Daydreamer

This is an innovative independent film that's mesmerizing to watch if you let go of plot expectations. It's a psychological exploration of a troubled young man's life, told with elements of surrealism and film noir. A cross between a crime drama, a drug trip, and a psychic meltdown, the film is visually striking with cutting edge cinematography and editing. The lead is played by Breaking Bad's Aaron Paul who is earnest and beautiful in the role. If you don't get hung up on realism, the film takes you on a mysterious and exciting ride. An avant-garde effort, artfully done, with youthful creative energy. It has the feeling of a David Lynch film, but leaner and meaner.

I saw a screening of this film at the Vail Film Festival and I was pleasantly surprised. I hadn't really heard anything about it and was walking through Vail Village when two guys (who I later realized were the director and writer) handed me a flyer. They were pretty funny (and standing in the freezing cold while it was snowing) which actually got me to come see the movie... plus the flyer looked pretty mysterious. The movie started out kinda slow but at the ten minute mark I was hooked. A huge mystery was introduced and there were so many twists and turns from that point on that I forgot I was at a film festival screening. Every once in a while I was reminded that the film was a low-budget feature, but I didn't even care at that point because I was so involved in the story. Without ruining anything...I thought it was wrapped up pretty well and I definitely thought that the director did a great job keeping it interesting since the story takes place mostly in one location. It was the best film I saw at the festival (definitely better than "murder party"). I stayed for the Q&A after which is when I realized that the two guys who handed me the flyers were the director and writer. I was pretty impressed with how quickly they shot the film and also at how it was both of their first projects. It was also cool to see Arielle Kebbel and Aaron Paul and hear them talk about the film. I look forward to seeing these promising filmmakers next projects because I will one day be able to say that I saw a screening of their first film and got a chance to meet them and be at their Q&A.

My review of this film is not that of a professional film critic, but rather an average viewer not looking to dissect the film stock, directing, etc.. While it was not the perfect film, it was damn close. I will refrain from spoiling the plot with excessive detail, though I am very tempted, as it's quite apparent that some here (1 out of 10) simply did not understand what happened in this film. (To that person, I say stick to Scooby Doo, where they explain it all at the end.) While some may have been put off by the low-budget appearance of the film, I simply don't get this argument. I saw nothing that detracted from the story. The filming never bothered me. The acting was superb. The filming style and the lackluster appearance were perfect for this type of storytelling. This movie did not require lavish scenes, nor great special effects. Simply put, this was a great story told through visual medium.

I'll admit that the movie does start slowly, but it sucked me in rather quickly. Initially, it had the familiar feel of another "twisted to be twisted" film. I'll say that did not subside for quite some time, but in this case, it really, really worked. Instead of being put off, I found myself to be more intrigued. This can be credited to great shot sequence and outstanding acting by Paul. I became as lost as the main character. I wondered after clues as to what might be real and imagined. In short, I took the ride that our main character did. This is truly rare for me in today's cinema! My only complaints would be with a few of the minor characters. A few of them came off as a bit cliché. The story called for this, but I felt it wasn't done quite well enough to make me forget that people like this really do exist. This may have been the "low budget" feel that some have pointed out. This is a very minor complaint; one more in hindsight rather than anything that distracted me from the story.

Finally, the summation brought things into a nice (if subdued) clarity. It wasn't the abstract ending that I usually hate in a film that starts off so surreally. It made sense. I got it (and slightly ahead of the reveal). Story-wise, it was a great answer. Plot-wise, I would have fleshed the ending out just a bit more. It felt a little rushed.

Again, this was a fantastic film that I look forward to watching again. Perhaps, my subsequent viewing will give way to my notice of some of the flaws that may exist. However, nothing will take away from the fact that my first viewing was refreshingly and unexpectedly great. Kudos to all of those involved!

It has the look and feel of a bad high school play, where basic elements of pacing and plot were unknown to the producer(s). Even the name "Daydreamer" doesn't make sense in the context of the film. It's a confusing story that starts out muddled and gets worse as the movie goes on. There are holes in the story that aren't resolved, despite their apparent attempt to "wrap it up" at the end. The camera work is sophomoric to the point where I believe someone bought their kid a Sony DVW for Hanukkah and they suddenly thought they could make a movie. The actors are like so much of Hollywood today: models that look good on screen but can't act their way out of a grocery bag. This movie made my head hurt; not because it's nonsensical and hard to watch, but because someone actually paid money to make it.

i saw this film at Vail and liked it very much. i was impressed with the heart and soul of it as it was obvious these people were committed to it's living in the screen. the script was compelling and well written. Aaron Paul did a fine job maintaining his through line. kebbel was lovely and entrancing. i thought James wellington in particular was riveting when on the screen. the director captured very well a seedy, dangerous lifestyle that does exist. the obvious low budget is a little distracting at times, but almost seems to enhance at others. the photography seems to be completely hand-held and is excellent. i hope to see more from these first time film makers.