Foreign Correspondents

"Foreign Correspondents" tells two short stories back to back with a clumsy attempt at the end of the second to dovetail it into the first. Both have annoyingly indecisive protagonists so don't look for any heroics. Both remain unresolved at the end which some will find unsatisfying. Both are sufficiently lacking in complexity as to require plenty of filler; inconsequential stuff which doesn't add impetus to the plot. Nonetheless, for a low budget indie, the first story is surprisingly compelling and the second is surprisingly engaging. "FC" should be a moderately enjoyable watch for indie lovers into drama. (C)

On the surface, this is a story of young people who are battling loneliness. But it's also the story of getting past pretense, of finding out who a person really is. It deals with fooling oneself, and fooling others. There's a rather humorous undertone of how foreigners view Americans, and vice versa. During the story, some of the characters develop, and some don't. Those who don't develop seem to prefer deluding themselves, in order to protect their hearts from a world of hurt. I recommend that you go see the movie, if you can!

The story with Danova has a lot more zing to it; Wheaton doesn't have an especially likeable part to play, but that doesn't mean that he's not acting well. I was invited to see an early screening for this film in San Francisco; it was well received there, but then many in the audience had acted as extras in the film. Chris Farrell does a nice job with the music; but the title suggests too much of a comparison with the famous Hitchcock film -- which isn't apt; these are love stories or friendships, teenagers on the verge of adulthood. A good first effort, and given the difficulty factor of having a very low budget -- more credit is due to all involved. Melanie Lynsky, a tremendously gifted actress -- she did terrific work in the outstanding film "Heavenly Creatures -- is largely wasted here. She sacrificed, basically paid her way from New Zealand, just to be given another chance to act -- after having a complex and challenging role in one of the greatest films of the nineties, she hadn't received many offers. But the part Kines gave her is one of a wallflower, more or less. Yelena Danova was new to me; yet she appeared to be the brightest light in either section. Lynsky could well have the potential to be another Bette Davis type star; but she'll need more imaginative or experienced directors to work with for this to happen. Or she may have to write her own scripts, like Katherine Hepburn did.

If you want to be able to say in the future that you spotted Mark Kines' talent early -- see his first film, "Foreign Correspondents." My guess is he will go on to make many great movies. Like most first attempts, "F.C." has some flaws, but they are minor. What counts is that it's, in the end, fresh, creative and a pleasure to spend 102 minutes with. Be sure and get the DVD format, because the director's comments version of the film will add a great deal to your enjoyment and understanding. If you like movies at all and enjoy watching an outstanding talent develop, don't miss Mark Kines', "Foreign Correspondents." Oh yes, I do have a quibble with the title, I think it should be "Foreign Correspondence" -- that would be a better play on the double meaning. See it, you'll like it.

One has to admire Mark Kines for making a truly independent movie.

Unfortunately, the first story is a little weak and I agree that Melanie Lynskey is underutilized. She is supposed to have a boring life, but the vignette doesn't rise up to the challenge of making a boring life seem interesting to a viewer. However, Will Wheaton does have a great role as the awkward neighbor.

I understand the second story is loosely based on an incident in the director's life. It is unfortunate that this could not have been the subject of a full-length feature. Corin Nemic (of Parker Lewis Can't Lose fame) is great, and I'd like to see him again. Unknown Yelena Danova is also excellent. I really cared for the characters and those in supporting roles. Yelena's host parents are interesting and the Father has some unexpected character development. The hilarious and telling scene in a bookstore featuring Martin Mull is an added bonus. The secondary theme of Cultural Variations and how strange Americans can be to foreigners is expertly handled.

Overall it is a great first outing and I'd recommend it to any indie fans.