Dedication

I just saw this at Sundance and it's probably the best Sundance I've ever seen. The Director Justin Theroux was at the showing and answered some questions and he said some interesting things. First the whole movie was done on a 1M dollar budget and they shot it in 23 days.

As for the movie, it was a very different movie from the music to the cinematography with a fresh taste to it. The main character Henry Roth played by Billy Crudup was an amazing role. I wouldn't be surprised to hear awards galore for Crudup. Equally as impressive was Mandy Moore, I expected very little out of Moore but she delivered an amazing performance that will surprise many and officially launch her acting career, and establish her as a top talent.

It's a story of mental disorders and people falling in love in unlikely circumstances. At times it can get scary as the writer does an amazing job of keeping you guessing. It's without an amazing movie and I'd recommend it to anybody.

Right now I would love to give the movie an 8 or 9 but compared to the IMDb database, I'll look at it at a more neutral way: Storyline: 6/10 Characters 8/10 Filming 7/10, Editing 8, overall 7 or 7.5

The story line is basis and a little predictable, but what is important about the extra, the touch of the characters what brings this movie. Henry is very well played by Billy Crudup, and Lucy is done well. Character Lucy doesn't have any deep flow even though the movie want to bring that in, but Henry is very well digged out, with the strange things he is doing and happening to him, they give a lot of life to his character.

About the filming really can't tell, but the editing was done with some tight things, little bit like "requiem for a dream", gives a little bit more connexion to the character of henry and the film.

So if you're into a relaxed night, want to have a smile on your face and a good feelin after? whats this movie, Greet jaws

I don't understand AT ALL why this movie would receive ANY negative comments! This film was one of my top favorites of the Sundance Film Festival this year! And the soundtrack/score that the filmmaker worked to create with the band Deerhoof is brilliant! The character of Henry was played beautifully by Billy Crudup - this was a idiosyncratic guy with severe OCD issues compounded with who knows what other neuroses that I totally related to. And although I did like Mandy Moore in Saved I was still a little skeptical about her being in the movie, but she took me by surprise again and is slowly forcing me to appreciate her as an actress. Dianne Wiest was great as the mother of the character Lucy that MM plays - I couldn't imagine the role being played by Mia Farrow (who was originally cast).

Yes! Very impressive Mr. Thoreux! I look forward to your future films!

Response to Boston Globe review (9/21/07) It took dedication and perseverance to see the Sundance Festival (not mentioned) film "Dedication" after reading your negative review. Having overcome the barriers created by your dissection of characters and plot I was surprised to find the film both rewarding and enjoyable despite Mandy Moore's hair color. The cinematography was fresh as was the use of music. The characters had emotional dimensions of complexity and interest in contrast to the flat facades too often presented in today's films. Henry's deep neuroses were believably quirky and contributed to the intrigue of an unpredictable character. His intense dialog with his dead friend and partner gave vent to his inner confusion and added a charmingly bizarre facet of interest to the film. I regret that you did not recognize the film's attributes.

This is a great great movie.

Billy Cudrup is so believable as a crazy person. I have never seen a performance like this before.

Mandy Moore is sweet and perfect. Great chemistry between the two.

The script is fresh and funny.

The only con I can think of is that they use a kind of irritating stop action flash movement to indicate the passage of time. Didn't like that and it seemed out of place.

The music is also outstanding. Great choice of songs.

It is a great love-story, but told in a different and beautiful way. A true delight.