The Guitar

I rented this film because I wanted to see some nudity with class. I got that and more, from plot to acting to sound to cinematography.

Where would I rank this film? Certainly in the top 100, probably the top 50 I have ever seen and I've seen thousands of films. I have even written my own screenplay but it's far different from 'The Guitar.' I didn't want to see this film end. I actually predicted that Melody would join up with a rock band. At first, I wanted her to get really rich and famous, but eventually, I felt the film ended quite well.

My tastes in films is very bizarre and so was this film. My #1 film of all time is 'Montenegro,' an American/Swedish co-production. That may give the reader a perspective of my stance on movies.

I will look up Saffron Burrows filmography and possibly rent some of her works. She looks a lot like a woman I knew 25 years ago; very tall, nice behind and small-breasted with long, unruly hair.

I could go on but I'm finished gushing. Now, I will recommend the film to my son and his wife and others who I know will enjoy this production.

Obviously we all have seen hundreds of movies when someone is counting his last days. This one is not what anyone can expect.

Watch it from heart, believe in writer and director and try to listen the message in movie. It can change your life. Its sad, funny, refreshing, keep you hooked till last minute and takes your entire night thinking on it.

Special movies are not for everyone. If you are little depressed, lonely, missing something in life other than money, the message in movie will teach you life. Take my suggestion, watch the movie and see if you are like all others or different.

and i have to believe it was written in even less time.

the plot synopsis here at IMDb is good. i wish they'd shot that.

what we got instead was a 95 minute film wishing it could be seen as one of those inspirational and affirming movies about a woman who attempts to overcome everything ... with a guitar. that wish was apparently denied.

instead we end up with a 21-day film where they must've printed every first take; directed by someone disconnected from the subject ... and the characters ... and even simple threads of continuity ... and written by someone with no apparent expertise or sensitivity to the matter at hand. even the script's bones, even its structure is wonky. and the editor, i have to ask the editor what they were listening to when editing this film? the film's heartbeat ... its sense of rhythm is ... missing. for a film titled after a musical instrument with a character named Melody this pretty standard rhythm of editing idea seems a significant oversight.

i have to let the actors off the hook because they seem to offer shallow, thoughtless, stilted although perhaps rushed performances. i kept wishing it would get better as it went along. it just /had/ to, i thought, but it never did.

now i can only hope i saved you 95 minutes.

Just saw this film at the Marin Film Festival. I am still absorbing it. A fine piece of film-making.

Saffron Burrows carries the film on her splendid shoulders. She is in almost every scene. I have always respected her work. With The Guitar she stretches her wings and flies.

Much of the film is without dialog. A lot of my favorite films are. Amy Redford did a fine job of directing. Very good first effort. I hope this film finds it's way out of the festival circuit and gets a release into theaters soon.

And I hope the IFC notices Saffron's performance.

No synopsis here, I want to share why I enjoyed this movie. It caught my eye at the DVD store and at my first viewing I actually didn't make it through the movie, mostly from trying to multitask and not letting myself be drawn into it, no loud crash scenes to divert me back or spectacular music score that caused me to pause. I regret not being focused, for at my next attempt to view the film I found myself very pleased at the purchase. Saffron's performance, and the emotions the story, the subtle way it was portrayed and the great directions that Amy Redford lead in such a way that I knew it was meant for me too see. It wasn't the disease to me, it was the isolation of the character, her need to hide, yet her soul seeking beauty and self comfort until she was strong enough to face life with a new found freedom of spirit. I lost my husband, a masterful musician, in a sudden accident. My soul was dying and I felt isolation from those who felt uncomfortable to face my grief, I didn't want to venture from my sanctuary of home, and in a form of self healing, embraced what comforted me before my loss, the love of music we both shared. Saffron's performance reminds me again that it's OK to feel pain, to venture into unknown, even daring experiences to kick start our emotions in the direct of a recovery tbat we can manage on our own terms, pamper ourselves, let others who are dear and accepting help when they can. I was sad after my apt was robbed while away on business to return and find my DVD collection was gone. This movie was one of my first replacements bought. I loved the casting choices and think it's worth watching again.