Bitterblue is a film that tries very hard to reach the highest heights, and ultimately succeeds with flying colors
and then some. Director Robert Alaniz combines the raw talent of Hitchcock with the auteur spirit of Kubrick. Hollywood couldn't produce a work of this caliber in a million years, not with all of king Midas' gold.
When sitting down to watch this film I came in with a little trepidation, I had seen DINKS (Double Income No Kids) and was absolutely floored by the witty and subtle script, but also tremendously impressed with the caliber of acting that had been cultivated by Mr. Alaniz. But a drama
could he pull that off as well as he has with mystery and comedy? Could his talents really be that diverse and great? Of course they could! From the very opening shots and titles I realized how foolish I had been.
The story opens on a young boy (Toby) who although seems pretty retarded, isn't. He lives with his uncle and "aunt" who watch over him. The uncle is a bit of a sleaze, but the "aunt" is an angel. He is picked on in school, and eventually starts to date a young girl with problems of her own. But can they remain together even as a bully tries to break them apart, and Toby is accused of theft? You'll just have to watch it and find out for yourself.
The best scene takes place at a Culver's, just thinking of those Butter Burgers now, Oh yes, yes, yes, yum-yum-yum.
Director Alaniz works in 9/11 in not only a respectful way, but also in a way that makes a lot of sense. We all lost something that day, and this story shows us that in astonishing detail. Alaniz's choice to work in 9/11 as a plot device is a feat of cinematic bravery akin to Curtiz's Casablanca.
Not since Citizen Kane has a movie been so daring in every possible way.
In addition to writing and directing the film, Mr. Alaniz pulls off the triple threat by lensing the film himself in undeniably magnificent fashion. I know I will be watching and re-watching this movie for years to come. Everyone needs to see this film. Everyone should own this film (It's available on DVD through Sole Productions)
Sure the movie might be an indie but it doesn't show. This is a modern day classic that we will all be talking about for decades. His movies have already made such a splash (Winning awards at both the Illinois International Film Festival and also the Route 66 Film Festival) Oh, and not to forget Mr. Alaniz also produces his movies, is there anything he can't do?!
Though it is locally produced the film far exceeds what we import from the coasts. Hollywood couldn't produce a film of this caliber in a billion years with all of King Midas' gold.
I gave this film a 10/10, if I could give it higher I would have. I enjoyed this film, and that's all that matters, don't listen to the haters. If you don't like the movie, I'll eat my Gambler's hat.
