North of Providence

A well written script meets strong actors and the result is a riveting film about a difficult relationship between siblings at a crucial moment in their lives. Judy DelGiudice plays the sister who invades her brother's room to urge him to visit their ill father before it's too late. Mark Hartmann plays the slovenly brother who has given up on pretty much everything in his life and their ensuing argument takes them to a place that is surprising to both them and to the audience. The actors, with their very realistic portrayals, take us on an emotional (but unsentimental) journey that we can't soon forget. It makes you want to rush to a phone and clear up any unresolved issues you might have with family members.

I've seen many indie films in my day, let's face it, we all have. Rarely am i moved enough to actually publicize my opinion. "North of Providence" is one of those films that remind you why we see movies and why we love them. The 2 character piece beautifully exhibits the talent of both actors, though to be honest, I was blown out of my seat by the work of Judy DelGiudice. The honesty and raw emotion exhibited on screen is a true treat and it is a testament and prop to Mark Belasco who holds his own and gives as good as he gets. The story itself lends itself to brutal emotion, as we travel through family history with this pair, and live the heart break and love that is their relationship. By the close of the film. we (the audience) have been on an emotional roller-coaster that we are both relieved to complete, and a bit saddened that the ride has come to a complete stop.

Mark Hartmann turns in a powerful acting performance in his struggle with his character's demons. North of Providence is also well crafted screen adaptation of this previous stage one act. The tension between this down trodden brother and overbearing sister is clearly developed and performed. The explosiveness of what these two travel through in this short film has been carved out in detail by the two leads. The previous work Mark Hartmann and Judy DelGiudice did for this film is evident as they interact moment to moment with one another and have great trust in allowing what occurs to land on them and be absorbed. Well done all the way around.

North of Providence is an amazing piece of work. The amount of time and passion that was put into it is apparent throughout the entire short. Judy Del Giudice gives an incredibly convincing performance as Carol. Her dedication and talent radiates in this part.

Mark Belasco's portrayal as Bobbie is flawless and heartbreaking. He took this project and developed it seamlessly. He is deeply moving and he shows the potential of being the next great leading man. He has an unbelievable range and this is seen throughout the piece. He is affected by his surroundings and adds heart, danger and vulnerability to his character. The fact that he's not well known yet is inconceivable. Look out, he is our next big star.