sara_shaw

Imagine a meditative film about "ghost hunting", coming from a place of introspection and honesty- this is "Light from Light". There's nary a false note or sensationalized anything here. Really gentle and moving and filled with human performances- Marin Ireland and Jim Gaffigan are fantastic as lived-in characters given dialogue that feels real, like conversations you might have in their situation. Both naturalistic and transcendental is hard to pull off; it's easy to be over-the-top. Much harder to convey something that's both magical and earthy, or the creation of a film that feels like the closest approximation to life possible. That's what "Light from Light" is, and it's rare and lovely.

So, if you're a fan of thoughtful, soulful indie films, then you've come to the right place. Reminiscent of the film "Columbus" by Kogonanda. If you know of that film or have seen it, then this feels like a kindred spirit. Highly recommended.

A failed 30-something comedian commiserates with a regretful 60-something dermatologist. Hi-jinks and Friendship ensue: the comedic drama, old-fashioned style- tried and true themes of failure, regret, the search for redemption, finding it where you least expect it, etc. Pedestrian and cliche? Slight and minor? If you say so, but what if the movie's good? "Standing Up, Falling Down" knows what it is and stays within it's wheelhouse- you're drawn in without really expecting it because it feels human in that uniquely cinematic way. It's also buoyed by great chemistry between its leads. Ben Schwartz, mostly known for his more over-the-top comedic performances, plays it closer to the vest here, almost the straight man to Billy Crystal, who, while not really being a dramatic actor, pulls off his role with aplomb. It's nice to see a movie like this sneak in behind enemy lines- one that wears its heart on its sleeve without being maudlin or cynically pandering to some kind of denominator. It's a movie that's quietly profound- sure, kind of in a bumper sticker way, but you don't go to the movies to watch filmed philosophical treatises. I ended the film with a smile in my heart- that's gotta be worth something...

"The Assistant" is compelling because it is not a scandalous rehash- it's a day-in-the-life-of. This is a carefully calibrated film with a tight script and great editing- image and sound. A strong, subtle performance by Julia Garner. Her face is riveting in that great actor way of conveying a lot without chewing the scenery. You might think this kind of stripped-down procedural style might be boring, but it's not here- the supporting characters aren't much but they convey exactly what they're supposed to- ciphers in the best theatrical sense. The only real criticism could be that things kind of fly by without explanation- granted, this is to convey a sense of her busyness and the tedium of it, but there are times when you're not quite sure what's what. Thankfully, though, the significant, thematic moments are not among these. It's a tightrope throughout and in lesser hands would be kind of a disaster. Here, it's interesting- Altman-like in that '70's style.

All in all, the kind of topical movie that's a breath of fresh air- not overwrought and from a pulpit. Still, an incisive portrayal, a kind of death-by-a-thousand-cuts depiction of a disturbing normality. Recommended for fans of thoughtful indie films- this is not a thriller or a plot-based narrative, so don't worry if you forget to buy popcorn before it starts.