Transatlantic Coffee

In this exploration of profound loneliness and loss, Erik Peter Carlson miraculously has made a life-affirming, even inspiring film. Seamless camera work, gorgeous art direction/cinematography and truly challenging scenes help to bring us deep into the mind of an eccentric man who chooses an eccentric way to heal from his extraordinary trauma. Carlson has made a movie that subtly captures the essence of what we all love about cinema...that singular carnival ride that transports us into someone else's life experience.

My name is Randy Becker and I run NexTV Entertainment. We get thousands of submissions each year from emerging artists trying to make a mark on the list of significant industry players that we bring to our panels. TRANSATLANTIC COFFEE stands out not just because of the cohesive and compelling aesthetic or the challenging and topical subject matter, but because, at its core, it tells us a great story...one well worth experiencing.

-Randy Becker NexTV Entertainment

There are only a handful of indie films that have a distinct lasting affect on the audience--these are movies you either get, or you don't. And if you don't get it, you won't hate it, but simply find it too odd for your liking. Open minded viewers need only apply, and that's certainly the case with "Transatlantic Coffee." I remember leaving the theater absolutely shocked, and not just because of the events on screen. I was shocked that I found the movie so intelligent and oddly entertaining. The actors surely must have felt that, after reading the screenplay.

The subject matter is truly unsettling at times. Transatlantic Coffee, even with it's extreme modest budget, is a masterpiece of irony (even in the title), and finds humor in the most unusual and downright bizarre circumstances. You will not see another movie like it. Guaranteed. And fair warning--you could very well be confused by it's approach and reasoning.

So... the negative first, because that is how I roll. This movie is a mess. The writing is all over the place. The supporting actors, many of them, seem like they have never actually acted in a movie--or anywhere else, for that matter-before.I would give this movie tow stars. But! One thing absolutely saves this thing, and that is the lead. Pinassi is just stupidly good. I'd be very curious to see him on stage, because his subtle, nuanced performance plays perfectly on the big screen. Wonder if that would transfer to a live performance. Just... the stillness. The ability of this guy to express so much in a *look*. That is rare.

Whatever, I hope to see more from Pinassi. Will be on the lookout.

Watched this film on Prescreem.com the other night after hearing about it from a Twitter friend. I usually don't do reviewes on movies but I thought this film deserves to be heard.

In an American market of highly commercial, audience appealing pictures with typical subject matters, special effects and bland characters (just look at today's movie listings) this film takes all of that and flushes it. It's obvious that the filmmakers had a vision and went with it, not worrying about what the American public is familiar with. This film is something to be experienced and I mean that.

As the film starts, you'll notice the unique way the story will be told, with it's long takes, allowing the actors on screen to become real. The writing is deep and has so many moments of "Wow, that is so true". The actors in the film, Kevin Pinassi and Rachel Marie Lewis, whom I have never seen before on screen. do a tremendous job. They are fearless in their approach.

As other reviews mentioned on this page, the music and visuals are something you usually don't see in a low budget movie. Everything down to the costumes and the setting of the main character's apartment are so real, you feel you've been living there yourself by the end of the movie.

The direction and writing of the movie is very well done. The ending, although a great surprise to me, may have others catching on somewhat early in the film, but the way the story is told, the way it's designed as a whole, simply convinces you that these are real people, in a real world, experiencing real subject matters. I give this credit to the director, Erik Peter Carlson and the producers who have accomplished something that proves that independent film is something you need to be involved in, for no other reason than to realize that there is much more than special effects in cinema.

The movie is very intense with scenes that make you shiver, for many reasons. However, I never feel it's done in bad taste, but to bring you into the moment and into the lives of these characters, mostly the main character.

To conclude; it's an extremely well done movie that has all of the elements any great movie should contain; a great story, compelling characters, it stimulates many emotions, has the compelling "wow" factor and forces you to watch it again. Great job.

This is supposed to be a character driven movie, but the main character seems too twitchy and bizarre to relate to at times. Pinassi plays a man-child called Alex that falls for a teen girl from London. Alex is a loser with no life, which SHOULD make us all relate to him on some level.

Overall, this is not a Hollywood cookie-cutter movie, which is the exciting part. It does many times have really sincere and personal moments that are very enjoyable. The ending offers a huge impact. I give the film some credit for being different and original with some scenes of fantastic performances and direction.