Sunset

I first heard about this project by reading an article about it in the news papers.I was very glad to hear about a group of young local filmmakers to my town, pretty much pulling a movie together, without the million dollar support of a major studio. I decided to attend the screening for it an I must say that I really enjoyed the experience and the visuals. The acting was also very touching and I really related to the main male character's (Ian)story. The guy who played Ian, along with all of the other actors brought to the table very natural, believable and quiet performances. Well done to the cast and the directing- I look forward to more of their work and hope that they continue to make North Carolina there base and create projects that beautifully reflect the place that call my home.

I just saw this movie at the Charlotte premier, and I thought it was great. The first thought I had while watching the film was that it reminded me of a Terrence Malick film. Every shot was beautiful, and the music complimented the scenes perfectly. The script was well written, and the editing was very well paced.

The acting was decent. The two leads (Jordon Alexander and Carrie Anne Hunt), while easy to look at, gave rather stiff performances. Some of their scenes felt a little too forced. The best acting of the film came from supporting roles. Both Ted Johnson (Grandpa) and Tristan Ramel Greye (Kenny) stole every scene they were in. Also, I don't know if it was because his acting great, or horrible, but I too wanted to punch Manny Torres (Manoj P) in the face.

I highly recommend this film if you are in the mood for an artistic drama.

I am inspired by several things with this movie. After looking at the director's profile, I discovered that he attended the North Carolina School of the Arts. I am very familiar with that school and the talent that comes from it and am inspired by how he and other filmmakers strive to make films on there own terms without waiting for Hollywood to beckon them.

I also notice a trend that this has with other films that come from the school, in the fact that they all seem very quiet, tone driven and visual. Some may call them arty, but I find them very moving and not pretentious.

Aspects of "Sunset," that moved me the most are the relationships between the characters; especially the one between Josie and her grandfather, who is struggling with Alzheimer's. I am very close to this subject and every scene in the movie that deals with it, reminded me of my own personal horrors with the issue. Yet even though it does hit very close to home for me, I like how the film chooses to handle the subject tenderly and in a delicate way, without over sentimentalizing it, hitting us over the head and/or doesn't exploit the illness for dramatic purposes. It is also this issue that helps me realize why the film has its title.

The score also touched me in this film and it did a great job at complimenting the "poetic" visuals. It's funny that the film deals with an artist and has so many nature shots in it; when Josie admits to liking Monet and impressionism, I immediately realized the point behind the many transition shots.

Very well, done from another member of what I believe is a new wave of great filmmakers (what do they feed those guys at that school?)

I saw this movie at its Charlotte, NC premiere at the Ballantyne Theater and it was great. I could relate to the male lead being a military brat and to the female lead needing help finding her inspiration again.

I did wish many of the supporting actors' stories could have been expanded. For instance, Kenny's story seemed interesting to explore as well as the origin of the tension between Josie and Manoj P. It feels like there are at least 4 other stories going on in the film which makes it intriguing and leaves room for other projects to spawn from this one.

The cinematography and the score were both well done and the actors did a wonderful job. All the leads said so much with their expressions and body language. This picture put me in the mind of the film "The New World". I felt this to be a strong coming of age film for the twenty-something. A glimpse into the impetus that kicks each of us into our destinies and influences us to walk on the path God has laid out for our lives.

Two thumbs up!! Denise