Footprints

"Footprints" is compelling cinema at its best! It is a remarkable accomplishment that such a fine film was produced in Hollywood...with a plot that takes place in Hollywood...for such a low budget.... Its great actors, dialogue, plot,cinematography, score and other artistic elements all worked wonderfully together to create an engaging story that also artfully manages to pay tribute to the film world of the past and present and future. It is a drama in the mystery/suspense /horror/thriller genre....and a great one at that. Bravo to its producer/writer Steven Peros for his virtuoso achievement and his superbly talented cast (especially Sybil Temtchine) for their outstanding performances.

Footprints, written and directed by Steven Peros (who also wrote the Peter Bogdanovich film The Cat's Meow), is a modern day fantasy, set in a town inspired by fantasy, and filled with a great many broken dreams. Sybil Temtchine is very affecting as a woman who wakes up one sunny morning on the footprints of Hollywood's famous Grauman's Chinese Theater. Ironically, or, perhaps, expectedly (?), the first person to greet her in this Tinseltown landmark is a rather irate, if comical, homeless person.

Our Gal, Temtchine's name in the credits, embarks on a journey of sorts to try to find out who she is. Not necessarily a heartwarming story, Footprints certainly tugs at your heartstrings, especially when we arrive at it's revelatory moment. And, without giving anything away, it is one of those moments that stays in your mind.

It's mid-Dec. 2011 and we're just *now* getting this great little flick from 2009 in San Francisco?! What is up with that?! It gets a rave in today's Chronicle (Fri. Dec. 16), same day the new Rbt Downey Jr Sherlock Bombs flick gets totally trashed...but still gets a humongous front page, top-of-the fold photo placement...what the...? Brothers and sisters who love quirky, indie flicks that are well produced, acted and directed: Find this little beauty on DVD (the director and female lead were in the house for a really cool post-screening Q&A, and he said it'd be out on DVD soon). Can't wait to watch it again and share it w/friends. Go! Get! Enjoy!

See this movie! I wasn't sure how I would feel going in and was so happy to find myself on a funny, unique and surprising journey up and down Hollywood Blvd. I won't spoil any plot points but audiences will have something to talk about after they leave the theater.Cool stuff. Hearing the director,cast and crew speak about it after the screening I have to say this is a must see for filmmakers who are tired of waiting for someone else to say yes to their project. When you see the quality of the performances, locations, camera work, costumes, everything top to bottom you can't help but find yourself inspired by what they achieved. Decide you won't be stopped and get it done, oh, and write a great script!

I saw the film when it screened at the Denver Film Festival this November. It is beautifully framed, smartly directed, and interesting. It felt like the films of the 40s (almost film noir, but not as dark) superimposed with modern times. Comfortable, yet mysterious. Filmed in Hollywood, it covered many of the familiar sights that so represent the city, yet was never old nor boring. It was well paced and made sense, and actually had not just an end, but a satisfying ending, unlike many of the screened movies... There were many nuances and undercurrents that the viewer has to watch for, and I wish that I had been able to catch the second screening to enhance those that I had already picked up on. It can be as deep, or as shallow, as the viewer wants, but will never be boring. I highly recommend this film. Catch it if you can...