Design

This film is about a set of interconnected characters and their fates. It is very dark, as the characters all seem to be doomed, disturbed, or both. The performances are all very good, with Daniel J Travanti standing out as the alcoholic father/salesman. It is also visually very striking, including the use of flash frames. The look is also partly the result of it being shot on a type of film that is close to obsolete, called Super 16 reversal. The story was apparently inspired by a poem of the same name by Robert Frost. Seen at Cinequest (the San Jose, CA film festival) on 3/3/2002.

Note that the cinematographer is the infamous Pete Biagi of HBO "Project Greenlight" fame, although the director of this film (who also wrote the film and played one of the main characters) swears that Pete was great to work with and plans to continue to work with him.

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.

Design reminds me of what "indie" used to mean. The performances are real and gritty portrayals of flawed characters doing their best to survive a number of unnamed historical wounds. The concept is simple but the execution is still compelling and surprising. I would like to see more from this writer/director. He seems to be a great actor as well, which is unexpected. Worth the watch!

You know you're probably not going to watch a blockbuster when you see the same name listed as director, writer, and lead; when that name has a one title filmography; and when the Special Thanks section of the credits begins with "Mom & Dad". So it is with "Design", a low level indie with all the ear marks of a first outing. Though this film is a marginal, muddled, cyanotic mess, it does manifest potential in the earnest, sincere, and believable performances is eeks from a cast of relative unknowns. And, although Nicholas Cage lookalike Cole appears to be a work in progress with real potential, this product has little to offer the public at large. For indie freaks only. (C)

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."