The Touch

I remember catching this film on our local TV station a few years ago and I've remembered it ever since. They used to run short films all the time and many of them were okay but kind of, well, uninspired. I believe the best film makers are those that take you completely out of your role as viewer and into the story and this short film certainly does that. The pacing, the casting, the awkward tension... it's all evident and yet there's a rather powerful subtlety or restraint shown here. The director is pulling you into his story- not bashing you over the head with it. I found myself wanting to strangle the characters at times as they fumble toward (and away from) their feelings for each other and then realizing that I was identifying with them. It's really well done and highly recommended. I'd love to see a feature with this story expanded or see something else by this director.

This movie takes an interesting and original perspective on the beginning of a sexual relationship between two people -- highlighting the excruciating awkwardness and self-consciousness, as opposed to the excitement and giddiness. The movie also conveys the message that it is the underlying strong emotions between the two characters that are responsible for the strained awkwardness between them. Over all this movie made me see relationships through a different, but nevertheless, very realistic lens. It made me think about all of the nerve-racking second-guessing and self-examination I go through at the start of relationship, and this is not typically portrayed in movies. The negatives: I was not as sympathetic to the female character as the male character.

This is a unique story that explores the relationship between two individuals with very different and opposed personalities.

I found much of the film to be exquisite as it displayed the awkwardness of human contact at what may or may not be the early stages of a relationship. The simplicity of its execution allows the viewer to focus on the actors and the story without being distracted by gimmicky shots or flashy edits. The acting was very strong and both performers took their roles well. They felt like real people in a real situation with genuine concern for each other.

I really enjoyed this movie and found it quite masterful at times.

This charming indie explores the profound journey and power of the human "touch". Through a seemingly simple story, the bold and thoughtful director/writer moves us into the world of Ian (Rick Roberts), a young man who seems intent on breaking free from the ordinary, disconnectedness of things to get "in touch" with something deeper. There are many possible interpretations of the movie as it quietly invites you to ponder what life's all about in a world where real connection can so easily pass us by. This film has a meditative and cool smoothness about it that takes us into uncharted waters where the simplest intimacy can have the power to transform. The ending, (or is it a beginning?), will leave you surprised and intrigued. Aren't those the best moments?

Touch is an intimate movie, showing the main characters in an awkward, human interaction. Ian embodies the quirks and anxiety of someone grappling with masculinity in today's society. Max is equally fraught with tension and contradiction. But there is honesty and tenderness working between Ian and Max, even though it isn't a smooth linear progression, or a typical representation of a "relationship".

Ian's discomfort can be unsettling, leaving the viewer frustrated and impatient at times. However, the intimacy provided by Ian and Max is genuine, and shows a true human connection. It can be difficult to remember our own coming of age. Touch serves as a beautiful reminder of what that looks and feels like.

The ending provides the vagueness that leaves the entire film open to interpretation. It is truly a gift, in this over packaged and formulaic era that many films fall prey. Hopefully, there is a resolution that works for Ian and Max, we will never know.