Islander

I was fortunate to see this film at a private screening in Los Angeles and liked it so much that I rushed to a repeat showing at the LA Film Festival. How a work of art of this caliber, evoking a corner of our country heretofore neglected by filmmakers, could have passed so far under the public and critical and distribution radar is a vexing mystery. "Islander" was, quite simply, one of the finest films I saw in 2006, a year that included "Pan's Labyrinth", "The Queen", and "Children of Men." I will even go so far as to assert that, to my personal taste, "Islander" is superior to that year's Oscar winner, the overrated "The Departed"! This is not because I prefer smaller, independent films to larger, slicker, more mainstream products: I don't, at least not habitually. It's just that "Islander" is so much more substantial emotionally, its characters more accessible and real, its concerns more familiar to most of us. Small in scope, yes. Lacking in box-office "name" clout, yes. A simple, intimate tale about ordinary people, yes. Nonetheless, this tale of transgression and redemption moved me deeply, convinced me, compelled me, impressed me. From every point of view -- story structure, acting, score, direction, you name it -- this film is well worth your time.

I am not from Maine but have visited Maine several times and have been to Vinalhaven as have been members of my family. The movie depicts life as the way it should be on the island. I first saw the movie in Rangeley Maine at a little theater where the producer had been there only a few days prior to me. I purchased the film for me and for family who are lobster fisherman up in Maine. They said it was true to life. I watch the movie over and over again since it depicts life as it is in Maine and also has many story lines as well. It is an excellent film and is too bad it was not shared with the rest of America on the big screen.

My commendations to filmmaker Ian McCrudden, star and co-writer Thomas Hildreth, editor Marc Jozefowicz, the cast, crew, and all others involved - put very simply, this is excellent. Aided in part by Billy Mallery's softly variable, somber score, there's a pall of dreariness hanging over the picture like a persistent low fog rolling in off the coast, paired with a yearnful hopefulness. The movie is exceptionally smart about conveying the passage of time early in its length, thanks in no small part to Jozefowicz but also some keen collection of shots generally. Lent power by McCrudden's direction and Dan Coplan's cinematography, the very filming locations seem to pop to life, Maine itself becoming a character - beauty, isolation, time passing only of its own accord and change coming slowly but definitively. The story is sharp and vivid, with complicated and real characters, and cutting dialogue and scene writing. 'Islander' is a quiet drama, but a very compelling and heartfelt one, and it deserves much more recognition as far as I'm concerned.

Superb as every constituent element is, there's no one part of this that is particularly striking, demanding viewership. It's definitely an instance of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts, and that's true despite mindful direction, intelligent writing, and a splendid cast. Everyone involved turns in a performance of terrific nuance, realizing their characters with measured restraint and finesse that makes each all the more believable. Philip Baker Hall was nothing if not reliable; Amy Jo Johnson, having already demonstrated solid capability up to this point in her career, gives what might be one of her best displays of skill in her supporting part. Hildreth, Judy Prescott, young Emma Ford, and all others distinctly impress with the soulful, emotive acting they pour into the movie, more than I assumed sights unseen. And that quite goes for 'Islander' at large, brimming with stark honesty in its tale of bad judgment, learning to live with mistakes, and the connections and resentments of small communities. There's no questioning that this is a very independent film, but it digs its claws in gradually and firmly with a fierce strength and presence I just never would have anticipated.

Some big studio productions get more attention than they ever truly earn; even in the age of the Internet, when the looming stature of the studios has slightly dwindled, smaller titles still often fail to get all their due. This, I believe, is certainly one of the latter. I sat for it not knowing what to expect, and figured on some tropes that are overdone. What I got was an earnest, meaningful, impactful drama that ultimately strikes major chords that some of the most well-financed tour de forces can only dream of. I'm not saying that this is perfect; some beats are a little too on the nose, especially in the last act, and with such exactness comes a vague feeling of ham-handedness. By and large, however, this is expansively warm and engrossing, rich and flavorful from its most downtrodden through to its most welcoming. For lack of any especial vibrancy I can understand how it won't appeal to all comers, yet I'm so roundly pleased with how good this is, and frankly I'd give it a blanket recommendation for one and all. As is the way with such pictures it isn't necessarily the most readily available, but if you have the chance to watch, 'Islander' is well worth 100 minutes of your time.

Good movie. Low budget. Very realistic character development. Maine is depicted the way it is in many fishing communities. Good camera work, lots of non actors in the film. I especially enjoyed the take of the couple in the kitchen and their daughter sleeping on the couch. Wonderful light and mood setting in that clip. On the other side, I think that the cameraman could have been more patient with filming and wait for some morning fog rolling over the boat. It would depict Maine atmosphere better. The sound work in the movie could probably use a little improvement but none of these complains detract from the movie. I would recommend you seeing it if you are looking for non-Hollywood movie without any fluff.

I enjoyed it very much.

I just saw Islander at the LA Film Festival and liked it very much. It's a story about lobster fishermen living on a island 16 miles off the coast of Maine: their lives and their livelihood. The focus is on acceptance within this close-knit community. I found it surprisingly persuasive. The scenes on and about the island (off Rockport, Maine -- filmed on location) were stunning and the development of the key characters was quite well done. Expect to see this film in theaters soon, hopefully in distribution not confined to "art" theaters. This is a professional movie in every way and deserved to be seen. I suspect it will do well in the LA Film Festival and others.