Change Your Image
rbigley
Reviews
Pester (2014)
True Independence
I've had the pleasure of seeing Eric Gerber's previous work before Pester. I began the Milwaukee Short Film Festival 20 years ago, and continue to still run it to this day. During that time Eric was just a film student in the area when he submitted his work, and even as a young student he had a clear vision of how he saw the world.
Watching his work grow over the years, to this his first feature has been a real pleasure. His art has grown immensely, the way he studies his subjects hasn't changed, but his insights into have.
Being his own DP on his first feature help reinforce that. The imagery as usual with Eric's work are not only beautifully photographed but gives its characters layers beyond what you are witnessing.
The dialogue is sparse, and that's perfect for this film because beyond the imagery, the acting is first rate. Much is said in just the the most subtle body language. A knowing look. The hunched over posture of contemplating something. A dismissive wave. This extraordinary cast of unknowns is headed up by Nick Sommer who plays Paul Pester, a son to a fading empire. The one who might be the most stable in this small three person family unit, that is until the film takes a closer look at him.
In today's market Pester is a hard sell, but it worth it if you give it a chance. It's a film that is quiet but at the same time packs a punch. A true Independent film in today's sea of fighting robots and pretentious self important films begging for an Oscar.
Seek it out.
Third Degree (2004)
Wow.
Wow, I'm speechless. There is a new Ed Wood.
Sorry if this is harsh but I've not seen this lack of understanding on the basics of film in a long time.
Heads are cut out of frame when they are talking, the camera pans to action but doesn't go far enough and we miss the actors, eye lines are crossed in most shots- its endless. Its like no one was looking through the camera lens.
Plus, there is no direction for actors, they go on and on and on, staging is nonexistent.
A film to avoid.
Pesticide (2010)
The artfulness of it. . .
With a brief running time of five minutes, Eric Gerber doesn't waist any time or give us any unnecessary fat in his storytelling approach. Which is a relief. As a film festival director I see hundreds of short films a year, and many of them have issues with length. A seven minute film could be better told in five minutes, or a twenty minute film in twelve minutes. This is a common problem. Filmmakers wanting to pad or stretch out material and feed their own need in giving you more.
I've also had the privilege of seeing Eric grow as a filmmaker, to see him fully understand the art of storytelling. What most first time filmmakers fail to understand is that the director holds all the cards. He can choose when to divulge the information he sees fit, to get the maximum impact.
Eric understands this and I think this is one of his best films. It was my favorite film at the Milwaukee Short Film Festival this past year. And I was not alone, Bai Ling who was there as my guest saw this film during the opening night event, and saw it again during the closing night Juried films. She came to me to contact the filmmaker so she could express to him how much she loved this film, and also expressed a desire to help champion this fine film.
Kudos to Eric Gerber. I'm sure he'll go far.