Beat

I watched this one because it rated an 8.7. I suspect friends and family of people who were involved in the making of this film voted multiple times. I'm not saying it was bad, but it wasn't that great. It seemed like a two-hour soap opera. The acting was okey. But the writing was just so so. It was rather predictable and it went on far too long. It could have easily been done in a little over an hour. And when I read headlines for reviews that say "Amazing Movie with surprises along the way..." I should be a little suspicious. So if you're looking for a film that's been done before and you have some time to kill, check it out. I just with I had that two hours back.

I heard the Director Jye Currie speak after another screening just recently in Bathurst. His passion for filmmaking is contagious. He shared his journey of becoming a director and spoke about his first film (which I believe this is it) so I made a point to watch it.

Very impressed with the craftsmanship, the picture is phenomenal. It really feels like a big budget film. What shocked me the most was the performances. I wasn't expecting so many deep emotions, I'm impressed.

I think the best part for me is knowing the root of the story and how it came about. Very motivating. Beat is a fun movie that all Australian should watch.

This movie shows us what can be born when someone takes a risk, when someone creates a story they believe should be told, when someone expresses to the world a part of themselves. I applaud the director for creating an original story, one of depth and clarity. At times I did feel the independent story but for a debut it's a very solid piece. The acting is world class and the cinematography complements the performance in a way that is grounding.

The music is the heart of this film. Ellie (the lead actress) expresses her inner struggles, challenges and emotions to the audience through her musical performances. We know exactly what she is feeling and where she is emotionally from this and I think it's very clever.

Beat is about a homeless man and an aspiring musician brought together by fate, with a surprising ending.

I love the idea of the story, it's a new idea to me and has the potential to be inspiring and uplifting.

However, throughout the film there is some very odd dialogue which stood out enough to spoil the flow of the movie. There are also some scenes which go on too long, and as they are at that point unexplained, they just serve to make me impatient and bored.

There is some great acting throughout by Jensen but apart from her the roles are mediocre all the way down to Dr Mordon, who's acting and dialogue are both abysmal.

If you go into this film expecting a decent B movie you won't be disappointed.

A big fan of Alexandra Jensen. First stumbled across her as an actress in the Australian hit talk to me.

Now watching all her movies. I really loved her performance in Beat, very captivating. She grounded the story and made the film her own.

This story is very unique and original. I can't say there would be many films out there that have themes of homelessness, heart transplants and classical music all in the one story. It was bold and worth it.

At times I had to look past some of the actors with smaller roles but keeping that this is an indie film in the back of my mind I am quite impressed.