Soundman (1998) User Reviews

Not sure...

[eskimosound · 6/10 · 16 October 2020]

Well, what to say about this movie...this isn't how you would react in that situation...that's about my only criticism..he just goes way too crazy...the movie itself isn't half bad although it had a bit of a B quality to it that it manages to shake off until the rushed crazy ending which sort of ruins it...so I'm glad I watched it, it would do well as a remake with a different less crazy ending..

Too Long

[maggotbrain70 · 4/10 · 10 July 2002]

Watching this film was like sitting through the longest student film in history. William Forsythe was great, as always, but the film as a whole seemed like constant transitions and no story. I realize it is a character piece, but fewer shots of L.A. traffic and Juliet sitting around by herself would probably help the film along a little bit. I can't resist mentioning that the title character is such a jerk to all those around him that no wonder he gets treated like garbage in return.

Wow

[leezameyer · 9/10 · 15 August 2001]

My testosterone driven boyfriend just rented this film at Hollywood Video. I expected it to be a shoot-em-up bang bang thriller, but got a deep and emotional storyline instead. The actors were so realistic that I felt like I knew them all in somebody. Nick Stahl, who we just recently saw in "Bully" was adorable. The music was very nice and I really liked the dichotomy of the slow motion pictures and fast speed pictures. Very cool flick!

One of the best indie films I've seen in a long time.

[jimmmi1967 · 9/10 · 22 April 2001]

I saw this film at Slamdance and am not sure what happened to it. It was an amazing work for a first time director (Steven Widi Ho) and featured and Oscar worthy performance by Wayne Pere (The Soundman). It has been a long while since I've seen a different voice in filmmaking. I hope to see more work from Ho and Pere.

Very original, cool dark comedy about a Hollywood soundman

[jbiggs65 · 10/10 · 8 March 1999]

This is a well done indie film with a strong story and even stronger performances. It is a dark comedy that shows one side of Hollywood life through the eyes of a soundman. He is constantly misunderstood and eventually goes crazy while trying to help a friend get "connected" into the music biz. This leads him through a series of confrontations with his director, producer, a grip, and various outsiders. Think Travis Bickle in Taxi Driver as a soundman! A must see for art/indie film buffs!

Hip, Original Indie Film

[maribeth · 9/10 · 8 June 2001]

Saw as part of the Hollywood Video First Rites films, introducing first time filmmakers. A very impressive first film by Steven Widi. The Soundman had a very European/Japanese feel to the character and pacing. The actors were amazing, especially Wayne Pere as the title character of The Soundman. Mr. Pere delivers a performance as worthy as any Oscar winner that I have seen.

Solid Work

[npenn · 9/10 · 12 June 2001]

This was a solid film. Other than Blowout, can't remember very many other films dealing with a sound recordist. Very original look and strong character study on this type of person. I'm sure many of us out there have worked with guys like "Igyby".

What's the sequal?

[willow8 · 8/10 · 30 July 2002]

An American film that doesn't feel like an American film. Even having just an elementary knowledge in film-making (college projects), I thoroughly enjoyed and related to what was happening here. A very bold study of an unstable man. A delicate line of humor that bordered on darkness. Looking forward to the sequal; "The Caterer" lol. The possibilities are endless.

A very gripping film.

[johnruffalo · 10/10 · 7 June 2001]

This movie completely pulled me in. It started off as a dark comedy, but turned very quickly into a gripping drama. I expected to see a typical indie film, but was pleasantly surprised with the quality of directing and acting. I consider this an exceptional film. Also a very strong and eclectic soundtrack. Who knew that Slash (from Guns and Roses) had a sensitive side to him?

Why Hasn't Steven Ho Been Given Anoher Chance to Direct?

[azjimnson · 8/10 · 17 January 2010]

I suppose it's a cliché to say the powers that be in Hollywood can't recognize talent, but Steven Ho does such a of great job of directing "Soundman," that it's amazing to me that he hasn't had another opportunity to display that skill again since 1998. When I went to Steven Ho's credits, I really expected to see at least some TV directing credits. As few and far between as good TV programs are, in the past many now famous directors learned their craft by directing TV episodes, or TV movies.

I don't want to stretch the comparison too far, but compare what happened to Richard Kelly after his strong directing debut, "Donnie Darko," to the nada that's happened to Steven Ho after an equally strong debut. I understand that Kelly had more powerful supporters in the Hollywood establishment, Drew Barrymore in particular. Still it is a measure of their respect for Ho that such fine indie film actors as Trejo, Studi, Forsythe, and Stahl signed on for "Soundman."

I'm glad that Steven Ho can earn a living as a stunt performer and sometimes as an actor, but it just seems so unfair that eleven years have passed now since his one and only small masterpiece.

While I originally saw "Soundman," on a Vanguard DVD, I recently found a used, much more deluxe version of it on first rites/Asylum. It is letter boxed, and contains commentaries by Ho and some of the actors, and even a "making of" documentary. Worth tracking down if you like this film as much as I do. Maybe going to Asylum's Website

www.theasylum.cc

might a least allow you to find out if this deluxe version is still available--it's not listed on Amazon.