Hey folks, here is the first review of a SXSW feature... SANITY. The report came in from TWIKI, and is pretty much accurate. How do I know? Well, I saw the film on video about 4 months ago, final sound wasn't on the print and it was a roughcut. And I liked it. The review from below is by a friend who has known the filmmaker for two days. And was quite taken by the film. I told him to write a review, get those thoughts out there. Personally, I can't wait to see this film with an audience. I believe it will play pretty damn good. I'll be introducing the filmmaker Geneva Fowler this coming Sunday at Midnight. I can say I'm quite proud of this little film, it causes me to laugh, and to smile. More than that, I hope this film gets her further down the road, because her second script (while only her second draft) is quite good, and deserves to be made. Anyway, here is the first review of South By SouthWest...
I was lucky enough to be present for a screening of “Sanity,” a film that opens this Sunday at the SXSW Film Festival. I compare finding a really good movie at a film festival with finding a needle in a haystack. With over 100 films being shown at last year’s SXSW, only 3 narratives and 4 documentaries received distribution. Of course distribution doesn’t mean it makes for a good film. To top it off the description for “Sanity,” from SXSW was far from enticing. However, I had some hope because Harry did tell me the movie would surprise me. However it occurred to me as I arrived at the screening that Harry might have meant “surprise,” in a bad way. Thus, as I got myself comfortable to see the film, I was expecting the worst.
What I saw, however, was one of those diamonds in the rough. “Sanity,” is a black comedy that provides some real funny scenes, and stays true to its genre. Geneva Fowler (writer, producer, and director) put together a good story about a woman (Roxanne, portrayed by Tonie Perensky) on the edge of sanity, Roxanne only needs a little push to cross the line, and she gets it. Roxanne is suicidal but unable to end her own life. While contemplating suicide two burglars break into her home. Roxanne is able to capture one of the thieves in hope that he will agree to kill her. To say things don’t turn out as easy as she would like is an understatement.
One of the more unexpected things about the film was the fact that this film does a great job of establishing believable characters. Fowler has woven together a simple story with complicated characters. When you think of all the past failures at telling a believable story about someone crossing the edge (like Shumacher’s “Falling Down”) this movie is a sigh of relief. It is good to know that there is at least one more quality writer/producer/director out there for some lucky studio to pick up.
The film itself is extremely well shot, and not at all what you expect from a low budget (under 100k) movie. The movie was shot on 35 mm, and is absolutely gorgeous. Screen shots are well thought out and in addition well edited. The musical sound track was unique and added a lot to the film. Austinites may recognize the music of the Asylum Street Spankers throughout the film. The original musical work added depth and did what it was supposed to do (set the mood) exceptionally well. In an another surprise for an amateur film, I only noticed one line in the whole movie that was out of synch. If there is any one area that “Sanity,” would need touch up work on (for distribution) it would be the sound. However the sound is much better than what you would find in most amateur films.
Most importantly this movie is funny. Like most funny movies, some bit part ends up stealing the show, and this movie is no different. In this case Fowler has two bit part actors stealing scenes. You won’t forget the look on the pizza boy’s face, or “Bob.” In addition to keeping you laughing, Fowler will also keep you guessing. When the movie seems to be moving one way it refreshingly changes direction all the way to the end.
All in all this is a better first movie than any SXSW offered last year. It is a crying shame that SXSW gave such a poor description of this film. In addition to the poor description, SXSW saw to it that “Sanity,” can only be seen at the Dobie, at Midnight on Sunday and Thursday, and “Sanity,” is not part of the SXSW competition. This is unfortunate because this is one of the few “sure things,” out there at SXSW for someone to pick up for distribution. It is a moneymaker waiting to get nabbed. Plus, I am not the only one who feels this way. I was able to catch up with “Stan,” (who said he performed some much needed miracle sound editing to the film, and one of the best sound editor/mixers in Texas) who also agreed that this movie kicks compared to most amateur films, and Stan sees a lot of movies.
In the end I am just glad Harry told me that this movie was worth checking out, because I would have hated to miss it. The movie isn’t perfect, but what amateur film is? If you are at SXSW this is a film you have to catch. If you’re not at SXSW I hope this movie gets distributed because it is a movie you should catch if you like black comedies. I look forward to seeing another movie from Fowler soon. Not only is it a truly great amateur film, this is what SXSW is all about. This movie is a true celebration of local talent. Plus as an added bonus it is just plain fun to hear the director’s friends cheer when the director is credited.
