MacArthur Park

I saw this film at the Taos Talking Pictures film fest April 2001. We viewed it as many as 3 times. Each time I discovered something new. The first time it was the characters and story that filled my heart and soul. Then music, other layers and side plots became more evident. At the last viewing, excellent technique and editing ability were evident. For a first time director this is one terrific piece of work. I look forward to Billy Wirth's next project.

I first watched the making of MacArthur Park, so felt familiar with the characters. Billy Wirth has an amazing outlook, you listen to his story and see a different side to the characters. It was amazing to watch how the whole project came together. The cast and crew appeared to have a close relationship, which made certain scenes more soulful. I really felt for the characters the story is so well told. You have to admire the dedicated team who pulled off this piece of art! It makes one wonder how many people are overlooked because they are simply never given the opportunity to shine. An in-depth look at life on the streets for the dwellers of MacArthur Park, hurtful to watch, riveting all the same.

"MacArthur Park" attempts to build a story around a motley bunch of street people who frequent and/or live in the big downtown Los Angeles park. Once the pride of L.A., the park, named after WWII General Douglas MacArthur, is now a marginally maintained place where street people hang out under the watchful eye of the everpresent LAPD. The film attempts to capture and dramatize some of the goings on in the park but only manages a feeble story at best which focuses mostly on crack users, assorted druggies, and other low-lifes. As the film wears on and eventually wears out it becomes increasingly apparent there's nothing new to be found between the credits. Just another "street" flick with nothing special going for it, this budget conscious indie and apparent pet project of first-time director Wirth is one to pass on. (C)

I saw this film at Sundance and was very impressed. I met Billy Wirth at Sundance 2 years ago and have stayed in moderate contact with him, all the time asking how progress was on this project. An associate of mine bought tickets, not knowing anything about the film, and brought me to see it. I was thrilled to see Billy there and his film was poetic, elegant and real. It was inspiring to see someone, a contemporary, actually accomplish such a dynamic film. Thomas Jefferson Byrd was incredible and obviously put his heart into the role, a role that had to be extraordinarily demanding. Balthazar Getty also impressed me with the intensity he was able to convey with his character. The film had a flow, continuity, and takes you on a roll of emotions, from apathy to empathy, from fear to triumph.

I was pulled into the story immediately. The camera work and pace are crisp, the editing precise. The story flows with strong characterizations that are not stereotypical. This is a population I work with and MP does not glorify the lifestyle but does give a perspective from the inside.