The Unseen

I was one of the few lucky ones who was able to attend the NYC screening in February 2006. I was first made aware of this film by seeing a "preview" of it that was included in a DVD box set I had purchased. I was immediately intrigued, but very curious if I would ever actually be able to see it. This movie was enjoyable and exciting mostly the whole way through. Well written, and extremely well acted. Some people can recognize 3 of the stars from TV: Gale Harold ("Queer As Folk"), Steve Harris (various appearances, including "The Practice" & "Law & Order"), and Phillip Bloch (who is most recognized for various appearances on the E! Channel). Each character is totally different from each other, and plays just as a dynamic role. Gale Harold's character is totally disturbed and enraged with fear, not anger, as that is what Harold (Yes, that's Gale Harold's character's first name!) wants to believe about himself. He was fantastic in this role. You felt the fear of Harold when he was on screen. You could see the fear of the other characters when Harold was present. Steve Harris' character of Roy also came off with a very strong presence. You felt such sympathy for him, but also a sense of inner strength. Harris' facial expressions coincided perfectly to what the viewer was to understand was going on with him. Much of the film was centered around the life, ideas and management of Phillip Bloch's character Sammy. You wanted to feel sorry for him, and you did even, but at the same time, Sammy was a joyous character and could evoke smiles and chuckles of laugher from the audience from time to time. His childlike wit was appealing, and at the same time, the fact that he had childlike wit was part of why you felt for him. Being Bloch's first full length feature role, he did it exceptionally well. The story of the movie, being based around sadly stereotypical old-fashioned race issues in the South, is something that gets portrayed in films very frequently. However, the catch is to make is come across interesting, gripping, and most importantly-different. This film does achieve that. Does it well, actually. There's a different synopsis than most might expect. This easily keeps the viewer's interest. The reason I voted 8 stars and not 9 or 10 is only based on the one thing that stood out to me in the film as too "over the top", and that was the Southern accents used/attempted by a few of the non-leading characters in the film. We know you're Southern, we know you're "gritty" and slightly dirty. The example that lays most prominent in my mind is Michelle Clunie's portrayal of Kathleen. It was easily viewable that in reality, Clunie has not an ounce of southern accent in her. Her tone, combined with her mannerisms, and even her hair and wardrobe made her character more annoying than she really should have been. All in all though, an excellent film. Definitely glad I was able to see it! I'll keep my fingers crossed for the DVD!

It seems that too many people have given The Unseen mediocre reviews, but I see it very differently. I recently saw The Unseen at the Chicago Film Festival, and I was very touched by the film. The relationships between the characters can be very subtle, but incredibly moving. Gale Harold and Steve Harris do a particularly good job, and the rest of the cast is brilliant. Although the beginning may have a bit of a slow start for some, it's all worth it in the emotional, beautiful ending. It's not often that a film can make me bawl, and The Unseen did just that. France has done a wonderful job, and I'd recommend this story to anyone who loves great independent work.

Took a long time to stop rolling this one around in my mind after it was over. I have distant family from that part of the country, these characters, their fears and issues, ring so very true. Phillip Bloch's "Sammy", his questions, sweetness and wisdom; conveyed in a brilliant 'Rainman' quality of acting; provide a focal point from which the other characters radiate forth ...Bravo! Gale Harold's "Harold", such a tortured soul yet Kathleen can love him and his efforts to please her are touching in their simplicity. This actor once mentioned that maybe hearts and minds can be changed through the dramatic arts, I think he is spot on with this heart wrenching effort.

OK up front I will say I went to see this film because Gale Harold was in it. But very quickly I realized I was watching an utterly moving film that was going to have a lot to say! Lisa France did a great job in writing this and knowing she would be opening up a couple cans of worms with the issues! There is a basic background one is given about an incident that happened to two boys and how each one reacts differently in their lives to cope with this event. Steve Harris and Gale Harold played their parts perfectly. Steve Harris (Roy) is brought back to the town he grew up in only to be ignored and verbally abused by Gale's character (Harold). You're watching this and thinking, there are no redeeming qualities about "Harold" and it's painful to watch. ...but you find after awhile, in spite of yourself, you do kind of like him, he is doing the best he can with the crappy life he has been dealt. For that I give merit to Gale's acting ability! It must have been tough job to pull this one off! It's a touching, sometimes disturbing and yet also funny film. Well worth seeing if you get the chance! Just be prepared to have a couple emotional reactions when the lights come back up in the theater.

I saw both showings recently at the Denver International Film Festival. I only became aware of this film by being a fan of Queer As Folk and following the actors on that show, in this case Gale Harold and Michelle Clunie. There was a preview for this film on the Queer As Folk Season 4 DVD Extras.

Although the movie definitely has that low-budget look and feel to it, the story itself is a good blend of drama, angst, and comedy with a satisfying ending. I was particularly glad we were privy to the big mystery of the film by the end or else I would have felt cheated. The lead actors, Steve Harris ("Roy"), Gale Harold ("Harold"), and Phillip Bloch ("Sammy") are strong and engaging.

It was a great experience to be able to speak with the filmmakers (in attendance were Lisa France, Writer/Director and Phillip Bloch, "Sammy") after watching the film to hear their experience making this captivating film that is clearly near and dear to their hearts. I hope the film is picked up for distribution and shown to a wider audience. The Unseen definitely deserves to be seen! Good luck to all involved.