Stuart Bliss

Stuart Bliss is so funny, and in a very dark way. The filmmakers are especially successful because they weave the tail by planting these ideas early on that pay off later on and in totally believable ways. But they never let us off the hook. We are constantly wondering, are the things happening to Stuart really happening, or only in Stuart's mind. They mine the idea that perception is reality with hilarious implications. I recommend seeing STUART BLISS more than once in order to get all the subleties offered by the filmmakers. Great to see such an inventive, original movie.

STUART BLISS is a black comedy about paranoia. After Stuart's wife leaves him unexpectedly, seemingly coincidental events begin to converge in his life leaving him believing that the world is coming to an end.

SB is extremely funny and at the same time very touching. The screen writers, Neil Grieve and Michael Zelniker have walked that fine line required to successfully pull off a black comedy.

The performances are all exquisitely realized...especially Michael Zelniker as Stuart, Dea Lawrence in the dual role of Janet and Katerina, Mark Fite as Reverend Walmsley, Derek McGrath as Ted, Ania Suli as the Grandmother, and Charlotte Booker and Ken Earl as the Jehovah's Unite couple.

Neil Grieve's direction is organic and inobtrusive, in that he creates with camera the ambience that supports what Stuart is feeling. Very deftly executed.

The music and sound design by John Jones adds immeasurably to the atmosphere.

I'd recommend STUART BLISS highly.

To keep it short this movie is one of those 'you've seen it, you can't unsee it' type movies. A marvel of modern movie-making. I saw it a few years back and again yesterday and it's as fresh as it was when I first saw it. I find the surreal world is created by it's words, it's ideas and it's ideals. Strange and haunted but no more so than a dream. If you are the kind of person who can't understand James Bond movies, this is not for you. On the other hand, if you are smart intellectual and sexy, this movie will give you feverish dreams for Months. Listen to my advice, see this movie. If you don't like it, meh. But if you understand it, it will stay with you and influence you like Hollywood films never do. Everything I write, essays, novels, etc. Everything I say, has been effected by seeing this movie. Now what are you waiting for, go! Watch this movie!

This is a creepy and realistic vision of a man who is either a paranoid schizophrenic or a prophet. You will have to give the film about 30mins grace or more before it begins to keep you amazed, but it will. Fans of David Lynch and Donnie Darko should go for this.

I saw this movie at the Northampton Film Festival in 1998. It deservedly won the Best Film Award. I'm very happy to see it's coming out on video & DVD starting November 20, 2001. This is one of those low budget movies that deserves to be seen.

The filmmakers did an incredible job telling the story about a regular guy going mad in a world gone mad. It pokes fun, in subtle and believable ways, at all the paranoia that emerged around Y2K. The performances are really outstanding! Especially Michael Zelniker in the title role; Dea Lawrence playing

two roles very cleverly; and Derek McGrath as Stuart's nemesis.

I recommend Stuart Bliss to everyone. Especially people who like unusual, original movies. I wish there were more movies out there like it.