The Empty Building (2004)

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Director:

Giovanni Sanseviero

Writer:

Giovanni Sanseviero

Stars:

Giovanni Sanseviero, Michael Maldonado, Tony Ryan

15 wins.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Giovanni Sanseviero	...	Benny as Adult
Michael Maldonado	...	Benny at 14
Tony Ryan	...	Frank
Ricardo Valdez	...	Benny @ Twenty (as Ricky Valdes)
Rebecca Burr	...	Mother
Molly Molino	...	Older Daughter
Rebecca Molino	...	Younger daughter
Jeanine Maldonado	...	Benny's Mom
Joe Maldonado	...	Benny's Dad
Tom Fahey	...	Green Beret
Jeff Grow	...	Card Dealer
Victor L. Mancini	...	Mr. Andy
Kimberly Rehfuss	...	Frank's wife
Brandon Michael Arrington	...	Adult Dancer
Gene Biscontini	...	Child Dancer

Storyline

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Taglines:

Random People, One Building... Random Pasts, One Need.

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Genres:

Drama | Short

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Did You Know?

Trivia

A major snowstorm hit NYC two days before the exterior forest scenes were to begin.

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Crazy Credits

The Director extends his deepest gratitude to Steven Newman of Columbus Circle Cab Company, NYC, for allowing two weeks use of an empty building and tolerating the two years that followed. Thank you.

User Reviews

Remarkable Debut

Giovanni Sanseviero has created a truly unique film that uses theatrical devices and a limited amount of dialogue to tell a complex, non-linear story in which the building of the title allows visitors to face buried traumatic experiences. Few first films possess the insight, depth, visual artistry or genuine compassion evident in The Empty Building. The story does not unfold in a straightforward manner, for neither does anyone's personal healing process. Flashback settings are artificially constructed within the building, suggesting the architectural aspect of recalling past incidents.

Sanseviero is not afraid to take his time as a storyteller and avoids obvious methods of exposition. As an actor, Sanseviero honestly portrays Benny's emotional struggle without resorting to any obvious theatrics. His performance matches the subtlety and depth of the film surrounding it. Yet Sanseviero is not out to impress. He has a story to tell and engages the viewer with this need.

Details

Official Sites:

Offical site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

19 February 2004 (USA)

Also Known As:

Empty Building Short Stories

Filming Locations:

243 West 60th Street, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$170,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

The Empty Building Production Corp.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

24 min (director's cut)

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1