Particles of Truth

First the bad news: Particles of Truth is a real mope fest of self-pitying characters, each trying to out- dysfunction the other.

The main character, Lily (writer, producer, director & star Jennifer Elster) is an emotional mess because she was the product of a screwed up family (surprise!). She is an unappealing and unsympathetic character and that is the crux of the problem with the film.

Another problem is that none of this suffering is, in any way, new or interesting. We've seen all these gritty, pathetic people before. To make matters worse, some of the dialogue is cringingly pretentious.

Now the good news: Queer as Folk's Gale Harold is great as Morrison, a reclusive germ-fearing writer. He is the strongest, most likable and most realistic character in the bunch. He and Lily develop a tenuous relationship that scares her to the point of puking in his antiseptic bathroom. Despite Morrison's fears, he admits to Lily that he cares about her and proves it by venturing into the subway to find her (a germophobe's nightmare). He also manages to pull himself together to attend her art show.

There is real chemistry between Lily and Morrison and there is something endearing about watching these two people, who find it so hard to function in the world, manage to come together.

The soundtrack is great too.

Oh, and Gale Harold looks better in a shower cap than any man has a right to.

Particles Of Truth is an intelligent and thought provoking film. I was fortunate enough to catch it on the Sundance Channel's (New Voices). I did not know what the film was going to be about but the opening sequence drew me right in. The intense subject matter, combined with Elsters ability to make me laugh, made it a hopeful ride. Rarely do i see independent films that are sincere and meaningful. This is a standout first time feature film.

In late June, I was fortunate enough to attend the IFP Los Angeles Film Festival. I saw many films at the festival, however only one film had promise, purpose and power. "Particles of Truth" is a cinematically poetic film, which delves into humanity's weakest yet most prevalent characteristics: self-doubt and insecurity. Rarely can a film simultaneously evoke opposing emotions of joy and depression. Nevertheless, "Particles of Truth" successfully masters this formula. Director and co-star, Jennifer Elster allowed me to search my inner self. The characters are so deep and personable; I truly felt a connection to each of their fears, flaws and hopes.

I highly recommend this film to anyone who is disgusted with Hollywood's phony and artificial portrayal of life. "Particles of Truth" is a real movie, with true characters and authentic resolution.

I have never been a great fan of indie movies, but Particals of Truth has changed that for me. This movie showed on so many levels, the many kinds of loneliness that are all around us. The theme of alienation was painful to watch and yet it brought the characters to me. I could feel that loneliness moving like hot lava from one character to the next. Jennifer is a great talent and I consider it a privilege to have her share her experiences in her writing and direction. Gale Harold took a character that could be considered too eccentric for a indie feature, and made him so human, I could have reached out and touched him. There is in me a part of every character in Particles of Truth. It doesn't get much better than this.

A very grim effort, well acted. Larry Pine, for example, gives one of many understated performances. Taj Crown is hilarious as a stoned pizza shop worker.

I commend Elster for not letting the angst-addled script and her relative inexperience go by the wayside of over-the-top performances.

I saw it on the Sundance Channel during their New Voices night. I wish Elster the best but if I had the chance to do it again-I wouldn't.

If I want to see pain, suffering, depression and agony, I'll make a movie of my own life.