Molto Bella

A wonderful story of finding love, inspiration, and yourself, this is the kind of romance Hollywood used to make. Director Alexander Jeffery avoided making the usual paint-by-numbers romcom, and instead made an original film starring two talented newcomers in a beautiful location. The male lead (and co-writer of the film) is especially charming, and he's got a bright future ahead. The female lead has an effortless charm and some lovely songs, and their chemistry seems genuine. Do yourself a favor and check this film out, and you get the double win of supporting indie films and letting the market know these films are in demand.

This new release was a recommendation in the weekly email I get from Kanopy. The brief synopsis of the film intrigued me so I thought I'd give it a shot. What a pleasant surprise. The director Alexander Jeffery is quoted as saying it was inspired by Lost in Translation and Before Sunrise, two movies I particularly enjoyed. I can definitely see the influence in this charming little film. It features fine performances by two relatively novice actors, thoughtful and heartfelt dialogue, and a gorgeous setting. All the makings of an indie hit well worth an hour and a half of your time.

A Chance Encounter stars the talented Nebraskans, Paul Petersen, who co-wrote the screenplay with Jeffery, and Andrea von Kampen, who composed and performed the memorable soundtrack. The film opens with Hal (Petersen) checking into his hotel-which famously hosted Oscar Wilde, over a century ago. After dropping off his luggage, he explores the picturesque town of Taormina, Sicily, his leather-bound journal in tow. At a square overlooking the beautiful countryside he bumps into Josie (von Kampen) who is singing and playing her guitar.

Hal comments that he's impressed by her cover of the hit song she's performing, and to his surprise, he's informed that it's actually her original tune. After a brief introduction, he asks her to photograph him in the same location as a woman in a photo he draws from his notebook. Josie tells him she'll have the film developed and she'll give it him when they meet the next day. Thus marks the beginning of a relationship that's at the heart of this delightful film.

As it turns out, the two are struggling artists. After releasing a hit record, Josie is having a tough time crafting tunes for her follow-up LP. Meanwhile, Hal has been writing a steady stream of poems, yet lacks the self-esteem and commitment to devote himself to become a professional writer. It's fun to watch their relationship develop. Their friendship is strictly Platonic, however it's clear that they're soul mates. Their initial banter is a bit awkward, as they try to impress each other with literary quotes and pithy witticisms.

Josie then makes a proposal Hal simply can't refuse. She invites him to move in with her at the sumptuous villa where she's staying. They jokingly refer to the arrangement as a weeklong "writers retreat". It's at this point we discover she's in a relationship-her boyfriend is out of town and she's in a quandary. He wants to get married while she's not ready to make a commitment. Much like Hal's insecurity in making a commitment to being a professional writer. It's their common search for creating art that propels their friendship forward.

The film follows the couple as they become more comfortable with each other. Their days are filled with them working on their respective crafts, while taking time out to explore the beautiful town and its sumptuous surroundings. I especially like the scene where Josie takes Hal to the little village where Michael Corleone's wedding took place in The Godfather. Hal responds by doing an absolutely horrible impression of Marlon Brando.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the hauntingly beautiful soundtrack. It was written and performed by Ms. Von Kampen. If you enjoy it as much as I did, be sure to look for more of her songs on YouTube-there are a ton of her music videos on there!

I watched this movie on a flight and the story was so sweet, it made me feel all warm and fuzzy. Definitely heartwarming. The lead actors are so endearing and carry this sweet tale beautifully. The characters they play are as intriguing as the amazing setting, the writing just as wonderful as the pasta looks, and you can tell the director put his heart and soul into this cinematic piece of art.

I am craving a big dish of pasta -- with a side of an intriguing/inspiring conversation with a fellow artist -- right now, as I reflect on this beautiful film. If you're looking to have a nice, relaxing, romantic movie night, I recommend this "A Chance Encounter"; I also recommend cooking some pasta, snuggling with your loved one, and being ready for your heart to flutter with joy from start to finish.

While on a late night flight home after visiting family, I scrolled through Delta's inflight film options really expecting to fall asleep halfway through whatever I picked. Having seen most of their offerings, I came upon this film with a short cast of names unknown to me and a budget of just $250,000 (yes I check IMDB before making a selection). I started to pass on it but then decided "why not?" The simple cast was perfect. They sparkled from the start: two artists (one a musician and the other a writer) seeking inspiration in a little town in Sicily where Michael Corleone got married.

The music is both meaningful and beautiful (think Joni Mitchell although Josie (von Kampen) suggests Dylan. The story is very believable, and told very simply. There are no chases, no shootouts, no spies, no superheroes, no magical special effects. There is just a simple story of life, love, and taking chances. Hopefully this can remind movie-makers that more is not necessarily better. Watch it, you'll be glad you did. And then go checkout all von Kampen's music.

Andrea von Kampen's songs & performances create the soul of this film, and she and her co-lead Paul Peterson deftly let the story breathe and blossom. Ironically, my initial reaction was how it was unfortunate that the lead actress's singing had to be dubbed in. It took a minute to realize von Kampen is the real deal - singing, playing, and writing her own stuff - not at all a stand-in.

Gorgeous Italian backdrops frame the actors and color their conversations as they playfully tease their way towards a relationship. The poetry of the screenplay is lovely. I'd prefer an engaging little story like this one, bathed in music, scenery, and smart dialogue, to 1000 CGI blockbusters.