Heaven Strewn

I wanted to like this movie, being a desert flick and all, but overwhelming problems prevented that from happening. Number 1: If your movie lacks subtitles, then record the dialog SO YOU CAN HEAR IT! There are these things available called wireless microphones. Number 2: Editing...overly long scenes (such as the one that opens the movie) cause the viewer to LOSE INTEREST rapidly. Number 3: Camera...use a good one; this looks like it was shot on a camcorder. Number 5,000: Script...oh, forget it.

Crime,family,friendship,love, very good luck and very bad luck, high speed chases, guns, addicts, suspense, treasure hunts,comedy, and beautifully shot scenery are a few words to describe some of what is packed into Heaven Strewn in under 80 minutes. The story was brilliantly told by Mr.Gurzi(writer/director) without any "extra fluff" or unnecessary scenes (which is all too common). It was enjoyable to experience the entire time. The actors were superb with stand out performances by almost all of them. In particular Rob Tepper (Jasper) really gave a memorable, moving, performance. Without a doubt Heaven Strewn is worth checking out. Bravo to all involved in making this gem and bringing it to life...

First-time filmmaker JT Gurzi gets winning performances from his two leads (Wyatt Denny's character especially of note - keep an eye out for this guy and say you saw him here first), and he lays out a nicely-measured-paced, thought-provoking, crime conundrum story. Excellent camera work and a score that makes you want to buy the soundtrack help make this a solid, low-key,character-based thriller worth watching. If you like a Wim Wenders/Jim Jarmusch/John Cassavetes-like indie approach to crime stories, you should appreciate what Gurzi is doing here. I'm interested in seeing what this guy puts together next, and you should be too.

An impressive and intelligent thriller/noir in the vein of the Coen Brother's "Blood Simple". Desperate characters on the margins of society. They're barely hanging on as they dwell in the dark cracks of the California dream. The film is like razor wire, stretched tight, ready to snap and cut everyone in half. Solid acting. Looks great. Fab score. It's even got meteorites. And it's all done on what appears to be a shoestring. (Which makes what they pulled off all the more impressive.) Looking forward to seeing what director Gurzi can do with a real budget. He's obviously a bold filmmaker - one who's sure not gonna pull his punches. "Heaven Strewn" is definitely worth a watch.

This is the first feature-length directorial effort of a talented filmmaker, and based on this impressive debut, I look forward to seeing more. This movie is a personal and honest portrayal of male friendship, wrapped up in a tale of palpable mortal danger. Virtuoso camera work is incorporated subtly, and always at the service of the story, rather than for the purpose of calling attention to itself. This measure of restraint is rare among filmmakers of Mr. Gurzi's generation, and an indication of what he has yet to offer as an artist. Serious craft on display here, folks. Worth a second viewing (at least) not only for the reasons mentioned above, but also for the disc commentary that offers a valuable look at the creative process. If you appreciate and understand true filmmaking, I recommend this gem from a director who obviously understands it too.