American Seagull

What an interesting version of a Chekov story. I never thought that putting the story line in modern day Malibu would work. But it did. The film was a beautiful view of lust and betrayal of love inside a typical wealthy Malibu family. The music was extremely well timed and the piano and jazz was refreshing to here and effective in its use. The overall cast was great but rather unfamiliar to me. I don't think I've seen any of the actors before. The lead actress, was a sexy and minx like cat of a woman. Very sexy while showing the weakness of an unhappy life. The actress who played Nina had an academy award worthy performance and will be heard of in films to come. The overall screenplay was good but a little hard to believe or follow at times but the music and acting keep me riveted to my seat. it was a sleeper which I didn't see coming. I recommend this film only to viewers that truly appreciate a well made drama and are not obsessed with high action films. Totally for the fine arts section of the theater complexes. A must see.

A good friend of mine from South Africa told me about this great little flick he hear via the grapevine that I would love. So I went to Independent Theater in Los Angeles on a quiet week night only to be surprised by this mend bending, brilliantly written spin off of the Chekov class "The Seagull." One would think that moving Chekov, a true guru of our time, to Malibu would be a stretch but director and writer Mike Guinzburg was spot on. Even better was the performance of lead actress and Russian sex pot, Lara Romanoff who played Nina, the subject of multiple cast members affections. You would fall in love with her to if you saw how minx like and sexy she played this extremely well written role. Strong acting support by Biff McGuire and a cast of little known but surely to be discovered actors, make this a sleeper for major awards worldwide. An erry and spooky yet hip sound track kept this movie at an exciting yet cool pace. After seeing this movie, I recommended it to everyone I know. It was a limited showing at the time it turns out. So, look for this film in your local theater or on line or on net flix etc. This movie is truly for people who love deep movies. I wish i knew where to she Lara Romanoff on scene again. A star to be.

As a huge fan of Chekhov, I try to see every adaptation that comes out. This is one of the better attempts at capturing the Russian masterpiece's subtext even after changing the setting to Hollywood. In a role known for being acting legend Uta Hagen's debut, newcomer Lara Romanoff embodies the ingénue Nina flawlessly. Ms. Romanoff also co-wrote and produced the film. Legendary cinematographer Don E. FauntLeRoy brings his usual lensing skills to this small independent film, giving it a depth and palette not usually found in films of this budget level. The rest of the cast (Will Poston, William Biff McGuire, Barbara Williams, Blake Lindsley, Stevie D. White, Jay Laisne, Time Winters, Sal Viscuso, Christopher Callen) do a fine job of portraying Hollywood as a sordid pit of depravity where art is the last thing on anyone's mind.

Great independent film. I went to she a time dated movie thinking it was an older story, just to see a modern version of a Chekov classic. It was an excellent drama. Beautiful sets. Great sound track.Very interesting twists. And great acting amongst a bunch of unheard of actors. Actress Lara Romanoff is hot stuff. Excellent actress. I would go see her in any future movie just to see her great sense of emotional acting style. Hip jazz and piano based sound track. Tight screen play. Money well spent. Grandfather role was especially good and well acted. I don't know much about Chekov but I am interested in comparing original story to this film. it was a mind trip.

Great movie. Full of intrigue. Great dramatic scenes. Outstanding acting in lead roles by Biff MCGuire and Lara Romanoff. She is new star coming out. Very classy and sexy lady. Smart screenplay. Great sound track. And a beautiful Malibu set. Soundtrack, director, and Lara Romanoff should run off with awards for there contribution to this first class drama. Designed for people who like brain storming movies. I would go out of my way to see this instant classic. Lara as Nina was a great lead actress. The actor who played the ex judge is memorable. Chekov would be proud of this adaption of his works.Best movie this Christmas season.