vacaville-shane

Just saw "Nineteen" at Outfest in LA last night. It's one of two films for which I gave a rating of 5/5 (out of the six that were screened as part of a collection). As with any short film or story, there's got to be a "getcha" to bring you in. With "Nineteen," the "getcha" occurred about halfway into the film. It was a wonderful use of restraint. It created a gentle dawning of awareness that can really make a film viewer unexpectedly emotionally engaged. It was effective. I teared up with appreciation. The storyteller's heart to share this story shows through. Find this somewhere and let it unfold for you. The actors are known quantities and for them to have done this film gives credence to the story that it tells.

This was the second film for which I scored a 5/5. I saw it at Outfest last night in LA. There were six shorts shown. Each one had qualitative value based on the kinds of stories being told. As good and/or great all the others were, this short, in particular, made me want to stand and bellow "BRAVO!!!" I had no idea where the story was headed for the first many minutes of the film. We experienced a not-oft-seen routine play out for the main character and when what you THINK is the big reveal unfolds, there is some surprise and, perhaps for a few viewers, a sense of gratitude for the guy, as in "good for him!" Alas, an obstacle presents itself and you think, "well, that's that" and the film goes on you are left wondering how it will tie up. The ultimate revelation is one of the most astoundingly charitable events I have experienced in film. Just marvelous!

An amazing work. I just saw this with a friend who was too young to really remember what was going on in the late 80's and 90's. We both cried throughout the film, a good thing. It was a healing response for me, having lost too many friends and acquaintances. I am plenty grateful for this opportunity to hear the "survivors'" share in hindsight with such clarity. I knew what was going on in San Francisco proper through others' experiences, but nothing nearly as comprehensive as this film. My experience was in the military and my friends' being sent home when they tested positive ('86-'88), which was a death sentence at that time and then in the Montrose in Houston after the military. Thank you so very much for making this difficult but vital film. It will stand as a powerful reminder of what was and teach generations to come.