Growing up in the Catholic religion, I vividly remember my boyhood choice of either 'being good,' leading to a joyful, everlasting life in Heaven, or being 'bad,' and eternal damnation in the fires of Hell. But I often felt sanctuary in another place, between Heaven and Hell, called Purgatory, where you are allowed to atone for your sins.
Watching 'In Medias Res,' purgatory could very well be the place a recently deceased man arrives on a desolate beach. It might almost be idyllic, except for the burning steps.
I wonder where this movie's recently passed director, Joe Perry is now? If you've never heard of him, you are not alone. To date, his work is largely unrecognised.
Back to the beach, and the burning steps. 'In Medias Res' is Latin for 'In the midst of things.' Exactly where actor Keith Stahle finds himself, a desperate man, Redondo, fighting for his soul.
In any successful creative field, there is always an 'X-Factor.' Something indescribable and impossible to teach. Keith Stahle has it. Watch him and you will see what I mean.
Life after death is one thing. A battle between Heaven and Hell is quite another.
