Bye Bye Blackbird

I just got after seeing this film at the European Film Festival in Vancouver, and I have to say, I was very disappointed with this film. I had no idea what it was about going in, and it was such a waste of a night. Sure, it was beautiful to look at, but it was pointless. Little nuggets of info are dropped, only to never be touched on again. The tone was all over the place, and I was bored stiff. At some points, I thought that the filmmakers were going for a sense of dread, only to have nothing come of it. And the big plot point in the film is absolutely retarded, as it's basically thrown out the window at the end, by the sudden appearance of a character. All in all, DO NOT waste your money.

You had to feel this movie. It would also help if your were a romantic.

I just saw Bye Bye Blackbird at the EU Film Festival in Chiang Mai last night. My wife chose to see this film because of its positively-looking synopsis. Well, just the title is the tale-tell sign that what the brochure says is not quite true. This is a very dark film about tragedies at a circus, set during the time when such entertainment is on the brink of extinction.

Excellently filmed. Beautiful surreal shots. Very moving. You have to be cruel not to shed tears watching it.

Superb performances by all brilliant actors and actresses. Although this film is made in Luxemburg, more than 90% of the time the characters do speak European English.

Just saw this at a special screening in LA at the American Cinematheque. I normally like most French films, even ones that aren't great. This, however, isn't a French film for about 98% of its running time (the leading man is French, but the entire film save for one scene, is in English - and bad English at that). I couldn't wait to come here to the IMDb because I just knew I'd find some raves - as I was watching this dreadful film I thought no one in their right mind could rave about this - but I always underestimate the people who "review" or stick up their thoughts for the world to read.

This film wants so badly to be poetic - pathetic, maybe, poetic, never. The dialogue is wretched, the plot is non-existent, as are the characters. Poor Derek Jacobi eats every piece of scenery in view. The director is a young person, and he's so in love with his little film-school homages and art, but like most youngsters who get to make films these days, he had no clue as to how to tell a story or make an audience give a flying Wallenda about anything they are seeing.

I don't know what film the "ravers" saw, but it sure wasn't this one. Different strokes for different folks? I guess there IS a sucker born every minute.

Dark, compelling, "Bye Bye Blackbird" tells the story of a circus family and the tragedies that impact their lives. You leave the film wondering what was real and what was a dream. The photography was beautiful and surreal. I cared about these characters and when people make decisions for others. The outcomes can be overwhelming and sad.

As a huge Jodhi May fan, her performance was fantastic and the rest of the cast was remarkable. She looks very different and she continues to prove herself as a character actress.

I saw it at a film festival in CA and the director appeared to answer questions about the production.

If you get a chance to see it, I highly recommend this movie.