Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by tinear (A) on November 15, 2003 at 04:53:23

saw it yesterday---things take a long time to get here, sometimes.
Of course, the film creators were shamelessly playing on our emotions, i.e. Fin was bequeathed his place by a black man; a young black girl was a friend.
Second, we learn next to nothing about the guy: 3/4s of the film he says nothing. In essence, to that point, a mute dwarf movie. What there is of dialogue doesn't further the story, either. We NEVER get any idea of what Fin is, where he really came from, his family----nada. No dramatic moments when he defines his character (the bar scene, while refreshingly realistic, didn't exactly showcase great writing).
Third, when a character is shown to be obsessed with something, i.e. trains, it would behoove the director to have the skill or interest in showing the audience a bit of WHY the man is so taken.
Fourth, in having Fin "used" by the two women, who shamelessly come on to him but then leave him "hanging," and having him be so accepting of it, the director effectively emasculates him.
Fifth, showing actors repeatedly walking down train tracks is NOT a good substitute for dialogue.
On the plus side, the main actor did a fine job: one hopes more large roles are in the offing for him. The director and screenwriter? Slack up on the artsy stuff and remember: story is all!