The Gun takes Vladimir Alenikov's vision into the shadowy world of obsession, and no one underscores the price of obsession better than the talented Jack Forbes, as Victor. Fraught with good intentions and overwhelmed by the relentless pace of urban living, Victor clamors for a solution, only to find that his problems are just beginning. Jack Forbes' performance is so subtle, compelling and real, combined with the steady-cam no-cuts filming technique, we really feel like we're living out the 90 minutes with him. This should be a break-away film for Jack. Tim Colceri plays AJ, an energetic strip bar owner, and the chemistry between AJ and Victor is both entertaining and heart wrenching. Vladimir's direction of this foray into the minds of everyday people is seamless, inspired and innovative. Cinematographer Kirill Davidoff, through the steadicam of Chris George, is remarkable as it winds through the story in continuous no-cut shots of unprecedented lenght and complexity, all the while in perfect focus and lighting. Jeremiah Hasseman is interesting in the role of Gene, the unruly and unemployed transient, and as a newcomer holds his own in this production. Tamara Tara, as Anna, Victor's hapless wife, shows her range from disdain to distraught to desperate, finally landing in the sypathetic laps of the audience. Val Dillman is delightful as Christie, the alluring and endearing stripper who seduces Victor and tosses Gene out on his ear. And Robert Harrell III is convincing as Lamar, the street-person thief. The Gun is a ground-breaking film for all involved, and should be a winner.
Review of The Gun (from 6 to 7:30 p.m.)
