Design

Easily the best film I've seen at Sundance 2002.

I could go on at some length about this incredible debut from Writer-Director-Actor Davidson Cole, but I'll attempt to be brief by summing up the main strengths of the film.

Everything is brilliant.

Okay, okay, I'll be a little more specific.

From the thematically powerful and narratively complex script that works on so many levels, to the darkly atmospheric look of the film captured in its cinematography and production design, to the ultra-effective score and sound design, to the innovative editing style, to the absolutely strong, compelling performances by the entire cast (made up mostly of newcomers, but filled out by the seasoned Daniel J. Travanti, who turns in an incredible performance)... well, in short - like I said - everything is brilliant.

Watching this film reminded me of watching Darren Aronofsky for the first time. Not so much in Davidson Cole's filmmaking style as in the sense of feeling that I was witnessing the work of a powerful artist who has a unique voice and distinct vision that truly permeate his work.

Watch for Davidson Cole to develop into an important Writer-Director, and remember that you heard it from me first! As Dan Travanti told me at my second screening of the film earlier tonight, someday I'll be able to reminisce and say, "I remember when I saw Davidson Cole's first film way back at Sundance 2002."

Probably as close to poetry on the screen as possible. The technique interests me far less than the concept, executed with an honesty rarely found in this kind of film. No muddled fooling around with time and point of view here -- simply a harsh, existentialist stream of consciousness that leaves the viewer with more questions than answers.

What stands out as well is the clarity of character conveyed by superb acting. Of course, that is achieved in part by what I infer as good direction, camera work, and editing. There is no posturing here, even though some of the split-screen stuff seemed unnecessary. Personality lingers in the air long after one scene fades into the next, leaving visual images that create layers of imagination in the viewer's mind. The "design" is thus simultaneously both idea and image.

I suspect it may take a while for this one to be recorded and remembered by the public at large (if ever!). It could well be a stepping stone for some budding careers.

I'm probably a but biased as I took part in the making of this film and know how much went into it and so much that wound up on the cutting room floor, but if you can go in with an open mind and set aside the idea that a modern film should consist of green screen and CGI. Very few films these days take the time to actually delve into characters and development and story telling. Jennifer Morrison is wonderful, and if she'd been cast as Black Widow for this, it would have been a much bigger picture. I'm not saying anything negative about the very talented Scarlet Johansson, only that the movie really didn't get its due because it is an independent feature and fueled by artists dedicated to their crafts and not product placement or an extended cinematic universe.

Take a chance on an independent venture and put aside popcorn movie thinking. Especially considering it's a Chicago based production by Chicago artists, it deserves more acclaim than it received. There are no Michael Bay explosions or fancy special effects - just a filmmaker telling a story because he has something to say and everyone involved cares about the material.

I highly recommend seeing this movie, as it tours the festival circuit. A brilliant tale about a hopeless romantic, with some rather sobering twists. Not your typical movie, I expect great things to come from this up and coming director/actor/writer.

Brian McCaskill once again steals the show in this runaway dark comedy romp. As "Sven", a slightly off-center office clerk who always seems to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, McCaskill delivers his best performance since "Serious Business". While we are waiting for the rumored director's cut of "Serious Business" to finally arrive on DVD we will have to relish every minute of Sven's time on screen.

My only real problem with "Design" is I thought it would have a little more of McCaskill's signature tongue-in-cheek zingers he is so well known for. If you are mostly familiar with McCaskill from "Serious Business" then this new, drier approach in "Design" may seem a little stiff at first. After all, in the arena of wry quips he is only rivaled by off-screen friend Hugh Grant. Granted, Sven's speech impediment didn't give McCaskill a lot to work with, but they could have had a dream sequence or something where we could get to see him riff a bit more.

Other than that, all around awesome flick. The action rocks and the jokes are hilarious. If I were casting the movie I might have gotten someone other than Daniel J. Travanti to play Peter Mallow; he just seemed uncomfortable with the role and ends up turning in a disappointing performance. But he is on screen for such a short time that it doesn't at all weigh down the film. All around, I highly reccommend seing "Design" but only after seeing "Serious Business" at least twice.