Daydreamer

It has the look and feel of a bad high school play, where basic elements of pacing and plot were unknown to the producer(s). Even the name "Daydreamer" doesn't make sense in the context of the film. It's a confusing story that starts out muddled and gets worse as the movie goes on. There are holes in the story that aren't resolved, despite their apparent attempt to "wrap it up" at the end. The camera work is sophomoric to the point where I believe someone bought their kid a Sony DVW for Hanukkah and they suddenly thought they could make a movie. The actors are like so much of Hollywood today: models that look good on screen but can't act their way out of a grocery bag. This movie made my head hurt; not because it's nonsensical and hard to watch, but because someone actually paid money to make it.

I saw a screening of this film at the Vail Film Festival and I was pleasantly surprised. I hadn't really heard anything about it and was walking through Vail Village when two guys (who I later realized were the director and writer) handed me a flyer. They were pretty funny (and standing in the freezing cold while it was snowing) which actually got me to come see the movie... plus the flyer looked pretty mysterious. The movie started out kinda slow but at the ten minute mark I was hooked. A huge mystery was introduced and there were so many twists and turns from that point on that I forgot I was at a film festival screening. Every once in a while I was reminded that the film was a low-budget feature, but I didn't even care at that point because I was so involved in the story. Without ruining anything...I thought it was wrapped up pretty well and I definitely thought that the director did a great job keeping it interesting since the story takes place mostly in one location. It was the best film I saw at the festival (definitely better than "murder party"). I stayed for the Q&A after which is when I realized that the two guys who handed me the flyers were the director and writer. I was pretty impressed with how quickly they shot the film and also at how it was both of their first projects. It was also cool to see Arielle Kebbel and Aaron Paul and hear them talk about the film. I look forward to seeing these promising filmmakers next projects because I will one day be able to say that I saw a screening of their first film and got a chance to meet them and be at their Q&A.

This is an innovative independent film that's mesmerizing to watch if you let go of plot expectations. It's a psychological exploration of a troubled young man's life, told with elements of surrealism and film noir. A cross between a crime drama, a drug trip, and a psychic meltdown, the film is visually striking with cutting edge cinematography and editing. The lead is played by Breaking Bad's Aaron Paul who is earnest and beautiful in the role. If you don't get hung up on realism, the film takes you on a mysterious and exciting ride. An avant-garde effort, artfully done, with youthful creative energy. It has the feeling of a David Lynch film, but leaner and meaner.

Decent production value and a couple notable actors had no shot of saving this movie. Gaping plot holes, lazy cuts, all around has the vibe of a rich high school kid who saw The Usual Suspects or Fight Club or some other overrated "thriller" and thought "I can make movies too!" Not worth the time to watch and certainly not worth any dollars if someone is obtuse enough to ask you to pay money to watch this garbage. 0/10 if it were allowed simply because this movie shouldn't have been made.

i saw this film at Vail and liked it very much. i was impressed with the heart and soul of it as it was obvious these people were committed to it's living in the screen. the script was compelling and well written. Aaron Paul did a fine job maintaining his through line. kebbel was lovely and entrancing. i thought James wellington in particular was riveting when on the screen. the director captured very well a seedy, dangerous lifestyle that does exist. the obvious low budget is a little distracting at times, but almost seems to enhance at others. the photography seems to be completely hand-held and is excellent. i hope to see more from these first time film makers.