Eve of Understanding is the first feature effort from a new production company called Open Plan Films. It was made for next to nothing, and is a true labor of love from all involved.
The story is simple and personal; upon the death of her mother, a troubled young woman, Donna, undertakes a cross country journey of discovery as she fulfills her mother's dying wish to deliver sealed messages and unusual artifacts to a list of family and friends.
A kind of reverse scavenger hunt, the journey slowly reveals long-hidden truths, and offers Donna an opportunity to remake her life and find personal peace.
The film reaches into the depths of family myths, and how they obscure the truth and stifle personal growth. Through the eyes of Donna, wonderfully realized by Rebecca Lowman, the viewer is placed directly in her shoes - laughing, weeping and wincing as she reaches for the key to release her from her pain.
The script is simple, direct and heartfelt. The direction is subtle, allowing Lowman to use her impressive skills to bring the words to life. The cinematography, from DP Liz Santoro, is glorious at capturing the sameness of small town suburbia, road trip claustrophobia, and the sweeping vistas of the southwest. The cast of supporting actors, many recruited at the location cities, do an admirable job of bringing Donna's family to life in all its joy and angst.
I loved the journey I was taken on during this film. Director/Writer Alyson Shelton is clearly on the first step of a wonderful film career. Actress Rebecca Lowman, while not a household name today, stands shoulder to shoulder with the fine actresses of her age. Open Plan Films, with Shelton and producing partner Jen Prince, is a company that I look to for more heart-felt, simple and lovely work in the future.
The story is simple and personal; upon the death of her mother, a troubled young woman, Donna, undertakes a cross country journey of discovery as she fulfills her mother's dying wish to deliver sealed messages and unusual artifacts to a list of family and friends.
A kind of reverse scavenger hunt, the journey slowly reveals long-hidden truths, and offers Donna an opportunity to remake her life and find personal peace.
The film reaches into the depths of family myths, and how they obscure the truth and stifle personal growth. Through the eyes of Donna, wonderfully realized by Rebecca Lowman, the viewer is placed directly in her shoes - laughing, weeping and wincing as she reaches for the key to release her from her pain.
The script is simple, direct and heartfelt. The direction is subtle, allowing Lowman to use her impressive skills to bring the words to life. The cinematography, from DP Liz Santoro, is glorious at capturing the sameness of small town suburbia, road trip claustrophobia, and the sweeping vistas of the southwest. The cast of supporting actors, many recruited at the location cities, do an admirable job of bringing Donna's family to life in all its joy and angst.
I loved the journey I was taken on during this film. Director/Writer Alyson Shelton is clearly on the first step of a wonderful film career. Actress Rebecca Lowman, while not a household name today, stands shoulder to shoulder with the fine actresses of her age. Open Plan Films, with Shelton and producing partner Jen Prince, is a company that I look to for more heart-felt, simple and lovely work in the future.
