Transatlantic Coffee

This is supposed to be a character driven movie, but the main character seems too twitchy and bizarre to relate to at times. Pinassi plays a man-child called Alex that falls for a teen girl from London. Alex is a loser with no life, which SHOULD make us all relate to him on some level.

Overall, this is not a Hollywood cookie-cutter movie, which is the exciting part. It does many times have really sincere and personal moments that are very enjoyable. The ending offers a huge impact. I give the film some credit for being different and original with some scenes of fantastic performances and direction.

This is a different kind of film than most big dramas, and is likely to be remembered as the director's quiet, breakthrough indie film that is more widely appreciated as the years go on, and his work is more widely recognized. . But if anything, it is a powerful demonstration of true range, and a hint at the great works that are yet in his future.

Kevin Pinassi is quite good when he's within his element though, really shines when he interacts with costar Rachel Marie Lewis or when he is left to be the focus on screen, which occurs multiple times in the film. Marcel Torres, who plays the best friend, does an OK job being the comic relief, however it never feels forced, which is a breath of fresh air.

Carlson has taken the extraordinary risk of handcrafting a film specifically to showcase the unique talent of his cast, revolving it around characters that absolutely no one else could pull off. The risk has paid off marvelously. This film extracts the best performances of any indie film I've seen in recent time, while drawing us in with an odd - and oddly touching - romantic tragedy. A delight to watch.

From the first few seconds into the opening sequence of Transatlantic Coffee, I was hooked. The beautiful shots, the soulful melody of Alix Paige and expert use of lighting all blend together perfectly in setting the tone for this wonderful New York original.

We notice straight away that the man sat in a carefree New York City blues bar is troubled. His edgy disposition accompanied by jarring images of distant or recent memories flash on and off screen against the tempo of the music, portrays a man burdened with repressed thoughts that are invading his mind. As the opening sequence ends with a very high pitched drawn out noise, a speeding train races past a block of apartments, sharply bringing us back to Alex's morose reality.

The film begins quite slowly, establishing Alex (Kevin Pinassi) as a depressive, drunken man whose choice of employment, (providing entertainment as a clown), contrasts with his disdain for life and sullen nature. His longing desire to find someone that will allow him to escape from the constant loneliness he has submitted himself to, is where his story begins.

Over the course of this film, we're given the opportunity to tread in the footsteps of this lonely man's quest to feel love again. Set just a month after 9/11, Alex's story serves as a metaphor for the trauma New York citizens dealt with after the attack. The city itself; grey and in stasis, Alex also seems somewhat out of touch from reality. His hostility towards life, towards his family and his only friend are a result of his disconnection from society.

Early into the film we discover Alex has met a teenage girl from London online and has asked her to stay with him in The Big Apple. Mandie (Rachel Marie Lewis) is a high spirited stripper with a lust for living life to the fullest; a juxtaposing element to Alex's depressive lifestyle. Nevertheless, the couple spend several weeks together, bonding over different aspects of each other's personalities, and things begin to look up for Alex. The film however, constantly reminds us of how conflicting the individuals are.

A very poignant scene shows Alex and Mandie sat awkwardly making small talk to break the ice after weeks and weeks of relying on the social barrier of internet messaging. Alex, not wanting to give much of himself away, is hesitant to talk; Mandie on the other hand, makes herself comfortable as soon as she enters his apartment. As the airy tension between them rises, the music in the background becomes more dominant and Alex begins to describe how he associates music to memories, he feels that "music is the one way you can capture a moment" – this, to me, is just the epitome of his character and of the film. Music is very apparent in Transatlantic Coffee; it consistently sets the tone, the atmosphere and the mood of each character and each scene highlighting how Alex sees each moment of his life.

Alongside the usage of musical and visual cues, Transatlantic Coffee also utilises the concept of individual perception to explore another predominant theme; that of Alex and Mandie's attraction to one another despite their rather overwhelming differences. Alex, during a memorable moment whilst they stand looking over Manhattan at night, tells Mandie he is colour blind. Mandie responds with "I'm so sorry...it must be horrible living in a city like New York and not being able to enjoy the colour and vibrancy of it all" to which Alex states, "Not really, it's all I've ever known" – from this brief conversation we get to understand the characters a little better. With Alex's depressive nature and Mandie's colourful outlook on the world, they are 'different in their own way'.

As the film progresses differences melt between the two. Mandie paints a picture for a close friend back home in England, when Alex sees this painting he realises he can see colour. He associates this new profound ability with the love he holds for Mandie and is therefore awakened from his black and white world; this reinforces Alex's need for her to be a part of his life.

The sexual tension between the two characters is admitted very early on, however Alex is hesitant to act upon his desires. The film pushes you to feel how real every situation is throughout the story and how the relationship shared between the two, is full of genuine emotion. Every glance, touch and embrace feels so honest and meaningful that all your senses tell you it's real.

This is a beautiful independent picture directed and written by Erik Peter Carlson. It focuses on visual energy and atmosphere created by spectacular cinematography, scenic locations, choreography and costume designs. The script highlights how beautiful life can be yet with the help of a well structured narrative; the storyline illustrates the ugliness that sometimes can creep through. The subtle flashbacks from Alex's memories and out of place lines were suggestive to the films conclusion, nevertheless they were almost unnoticeable. An almost flawless motion picture, Transatlantic is an independent wonder, enriched with fantastic colour, unforeseen twists and occasional eroticism.

There are only a handful of indie films that have a distinct lasting affect on the audience--these are movies you either get, or you don't. And if you don't get it, you won't hate it, but simply find it too odd for your liking. Open minded viewers need only apply, and that's certainly the case with "Transatlantic Coffee." I remember leaving the theater absolutely shocked, and not just because of the events on screen. I was shocked that I found the movie so intelligent and oddly entertaining. The actors surely must have felt that, after reading the screenplay.

The subject matter is truly unsettling at times. Transatlantic Coffee, even with it's extreme modest budget, is a masterpiece of irony (even in the title), and finds humor in the most unusual and downright bizarre circumstances. You will not see another movie like it. Guaranteed. And fair warning--you could very well be confused by it's approach and reasoning.

So... the negative first, because that is how I roll. This movie is a mess. The writing is all over the place. The supporting actors, many of them, seem like they have never actually acted in a movie--or anywhere else, for that matter-before.I would give this movie tow stars. But! One thing absolutely saves this thing, and that is the lead. Pinassi is just stupidly good. I'd be very curious to see him on stage, because his subtle, nuanced performance plays perfectly on the big screen. Wonder if that would transfer to a live performance. Just... the stillness. The ability of this guy to express so much in a *look*. That is rare.

Whatever, I hope to see more from Pinassi. Will be on the lookout.