The Sublime and Beautiful

Aaaa... wow. I began watching this movie because it was shot in Lawrence. I wasn't expecting anything remarkable. But this movie is. Its sad enough to make you look away but its so good you can't. I don't doubt that this is exactly the effect Blake Robbins was looking for. He skillfully represents all the horror of a tragic happening and the fact that sometimes there are no words that can help yet others around are compelled to offer them. But no matter since and heartfelt they are they only cause pain. If you are looking for quality and meaning and completion of purpose then this is a film you shouldn't miss. I'm going to be watching for more work of Mr. Robbins.

I once took a writing class where the teacher told us that the best way to get readers to care about your characters is to make terrible things happen to those characters, forcing some type of reaction. The Sublime and Beautiful is the greatest example of this that I've ever seen. Throwing on a multitude of hats as director, producer, writer and lead actor, filmmaker Blake Robbins offers up a tale of a husband and wife who lose their three children in a tragic accident. Robbins reveals flaws in many of the characters throughout the film, but none so much as the main character—creating a stunningly authentic feel with each role. Though The Sublime and Beautiful is by far the heaviest film I've seen in a long time in terms of mood, its depiction of grief is stunningly honest and matter-of-fact. When you experience tragedy in life you don't want to talk to people you hardly know, you don't want people constantly asking how you are and you certainly don't want to hear about how "these things happen for a reason"—you want someone to blame. Robbins understands that perfectly, and his film is both sublime and beautiful.

This is the most honest movie out there about the topic of grief - and it is an amazing piece of art because of this. You will be riveted by the depth of human emotion in this movie - and astounded that it was shot in less than 2 weeks on a shoestring budget. The director is also the primary actor. Wow! This movie is flawless. There is great direction, wonderful acting, and perfect production values, but what makes this film incredible is how it is able to draw the audience into the honest and real emotional sides to grieving. Capturing emotion is difficult in a movie and grief is not an easy topic - but it is a feeling all humans grapple with at least a few times in their lives. Instead of glossing over this feeling, this film embraces grief - and in so doing, you will be transported deep into your own heart. Every scene is realistic and the holiday party scene is worth the entire film. Bravo!

Blake Robbins took on a daunting task: Writing a story about a profoundly sad event in the life of a family. The hazard in such an effort is to fall into tactics of cheap and obvious manipulation. Not only did Robbins tell the story with realism and respect, he carried it through 90 minutes of film further enriched by the right actors, cinematography, musical score and all the other elements of a nearly perfect movie. I did not cry when I watched it, but not because I wasn't moved. Blake put me in David's head and I felt locked in a state of shock and denial. Add David's struggle with middle-aging even before the tragedy, witness the impact on David and Kelly's marriage, the reactions of friends, family and community, and this film feels as real as it possibly could. As art, it is the best possible treatment of one of the darkest aspects of the human condition.

Rarely, am I so moved by watching a film that I feel compelled to write a review. The Sublime and Beautiful is just that kind of a rare gem of a movie. Blake Robbins, has created an exquisitely moving and excellently written and directed film. Grief and loss are themes in many, many films and so very few of them honestly and believably explore those subjects. And, even less often, have deftly drawn you into their characters with any real sense of depth and dimension. The Sublime and Beautiful indelibly does. The dialogue rings true in scene after scene, and even in the moments where the characters say nothing, there is still an emotional engagement and deep involvement felt with them. I commend Mr. Robbins for having the courage and vision to make a film, which includes many scenes of silent moments. For me, they spoke volumes more than words could have ever expressed, instead. Most of us have suffered profound losses in our lives, and you will find yourself relating with these masterfully portrayed characters --long after the film ends. I highly recommend The Sublime and Beautiful as a "must see" film of the New Year!