The Unseen

I saw The Unseen at a NYC screeening Friday night and loved it. This film had a wonderful story, directing, acting, writing, editing etc. I was completely drawn in by the story and characters and I felt as if I was living alongside these characters in this small Georgia town. There was also some great humor in the film as well! Gale Harold was brilliant- he is one of the most nuanced actors I have ever seen and he blew me away in this role- I felt both afraid of him and compassion for him at the same time. The film is heartbreaking and hopeful and really beautiful. I hope so much that a distribution deal comes through because I will certainly buy it. There are so many parallels to catch in the film. I give it a 10. Amazing.

The Unseen, an undeniably impressive film, takes you into the bizarre and twisted Southern style life vicariously thru multiple intriguing characters. Dysfunctional families have never seemed so harmonious. The Writers have seemingly pulled out all the stops of "political correctness" to exhibit what true pain and suffering looks like when prejudice and hate are the bane of one's existence. Phillip Bloch's performance as "Sammy" is purely outstanding; his character will entice the range of emotions within you~~ one moment you're feeling the pains of embarrassment for him and the next your standing proud next to him with his mismatched attire for his "childlike" disposition brings the movies complexities back to simplicity; Simplicity which takes all the prejudice and hate that one has to offer and just asks "WHY~~ Why can't you just let me be who I am?" Gale Harold as "Harold", is simply sensational in portraying this cocktail of mixed emotions which stem from his post traumatic childhood psychological trauma coupled with his innate "goodness from within" that he has always had buried so deep from within. This film is sure to move you through a realm of emotions and realizations while at the same time discerning the truth which lies within "The Unseen".

I am a photographer and recently covered the Starz Denver International Film Festival. I was lucky enough to see the film "The Unseen" and had the chance to photograph one of the actors (Phillip Bloch) and the Director (Lisa France). Before I'd seen the movie I asked Mr. Bloch about the film and he told me it was like a cross between Slingblade and Mystic River (two of my personal favorites). After seeing the movie I would have to agree completely with Mr. Bloch. The film is gripping, emotional and expertly acted by all involved. Standout performances by Phillip Bloch as Sammy, Steve Harris (The Prartice) as Roy and Gale Harold (Queer as Folk) as Harold are amazing. The Film takes you on a journey through the lives of three friends (Harold, Roy and Sammy) who as young boys are forced apart, but are brought back together years later due to the death of Roy's father. When he returns to his hometown to attend his father's funeral, Roy comes face to face with the secrets that drove him away and tore apart the boys friendship. Forced back together the three friends must come to terms with the secret they all share. The film has an amazing ending that will stay with you long after you leave the theater. Lisa France has written and directed a moving masterpiece of the highest quality. I highly recommend this film to everyone. It will make you smile, it will make you cry, but most of all it will make you think!

It seems that too many people have given The Unseen mediocre reviews, but I see it very differently. I recently saw The Unseen at the Chicago Film Festival, and I was very touched by the film. The relationships between the characters can be very subtle, but incredibly moving. Gale Harold and Steve Harris do a particularly good job, and the rest of the cast is brilliant. Although the beginning may have a bit of a slow start for some, it's all worth it in the emotional, beautiful ending. It's not often that a film can make me bawl, and The Unseen did just that. France has done a wonderful job, and I'd recommend this story to anyone who loves great independent work.

Took a long time to stop rolling this one around in my mind after it was over. I have distant family from that part of the country, these characters, their fears and issues, ring so very true. Phillip Bloch's "Sammy", his questions, sweetness and wisdom; conveyed in a brilliant 'Rainman' quality of acting; provide a focal point from which the other characters radiate forth ...Bravo! Gale Harold's "Harold", such a tortured soul yet Kathleen can love him and his efforts to please her are touching in their simplicity. This actor once mentioned that maybe hearts and minds can be changed through the dramatic arts, I think he is spot on with this heart wrenching effort.