In Memory of My Father

This film was really something rare. Great artistic and entertainment value wrapped into one package. This film embodies everything Hollywood films have been missing over the last year. It has that indie edge and popular appeal that hasn't been evident since the early-mid nineties. I miss films like this! I was most impressed with the humor brought about by the relationships of the characters and creative exploration of comedy I don't think many film makers could have handled. I usually wait until for DVD for a second viewing, but in this case I would jump at the chance to buy another ticket. The director really showed unique vision that I hope to see more of in the future.

There is not a false emotion running through In Memory Of My Father. It maintains a screwball sense of absurdity but paces itself to allow the humanism to shine through. Despite the dark tone, the likeably unlikeable ensemble cast is uniformly excellent, and there are some real laughs to be had. Hand-held cameras and semi-improvised dialogue lend it realism, while the flurry of well-crafted comic situations it creates brings it to heights of hilarity. Jaymes and his cast mates nail the characters and the dialogue and there's more than a whiff of Festen and Altman in this frantic, enjoyably overstuffed funeral drama. It's hilarious and so heart warming. Highly recommended

I had the pleasure of screening Christopher Jaymes' In Memory of my Father at the San Diego Film Festival last month and was completely swept off my feet. Possibly one of the most natural and well written scripts I have seen brought to life on the big screen. Full of raw, genuine emotion, this film puts the audience on location and inside the debauchery of "Dad's" wake. IMOMF is truly an unfeigned plunge into second generation Hollywood royalty. Experience three brothers coming to terms with their own quandaries, flaws, and failings amidst a bribe-driven documentation of their retired film producer father's wake. This film is brilliant. Not one single less-than-stellar performance made by any of IMOMF's amazing cast. Complemented by a phenomenal soundtrack (Belle and Sebastian's "Lord Anthony" never sounded so good), this film inspired me and reminded me why I love movies. In Memory of My Father is fresh, beautifully shot, deeply moving and at most times hilarious… a movie that everyone can identify with in some way. Christopher Jaymes wore all of the hats on this project: writing, directing, producing, editing, and starring (not to mention the great original music he did for the film). I spoke with Chris after the screening and wished him the best of luck, but this kind of talent needn't any luck. Go see this film. Nine out of ten stars in hopes that Chris will keep writing and directing. Plus the guy posts in his own forum, how cool is that?

So many people set out to do one-location shoots, limit your budget, and shoot in a few days. However, few can do these things and produce a great product. They did a really great job with this one.

The acting is superb throughout the large ensemble of a cast. I really enjoyed the bathroom scene with Sisto. One of his best takes I've seen.

This movie is going to allow you to look at death and those around the death in a much different, maybe crazy at times, sort of way. I guarantee you will be entertained with laughter and just enough but not too much drama.

Excellent!

I had the good fortune to enjoy a Q and A with the filmmaker tonight.

I enjoyed this films honesty and its refreshing perspective of the tiresome subject of human relationships fusion bombing against a bereavement backdrop EI (Big chill,Magnolia). This guy has a gift for what to edit out and show some confidence in his audiences imagination. I could not thank him more for keeping the dialog short,sharp and grasping hard on you,then poof...gone. Really interesting way of telling an old familiar tale.

A real joke that he had trouble with distribution. Not surprising though. We have to seek out a good flick nowadays,while junk is at our doorstep. I will certainly keep my eyes open for his book "Self Help" I believe. Though making a film like this is all the self help any normally addled person could ever need.