As a fan of Michael Easton's poetry, I was anxious to see this film, which according to Easton's Web site has won six international film awards. The film is remarkable in numerous ways. First, Easton's direction and editing that feature quick cuts are an homage to Cammell's own work, particularly _Performance_. Making a film in the tradition of the director who is its subject is an artistic choice that adds to the meaning and beauty of the film. The use of reflections from the window are an artful way of making internal dialog and conflict into a visual experience. Similar to Kubrick's work, this film includes nothing that is not carefully considered and chosen for a reason. Easton pays careful attention to every minute detail so that subtle shifts in lighting and even the poster on the wall add shades of meaning than enhance the experience of viewing the film, and it requires several viewings to catch the details of this nuanced work.
In addition, St. John's performance is powerful and moving. The range of emotions he demonstrates in this very short film is impressive, and he conveys as much in a single facial expression as some actors convey in a full-blown soliloquy. While the emotions St. John portrays are powerful, they are also colored with subtle nuance that adds even more depth to the character. It is one of the most powerful, effective, engrossing performances I have seen in quite some time.
Both Easton and St. John are exceptionally gifted, and this brief film displays their talents more eloquently than any review can adequately explain. This movie is film as art in the highest form. I hope to see more work of this caliber from these two talents and hope to see them work together again, perhaps in a longer work or feature film.
This film does include some violence and blood and deals with adult themes, so viewer discretion is advised.
