The Last Movie

The Last Movie is one of those rare films that gets into the heads of actors. The character of Elizabeth, who is about to play the part of a femme fatale in a remake of a Russian noir thriller, is played beautifully by Elizabeth Gondek. To play the part she must get inside the head of a murderess and apply her own life to the part. It is done with great subtlety and the results are a curious madness that kept me fascinated. The overall writing and direction by Bruce Pittman is beautifully crafted and kept me guessing with all its twists and turns. The recreation of the original Russian noir film is totally convincing. Nataliya Alyexeyenko as Nastya captures the spirit of Lana Turner in The Postman Always Rings Twice and Barbara Stanwyck in Double Indemnity. The lighting and camera work by Rick Wincenty perfectly recreates those fabulous films of the 40's, smooth and flawless. The Last Movie is a very different kind of thriller with the visions of classic noir blended with a modern story. Hope to see more from Bruce Pittman.

I cannot understand all the other positive reviews. The movie was boring and seems like an exercise that some student had in a film school. This is a movie about movies and how they are made. The concept is not bad but the presentation was just boring. The pace is slow and not much is really happening most of the time, thought the acting was actually OK.

As the movie progresses it becomes more and more bizarre and I couldn't wait for it to end. I suspect that movie students and critics would love this movie but for all of the rest, you could probably pick a better one.

I thought it was a beautifully crafted movie, a terrific genre film. I loved the overt use of "film noir" techniques. A lovely sense of style, lighting and camera angles. I loved the homage to some of the classics. It made us all feel smart.

I saw "The Artist" a few days later and they use film noir elements as the protagonist slides into depression but I think "The Last Movie" did a better job. I was totally convinced by the "Russian film" portions. It did an amazing job with locations. Nataliya Alyexeyenko's face and eyes were totally beguiling. The camera loves her. Elizabeth Gondek is not quite as compelling but she grows on you and is believable. It's very exciting when the two of them come together.

My only criticism is that the film did seem long, both overall film and pacing within scenes, especially later scenes. It is not bad in the first half of the film as it establishes style but then it just feels too slow as we approach the climax. In spite of this, I think it was a brilliant effort and a very entertaining film. Congratulations to the filmmakers. Keith Ross Leckie

I took a chance on this film because I love film noir. The Last Movie is so much more.

It begins as a classic black and white noir movie then becomes a film about remaking this film.

Along the way it details the creative process and frustrations of a film director trying to put it all together.

Slowly the story of the remake becomes its own horror film.

It makes for a unique and thoroughly entertaining movie with totally believable characters and performances.

I loved the black and white photography by Rick Wincenty in the old noir film. Very evocative of some of my favorites from the 1940's

Editorially, the film moves like an express train from start to finish.

If you're looking for something a little different – you can't go wrong with The Last Movie.

Dispirited at the current state of Canadian cinema, veteran Toronto director Bruce Pittman simply made one of his own. Titled the Last Movie it is a top rated film noir filled with suspense and some laughs courtesy of our flagging film industry, And the wonder is Pittman shot it mainly in his Riverdale home using nonunion crew and players. The effect is mesmerizing, a triumph of cinematography and scripting, beautifully photographed and edited so very precisely. It is compulsively watchable and is playing this week at Toronto's Royal cinema along College Street. This is what film making is all about. I give it **** 1/2 stars and I'm deeply grateful for the experience. It shows me Canadian films are not dead and buried but alive and vibrant.