2 Lives in Pittsburgh

This movie was good! Very enjoyable. Pittsburgh is HEAVILY featured. This film won't let you forget that it's set in Pittsburgh. Pretty much every shot has something black and gold in it.

The script is clever and well-written. Dialogue is as natural as it can be, while acting is also pretty solid.

Where this film's weak spot is lies within the story. It has a narrative and the characters are interesting, but it's coherent at best. It's a collection of events about a young trans girl named Maddie. However, it's her coming out saga through the lens of her father and grandma trying to understand and accept her. There are a few moments of conflict and the level they are at are done EXTREMELY well, (the garage after Bernie finds out what's happening at school, the front-yard drag show, etc.) These moments are great, but, there isn't much done with it-- it falls before anything happens.

There's a few dynamics that feel like there should have been more context to or more of a set-up for it to feel like an actual payoff. (For example, the letter that Clara leaves after she passes. I would do the whole funeral scene/ explaining the significance of the letter/ what it contains WAY differently. I can't explain too much without spoiling.)

Overall, this movie is a great representation of the (potential) struggle of a semi-conservative blue-collar worker who's kid is trans. Needs a bit more polish, however, it's worth a watch if it's playing at your local festival.

The film examines Silverman's character Bernie-a working class middle aged man in Pittsburgh who has to confront two conflicts in his life- his dying mother and his bias against his 8-year old child Matty who his trying to embrace himself and his gender as a girl. Well shot in Silverman's hometown of Pittsburgh, the film is well acted and a honest look at an average Joe who is forced to accept something he never realized. How, Silverman embraces his character's acceptance and chatharsis is handled with grace and conviction. It's a warm film and a compassionate/intelligent look at race, gender/and identity.

A must watch for anyone from Pittsburgh! The Burgh actually feels like a character in this movie. Truly an amazing film to see, especially when paired with a Q&A with the film-making team. Saw it at Film Pittsburgh's Three Rivers Film Festival!

The poignant message of acceptance and living your truth is beautifully paired with a hilarious cast. Some moments had me cracking up, while others brought tears to my eyes. The acting is excellent, though the child actor is a bit raw (as expected from a 12-year-old in their first proper role). I'm looking forward to recommending this film to everyone I know! Go see this movie!

Two Lives in Pittsburgh is both heartwarming and enjoyable. The characters explore who they are individually while prioritizing relationships - making them both relatable and likable. The movie was well done and so very Pittsburgh in the best ways possible.

I appreciated the range of scenes that illustrated the journey of both self discovery and acceptance, which included some natural missteps and beautiful moments. It's a great reminder that we are all human and mostly figuring things out on an ongoing basis. It's also a good illustration that no one can be reduced to just one trait or characteristic and that love means remaining open to different ideas and paradigm shifts.

How strange to turn on prime and see the street I lived on 50 years ago, the roads I traveled everyday and the place where I worked in the Seventies. It hasn't changed much. And all the over the top Pittsburgh gear. I know so many Steeler heads just like this guy, whose lives are a blue collar jobs, beer, football and toxic masculinity. Women, too. It's definitely a thing. The movie was very well done and captured the authenticity of people and was very moving. The grandma character was the best. Quirky and real. Odd choice of a girl to play the role, though, but I can see why it was done that way.