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9 out of 13 people found the following comment useful :-
Everyone Should See This Film!, 3 May 2007
10/10
Author: horrortrucker from United States

People need to see this film! Sympathy's unlike any film I've ever seen. It's horrific, but it's not a horror film. It's filled with twists & turns, but it's not just a thriller. It feels like a Hitchcock movie, but it's not dated. It just feels alive. It pulls you in and never lets you leave, literally. The film all takes place inside a dingy motel room, one of the few I've ever seen in movies that actually looks and feels like a real dingy motel room, the kind we've all stayed in. I don't know where they shot it, I saw the outside for a split second at the beginning of the film but never again. The sense of claustrophobia I felt for the hour and a half is unbelievable. By the end I was glued to my seat for what I think is the best final act I've ever seen in an independent film -- but I couldn't wait to leave. I saw a matinée of the film in the middle of the afternoon, but when it ended I had no clue what time it was. I stumbled out of the theater I had to rub my eyes and b-line for the door, where a smoggy LA day never felt so refreshing. It was truly an experience. Unexpected for a movie I'd never heard of by a filmmaker & actors I've never heard of. But fear not, they all turn in a really stunning performance in my eye. The acting is as solid as I've seen in a long time, some really grounded character work. The director thank god never fell into that music video style almost every horror film has now that I hate. Instead there were some things I'd never seen before. The whole thing is just honest. I looked up the film's website and it finally makes sense. It's a group of kids that shot the movie in some barn in Indiana and worked on it for three years. That passion spills onto the screen. I highly recommend anyone who loves horror films, independent films, or just great films see this one. I think it's only playing in this theater in LA (Wilshire Fine Art, had never been but cool old school theater). It's been a long time since something like this hit the screen, I hope Hollywood either let's them expand this to a wider audience or make another one, but the same way they made this one. An incredible film!

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4 out of 5 people found the following comment useful :-
A Very Special Night At The Movies!, 4 July 2007
10/10
Author: buckeye_fan_525 from United States

I recently attended a very special night at the movies. In Yellow Springs, Ohio the director of this film returned to his hometown to present it to one of the more enthusiastic crowds I've ever been a part of at a movie theater. Some were there to support the filmmaker, others had heard about it through the local press the film and its director had received, and it seemed some just stumbled off the street, caught by the image of this girl on the poster. Regardless of how we all got there, much like the characters in SYMPATHY, I don't think any of us had any clue what we were getting ourselves into! This film is... Wow! I don't know how else to describe it. Taking place all in one room the premise sounded a little arduous to sit through, but the movie never leaves you bored in any capacity. In fact, I still have claw marks on my arm where my wife gripped me most of the night. While I don't consider myself a critic or anything more than your typical and occasional movie goer, I do think this film was masterfully directed by its young director. After the film he spoke with such insight, enthusiasm, and charm it seems no mystery that it would end up like this, but based on what he said it wasn't an easy battle to get there by any means. That being said, I applaud all the artists behind this film for whatever they went through was worth every minute. They've created a film that I'll never forget. The cast was especially incredible for what the director described as 'first-timers.' The bankrobber added the needed levity to the film, the girl was unbelievable as images of her covered in blood will not soon leave me, but the standout performance for me was the escaped convict, Dennis. I hope to never run into this guy in a dark alley as his psychotic nature and portrayal of a true psychopath was the most convincing I've seen since Hannibal lector. Also to mention his finale, which I won't give away, was so riveting I think it deserves whatever awards they give out for such an act. My wife said she couldn't take her eyes off the screen, but she had to look away, that seems like a good combination for this genre. All and all I sincerely hope this film makes it to theaters across the country so they can experience what we did that night - a night at the movies we weren't expecting, and we'll never forget. The director had mentioned in one news article that he used to attend this theater because they played the types of alternative films that transported him to a different time and place and made him realize what a movie was capable of doing. Kudos Mr. Moorman, you've now done that thing you once admired to us. Amazing work everyone, can't wait for the next one!

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7 out of 12 people found the following comment useful :-
An astounding first effort from a young filmmaker with a future, 12 May 2007
9/10
Author: Greg Suarez from United States

I just finished watching a screener DVD of Sympathy and I was left floored. I grew up a couple of houses down from director Andrew Moorman, so I was anxious to see what a kid from my hometown could do if he were given a chance to break away from a small berg in Ohio.

Wow. Just... wow. This is a chilling and often disturbing character study that could have easily been nothing more than a bad student film. But thanks to Moorman's eye for excellent photography and ability to direct his actors, Arik Martin's riveting script and the cast's brutal, naked honesty in their portrayals, this film stands among the best first efforts from any director. If you liked Reservoir Dogs, you'll love Sympathy.

Sympathy is Hitchcock's Rope for the 21st century. The entire movie is shot in one hotel room and has only three actors. The story grows deliciously claustrophobic as the trio continues to chew and gnaw at each other's psyches, culminating into some "Holy sh*t!" moments later in the film. Again, the story is sharp, witty and holds the audience's attention. But what impressed me the most was Moorman's use of a seemingly endless amount of shots that kept the claustrophobic setting alive. Where Hitchcock used protracted, contemplative photography in Rope, Moorman edited his film so that it was a rusty shiv constantly swiping at the audience until the end when it severs the Jugular.

