Mind the Gap

I had little to no expectations of this film and knew absolutely nothing about it. I was flabbergasted. It is really an excellent film. It made me cry but in a really good way. It is just very beautiful and moving. It makes you want to believe in something. I saw his other film, If Lucy Fell, and it meant nothing to me, I forgot about it after watching it. But this one is a total gem. I almost feel like it's my special little secret. But I want to share it with everyone because it really made me happy. That's just what it does. It makes you smile and it makes you feel something for the characters (the acting is fantastic). I acquired several crushes by the end of the film. Please, go to your local independent video retailer and rent it (or better yet buy it) right now.

I was tempted to give up on this movie very early on. It seemed odd, sluggish and pretentious in that 'Touched by an Angel' sort of way.

And it was. The movie tries very hard to be heart-warming and self-important to the point that I imagine turns off many viewers.

But they are missing out on a true gem. Despite its over-earnest nature, the movie succeeds in being a feel-good movie thanks to a well-written story and some superb acting by a group of relative unknowns.

The film touches on 5 very different people's lives and how they keep their heads up despite some very sad fortunes. The film teases at first, giving us almost no information about these characters and expecting us to care about them as they plod along. But patience is certainly a rewarded virtue here as the BIGGER PICTURE is slowly revealed and the intricacies of these character's lives come together in a way I would have never imagined.

The fantastic acting done by the whole cast helps to move the story along whenever it appears to be stalling. Each actor manages to etch out deep, hidden emotions and secrets from their characters that are not fully-realized until the very end of the film. If nothing else, this movie is a great study of "effect and cause", rather than "cause and effect". You are privileged to see how each character has been changed by events in their life long before you find out what those events were and how profoundly they impacted their recipients.

In some vague ways, this movie reminds me of the 1984 film 'Paris, Texas' starring Nastassja Kinski and Harry Dean Stanton. A sparse, slow-moving film about a man deeply affected by an event we don't know until the last 15 minutes.

Looking at it's IMDb page, another user gives 'Paris, Texas' the "Life-Changing Movie" stamp of approval that others have given 'Mind the Gap', and I agree. If you have the patience and can stomach the incessant mushiness, 'Mind the Gap' is the type of film that makes you step back and look at the world (and your life) with fresh eyes. There is nothing in this movie that will blow the average-movie watcher away - but that is precisely why it is so good - it just doesn't work without YOU.

YOU are the 6th story - the 6th character.

'Mind the Gap' only sets up the formula, the pattern.

***YOU fill in THE GAP***

A strikingly poignant examination of the role of forgiveness in our lives. Schaeffer has created a collage of memorable characters and provides the audience with ample reason to care for their fates. The dialog is crisp and meaningful, the characters are unique and memorable, and the film concludes balanced and cohesive.

The film managed to brush the very edge of my tolerance for adversity as each character faced with their personal demons, but never stepped past the threshold into contrivance or absurdity. The usual cliches and "movie" plot mechanisms were ably dodged and the ending was more than I'd expected and all I could have hoped for.

This is the film that Magnolia wishes it could have been.

The movie reminds about everyday life. You meet people who may smile or laugh but deep inside they are not happy. As you watch the movie it feels like you are living it. Each five characters had their own problems yet were laughing and smiling trying not to show what they were hiding deep inside. Each five of them took life on their own and went after their destinies. I adored Malissa's acts. Her mother told her she hated her, but yet Malissa never quit taking care of her sick mother. After her mother's death she became a traveler leaving her home and later on her car and exploring the world. There is a lot to learn from each five characters. "Mind The Gap" is the movie that will never bore you even if you watch it day after day.

This was the third film I've seen written & directed by Eric Schaeffer. If you liked this film, please check out his movie "Fall". It could be classified as a romance, but not the kind that would ever cast Jennifer Aniston or Meg Ryan. "Fall" is painful and passionate and clever, and unlike any movie I've seen since. It absolutely crushes you. I have also never witnessed such intense chemistry between two actors. It absolutely crushes you. Eric Schaeffer plays the lead role himself. So far, he always stars in his own movies. In his movie "If Lucy Fell", he plays opposite Sara Jessica Parker. I'd recommend seeing this after "Fall" or "Mind the Gap" so you get a feel for Schaeffer's style first. "If Lucy Fell" is much more light-hearted than his other movies; but very witty, fun, and strange. Ben Stiller plays a hilarious role as a stereotypical artist who lives life in the abstract. I love Eric Schaeffer! I only hope he continues to bless us with his work.