Design

I saw DESIGN at the CineVegas film festival in June 2002. It's a complex meditation on the role of fate and free will in a person's life. One one hand, it seems to suggest that our lives are pre-determined and beyond our control to influence. But a closer reading of the film shows that the main character made choices every step of the way on the path to his ultimate situation. The stories of four or so characters interweave, though there is a main character. Especially original was the use of montages to show the different POVs of the characters. Daniel J. Travanti went above and beyond in his role, leading the cast with gripping energy, though I'm surprised no one has noted the acting performance of the writer/director - subtle yet intense, Davidson Cole can act too! Bravo for this film! Let's hope it gets distribution.

You know you're probably not going to watch a blockbuster when you see the same name listed as director, writer, and lead; when that name has a one title filmography; and when the Special Thanks section of the credits begins with "Mom & Dad". So it is with "Design", a low level indie with all the ear marks of a first outing. Though this film is a marginal, muddled, cyanotic mess, it does manifest potential in the earnest, sincere, and believable performances is eeks from a cast of relative unknowns. And, although Nicholas Cage lookalike Cole appears to be a work in progress with real potential, this product has little to offer the public at large. For indie freaks only. (C)

Easily the best film I've seen at Sundance 2002.

I could go on at some length about this incredible debut from Writer-Director-Actor Davidson Cole, but I'll attempt to be brief by summing up the main strengths of the film.

Everything is brilliant.

Okay, okay, I'll be a little more specific.

From the thematically powerful and narratively complex script that works on so many levels, to the darkly atmospheric look of the film captured in its cinematography and production design, to the ultra-effective score and sound design, to the innovative editing style, to the absolutely strong, compelling performances by the entire cast (made up mostly of newcomers, but filled out by the seasoned Daniel J. Travanti, who turns in an incredible performance)... well, in short - like I said - everything is brilliant.

Watching this film reminded me of watching Darren Aronofsky for the first time. Not so much in Davidson Cole's filmmaking style as in the sense of feeling that I was witnessing the work of a powerful artist who has a unique voice and distinct vision that truly permeate his work.

Watch for Davidson Cole to develop into an important Writer-Director, and remember that you heard it from me first! As Dan Travanti told me at my second screening of the film earlier tonight, someday I'll be able to reminisce and say, "I remember when I saw Davidson Cole's first film way back at Sundance 2002."

I'm probably a but biased as I took part in the making of this film and know how much went into it and so much that wound up on the cutting room floor, but if you can go in with an open mind and set aside the idea that a modern film should consist of green screen and CGI. Very few films these days take the time to actually delve into characters and development and story telling. Jennifer Morrison is wonderful, and if she'd been cast as Black Widow for this, it would have been a much bigger picture. I'm not saying anything negative about the very talented Scarlet Johansson, only that the movie really didn't get its due because it is an independent feature and fueled by artists dedicated to their crafts and not product placement or an extended cinematic universe.

Take a chance on an independent venture and put aside popcorn movie thinking. Especially considering it's a Chicago based production by Chicago artists, it deserves more acclaim than it received. There are no Michael Bay explosions or fancy special effects - just a filmmaker telling a story because he has something to say and everyone involved cares about the material.

This film is about a set of interconnected characters and their fates. It is very dark, as the characters all seem to be doomed, disturbed, or both. The performances are all very good, with Daniel J Travanti standing out as the alcoholic father/salesman. It is also visually very striking, including the use of flash frames. The look is also partly the result of it being shot on a type of film that is close to obsolete, called Super 16 reversal. The story was apparently inspired by a poem of the same name by Robert Frost. Seen at Cinequest (the San Jose, CA film festival) on 3/3/2002.

Note that the cinematographer is the infamous Pete Biagi of HBO "Project Greenlight" fame, although the director of this film (who also wrote the film and played one of the main characters) swears that Pete was great to work with and plans to continue to work with him.