Sympathy (2007/I)

User Rating:

4.8/10   

Director:

Andrew Moorman

Writer:

Arik Martin (writer)

Genre:

Drama | Horror | Mystery | Thriller

Tagline:

Do you believe in fate, or is this destined to be...

Plot:

When a reckless bank robber and his rebellious teenage hostage hole up for the night in a bad motel...

Plot Keywords:

Motel | Independent Film | Based On Play

Cast

Marina Shtelen	...	Sara
Aaron Boucher	...	Dennis
Steven Pritchard	...	Trip

Runtime:

USA:105 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Filming Locations:

Furnessville, Indiana, USA

Company:

Furnessville Pictures

Trivia:

The filming was so secluded, intense, and laborious that the last 20 minutes were shot with only the director and three cast members present. When off-screen the cast operated the boom mic and assisted with the camera work.

Quotes:

Sara: It's ok to be fascinated by me, they always are.

Movie Connections:

References Full Metal Jacket (1987)

Outstanding film from new director

Andrew Moorman is a new name to motion picture directing, but it's a name you should remember. Andrew has created a film that Alfred Hitchcock himself would admire, a study in people over their heads in a situation way beyond their control, a situation that their inexperience in crime and life only worsens.

Moorman used a single motel room (and, a few times, its bathroom), but it's not anything you'd recognize in, say, the Courtyard by Marriott. This was one of those old, 1930s, row units that remain on U.S. routes, far away from interstate highways. This location gave the movie a threatening, uncomfortable feel that Moorman exploited to its fullest. Hitchcock's 'Psycho' obviously came to mind. Since 'Psycho', there's been nothing like a cheap motel to set everyone's nerves on edge.

Moorman's direction and editing were very impressive for a first-timer. His use of reaction shots and odd camera angles added significant tension to a story already loaded with shot nerves. He drew the best out of his three principals, especially the alluring Marina Shtelen, who truly knows how to use her face and eyes to get across significant emotion, although Shtelen used her dialog convincingly. She, too, is a name to watch.

The movie's sound was something special, particularly the storm brewing behind the viewer in the rear channels. You want to turn around to acknowledge the storm, but you're afraid that when you turn back around someone will have a knife pointing at your nose! This is a must-see movie that will be featured this coming July in Indianapolis. Drive, fly, walk if you must to see this film there, but just be careful if you stay in a cheap motel!