The only complaint that I can register for Sympathy is a matter of logic that comes up late in the film. I cannot go into more detail without spoiling the ending. However, the rest of the film is so solid that I am willing to overlook it.

Watch out for Andrew Moorman because if Sympathy is any indication, he is ready to take on Hollywood. Do yourself a favor and go out of your way to see this film. Because when Moorman is making successful, critically acclaimed films in the coming years, you can brag to your friends that you were a fan of Moorman's before he was famous.

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1 out of 3 people found the following comment useful :-
Smart indie film, 14 May 2008
8/10
Author: emorgret from United States

I discovered this movie while building the schedule for my new film festival. Now called Maelstrom Festival of Horror and the Fantastic.

It was so well received at the screening that I am bringing it back for Crypticon Seattle. It will play at 11:00pm Friday night the 23rd of May.

This is a film worth checking out. If you spend any time looking at small indie films you will appreciate "Sympathy". Powerful and compelling find it and watch it.

People stuck in a room after a heist. What are they doing in the hotel room and who is really calling the shots?

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2 out of 5 people found the following comment useful :-
The greatest thriller of this decade!, 15 July 2007
10/10
Author: danielromanrojas (danielromanrojas@yahoo.com) from United States

First of all I just want to say that this movie is phenomenal. This is one probably the greatest suspense film I have ever seen in my 19 years of life. The direction of the film is amazing and the plot has no holes in it. The acting is wonderful and believable. Made for only $6,500, this movie is genius. The director clearly allows you to get to know the characters throughout the film and actually feel for them as well. The movie doesn't drag at all what-so-ever. It's suspenseful all the way to it's climatic ending, which is one of the greatest endings I have ever seen in a movie. This should definitely get picked up by a Hollywood studio. Instead of releasing crappy movies like "Captivity," they should release this film.

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2 out of 6 people found the following comment useful :-
Sympathy! This beautiful masterpiece needs to see the silver screen!, 28 August 2007
10/10
Author: rokphotoz from United States

At the Horror Hound Weekend convention this past July I was hearing chatter about a movie called Sympathy. Being a photographer myself, the first thing that attracted me to the movie was the poster. Excellent artwork! Just the poster itself has drama! Being that said, I had to see what all the chatter was about. Since I work for Horror Hound, I was very busy during the con shooting pics for the magazine. I became so busy that my editor ran up to me and asked if I was going to catch the ending of Sympathy. UGH! HOW COULD I FORGET ABOUT IT! So I went in the screening room and caught the last 15 minutes of the film. The last 15 minutes was AWESOME to say the least! I was hoping when I do get the chance to watch the full feature that the last 15 minutes wasn't the best the film had to offer. I was hoping the film would live up to the chatter and the poster art I loved...lol! A big thanks to director Andrew Moorman for not only sending me a copy of Sympathy but taking the time to have the cast & crew sign it for me. After watching the last 15 minutes of the film I had to have the cast & crew sign it. I had a strong feeling this was a masterpiece. I invited 5 of my friends over to watch the film with me. After the film was over everyone including me were speechless! This was an independent film? Could've fooled me! Sympathy had the sound, video, actors and editing of a blockbuster hit! I went and seen 'Vacancy' which I thought was a pretty good film and did take place in a hotel & outside the hotel room. Now 'Vacancy' made it to the big screen and Sympathy hasn't?! Come on you big time film companies, you fools are bypassing a truly great film! These actors, director, producers and all that worked on the film has a huge film career in their future as soon as the right people give Sympathy a look at. Everyone involved in this film will be walking the red carpet. This film deserves the silver screen! So for anyone out there that has a chance to see this movie, DO IT!. Anyone that has a chance to meet the cast & crew of Sympathy, better get their sigs! They're definitely just around the corner from being viewed on the silver screen worldwide! I can't wait to see what Andrew has up his sleeve for the future. Marina Shtelen, Steven Pritchard & Aaron Boucher, don't take anything less for your next film than what Sympathy is. You three are excellent actors in my eyes and deserve nothing less. My very BEST wishes to all of you and can't wait to see you on the big screen!!! Al Horror Hound

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2 out of 7 people found the following comment useful :-
Great Storytelling, 9 July 2007
10/10
Author: lajr from United States

Wow, I saw Sympathy in Indy at the Horror Hound weekend. It's one of the best movies I've seen in a long time. Arik Martin's sterling screenplay is a powerful example of how writing is always the bedrock for any movies success. I consider myself somewhat of an expert at guessing the plot lines and figuring out the endings long before the movie is half over. Not this time though, Arik Martin's skill at storytelling was always two steps ahead and kept me at the edge of my seat. Just as I thought I had Sympathy figured it made a sharp turn and then made another and another until I was just left agog. For the first time in a long time I gave up thinking about the direction and the destination and just let this magnificent movie overwhelm my sense's. The three actors were fantastic and so believable that I felt I was in the room with them. The director did a great job with the actors and the action. They all get high fives for interpreting the screenplay and giving us such a fantastic movie. A big congrats to all.

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7 out of 19 people found the following comment useful :-
Outstanding film from new director, 13 May 2007
10/10
Author: pat-231

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!

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