourselves and others. Both Alex and Sam are in situations that they feel trapped in because of where they've been, but it takes meeting the other to discover that they are the authors of their own stories. And somehow, a dirty, black-clad man with a wrinkled hat who sprays ink on things has something to do with it. I think that to really grasp the fullness of what Winans is doing here requires more than one viewing, and I'll probably return to it at some point. For now, though, I'm just digesting it. In comparison to INK, though, THE FRAME is a much better film. It benefits from a slightly bigger budget, and the camera-work and editing are all improved. Even the acting, while not spectacular, is better than it was in INK. There aren't a whole lot of visual effects, but one effect of people turning into ink did look pretty cool. There's also some playing around with aspect ratios towards the end. Overall, THE FRAME was a visually creative, unique sci-fi/fantasy film that explores themes of redemption and overcoming doubts with sensitivity and a little flair. If you liked INK, then you should check this out but I would also recommend it to anyone who wants something the likes of which they haven't seen before.

If nothing else, this is a film that will make you think. A professional criminal and a paramedic meet through his TV set, like he turns on the TV and they talk to each other. They both question their own sanity, and additionally he thinks she may be more sinister than supernatural. It doesn't take her long to work out that he is a character in a TV series, and he soon realises she is one too. The obvious thing to do is meet up; he pressurises her to give him her address, which she does, but when he arrives, her apartment is occupied by someone else.

So they are not only real as well as TV characters but living in different dimensions though occupying the same space. There is quite a bit more to it than that, but if you manage to figure it out, chances are no one else will quite agree with you. The one criticism that can be made of "The Frame" is that in places it is rather slow.

Mesmerizing and hypnotic.

The soundtrack is a crucial part of the film and tells part of the story, not in words but by eliciting emotion and strong but subtle empathy. The only way to achieve that level of intricacy is to do what the director did; write the soundtrack as the story was written and filmed.

I really liked Ink and was impressed what Winans did with a micro budget. There is a tie-in or signature from Ink and it may show up in later films.

I really hope Winans retains the style and not bound by a production company. As for the film; original, artistic, surreal and romantic. It's something that will leave its mark on you.

In its genre and as an art house film, I give this an 8. No films are on equal playing fields or genres.

I consider a 7 to be the magic number of "must see" but not necessarily award winning material.

An 8 is for movies that leave a lasting impression, not just for entertainment.

Where/how to watch it: You can purchase directly from the site for $8. This includes the soundtrack. They have various packages and you can donate as well. I would be glad to help support Winans future films.

$8 to own it including the soundtrack? It usually costs me $60 to see a film with my daughters when you add everything up.

Great movie.