MARCH 29, 2006: I'm in the PR biz, and I can't wait to see how this production and "The Neverything" will sell cars, but it's a great ride. Currently, only the first 8 films are online. The greatest surprise for me is the VERY strong sexual and emotional chemistry portrayed between Marian (Carrie Preston) and Jackson (Austin Pendleton). I have always enjoyed Pendleton and admired him as an actor, but let's face it: he's rarely a romantic lead. I have never seen Preston in a lead and am puzzled as to why; she's mesmerizing. It's a tribute to great writing, great casting, and great acting that these two characters CLEARLY have a long, complicated history that hasn't yet been revealed to us. Their gentle "dance" -- approach, circle, retreat -- is elegant and excruciating (for them and for us) as they sit across the booth from each other pretending to talk about fiction. Will it sell Lincoln Zephyrs? That'll be interesting, too.
APRIL 20, 2006: Okay, the final part of the five-week project was released a week or two ago. It's important for reviewers to remember that what we've seen is just part of what will be a feature film in the fall. As a public relations director I'm aware of all kinds of really amazing, groundbreaking things that writer/director Kirt Gunn has done here, but this is not the place to discuss them. The meaningful questions are: Was the project entertaining? Did the story and characters intrigue us? Does it hold together on its own and not just as a "teaser" for the future film? My votes are yes, yes, and yes, in that order. I have watched the 13 short filmlets over and over -- sound on, sound off, earphones on -- and each time been rewarded with some added richness. Austin Pendleton with Carrie Preston? Believe it or not, it works brilliantly. Their chemistry is funny, messy, painful, and maybe mysterious but impossible to miss. Kate Burton is a comic genius and had me rolling on the floor. There are dozens of fleeting visual and auditory hints and puzzles in the production, and while I believe I may have a clue to what seems to be a horrible secret as yet unrevealed, the director did not yank my chain as he kept the secret for now. This is art.
APRIL 20, 2006: Okay, the final part of the five-week project was released a week or two ago. It's important for reviewers to remember that what we've seen is just part of what will be a feature film in the fall. As a public relations director I'm aware of all kinds of really amazing, groundbreaking things that writer/director Kirt Gunn has done here, but this is not the place to discuss them. The meaningful questions are: Was the project entertaining? Did the story and characters intrigue us? Does it hold together on its own and not just as a "teaser" for the future film? My votes are yes, yes, and yes, in that order. I have watched the 13 short filmlets over and over -- sound on, sound off, earphones on -- and each time been rewarded with some added richness. Austin Pendleton with Carrie Preston? Believe it or not, it works brilliantly. Their chemistry is funny, messy, painful, and maybe mysterious but impossible to miss. Kate Burton is a comic genius and had me rolling on the floor. There are dozens of fleeting visual and auditory hints and puzzles in the production, and while I believe I may have a clue to what seems to be a horrible secret as yet unrevealed, the director did not yank my chain as he kept the secret for now. This is art.