Ghost of My Father

It's the subtlety of the camera placement, the deeply affecting silence, and the brilliant, non-verbal work of two very talented actors, that take Ghost to its soaring heights in visual storytelling. Hamilton and Streeter's chemistry is infectious - and if the point was to closely examine a fractured father-son relationship (it was), then James and the entire crew succeeded.

First, I have to state, this isn't a movie for everyone. And it's actually not even a movie for me. The film is really slow and takes a long time to get going. If you're not looking for a contemplative British movie About real life, then I would look else where.

However, if you do like indie movies inspired by John Cassavetes with long lingering beautiful cinematography, this movie is for you. Interesting story once it gets going and I'm still shocked to find out it was filmed on an iPhone. Overall, the acting was good and once the story starts about halfway into the movie, I really enjoyed the characters and what they were dealing with. Overall, well done.

I found Ghost to be an engaging and moving piece - a thoughtfully considered plot keeps its audience absorbed throughout. Relatable characters are complemented perfectly through the talented acting, while the mood of the film is captured superbly by the ominous music and sound camera work. This all combines to bring a sinister aura, as the tension in the movie builds to its dramatic finale. Highly engrossing - would hugely recommend.

Anthony Mark Streeter's performance as Tony reminds me of Paddy Constantine in Dead Man's Shoes, but while Richard is on a revenge mission, Tony is trying to overcome his violent nature and reunite with his son Conor. However, Ghost is not a thriller/slasher or a big budget Hollywood action flick, so don't expect this and you won't be disappointed. The writer/director was not interested in labels of good and evil and doesn't take dramatic liberty. Ghost is a beautifully shot film I would definitely recommend.

Ghost takes a familiar set-up and gives it a fresh "kitchen sink realism meets mumblecore" spin. Instead of following genre conventions or procedural aspects of prison release, the lyrical character study focuses on the complicated father-son relationship and how it shifts during one eventful day. The slow-burning narrative maintains an engaging flow with the help of nuanced performances, naturalistic dialogue, atmospheric soundtrack and efficient cinematography.