This Is Your Song

THIS IS YOUR SONG in many ways reflects the reverence that one of the characters has for theater. With a seemingly single take for almost the entire production, the film exudes the intimacy of a theatrical play but with the added dimension of a dynamic, ever-moving camera. Kudos to the cast and cinematographer for their complex dance of choreography, dialogue, and framing.

The performances feel genuine, and the relationship between the characters is painfully authentic as we witness a single evening after Jules' successful stage performance and the celebration of their wedding anniversary. The two artists-James, a writer, and Jules, an actress-confront the practical reality of living in a difficult city as they navigate love, change, and adapt to the banalities of daily life. At times, the film makes us feel like voyeurs witnessing an emotionally awkward encounter.

It's not until the finale that the film resumes a conventional editorial style for a flashback depicting the evolution of their relationship. This climactic and welcome shift successfully signifies the significance of the finale, providing a powerful conclusion to their story.

THIS IS YOUR SONG is a masterful blend of theatrical and cinematic storytelling, creating an experience that is both intimate and visually engaging. The dedication of the cast and crew to this unique storytelling approach results in a film that resonates with authenticity and emotional depth.

The challenges of making a realistic film about a relationship near it's end are considerable. Capturing the truth means showing a lot of mess. And when you have mess, you run the risk of making the characters so flawed, they become unlikable or unwatchable. But the filmmakers here manage to pull off the balancing act. These characters are real and we feel their pain. But they also remain relatable throughout. Flawed, but always very human. Add to this the movie-making challenge of telling this compelling tale in one, unbroken 97 minute shot. Not easy! Films like Hitchock's Rope and Sam Mendes' 1917 (both single take concepts) are good films. But their energy can drag at times, as cinematic energy is often created through editing. But this movie does a remarkable job of keeping the energy up in that same difficult single-take technique. I think this is achieved by the terrific acting and the director's sure hand. There's much to celebrate in This is Your Song. It's absolutely worth checking out!

There's a moment, fleeting and poignant, or wretchedly ubiquitous: that could be ripped from the pages of the lives of anyone who watches this film. Any moment really. There's an uncomfortable familiarity to the intertwined lives of Jules and James as they arrive at the end of a long and tumultuous journey. Sometimes you might even feel as though they are our avatars. Through long uncut shots and emotive mood lighting, we go through it all. It's a visceral enough story that will resonate with most viewers. It's far from a smooth ride. This film can cut deep at times. These aren't likable people crafted for corporate media, they're real people. They're actors of course, although they embody their characters' truths so well, at times Jules and James appear to be the focus of a stylized documentary. This one hits home. Standout performances by Jordan Potch, Joanna Kay, and Briana Walsh.

Attending the LA premiere of THIS IS YOUR SONG proved to be an unexpected yet enriching cinematic voyage. Unacquainted with much beyond the trailer and the promising directorial finesse of Hassan Said, the film unfolded as a poignant reminder of the profound impact storytelling can have on the expansive canvas of cinema. An ode to character-driven dramas, THIS IS YOUR SONG emerges not just as a film but as a masterful composition, reverently tipping its hat to the cinematic classics while confidently charting a contemporary narrative course.

The performances, particularly from the debut leads, are a revelation-an emotive symphony that oscillates between celestial highs and gut-wrenching lows. The unexplored realms of emotion, traversed effortlessly by these first-time actors, lend the film a rare authenticity.

Beyond its narrative prowess, THIS IS YOUR SONG transcends the confines of mere Oscar-worthy recognition. It stands as a courageous plea in an industry that often sidesteps original, risk-taking auteurs, carving its own niche in the modern Hollywood landscape.

Yet, the film's triumph extends beyond narrative and performances. It resuscitates the collective theater experience, elevating it beyond mere nostalgia into a vibrant testament to the enduring power of storytelling on the grand screen.

In moments that left me trembling, THIS IS YOUR SONG etched a visceral cinematic experience rarely encountered in recent memory. Its poignant portrayal of love, both gained and lost, resonates profoundly, leaving an enduring imprint. Far more than a gem, this cinematic marvel is a triumph-an invitation to celebrate ingenuity and embrace the inherent risks that define true artistry.

Holy cow! This film is just exceptional! Lets begin with the acting because if that sucks we're all done right??!! The two leads were out of this world incredibly good. Their chemistry was sensational. This is what held me and kept me glued in. Great casting for sure, my hats off to the casting director. This is wonderful storytelling on every level. Bravo to writer/director Hassan Said! I found zero flat spots in this gem of a film. Loved the pacing it moved along at a really nice pace. Clearly this film gets a thumbs up from me. Well done folks! You should all be very proud of yourselves on this very fine film you all have produced!!