The Guitar

No synopsis here, I want to share why I enjoyed this movie. It caught my eye at the DVD store and at my first viewing I actually didn't make it through the movie, mostly from trying to multitask and not letting myself be drawn into it, no loud crash scenes to divert me back or spectacular music score that caused me to pause. I regret not being focused, for at my next attempt to view the film I found myself very pleased at the purchase. Saffron's performance, and the emotions the story, the subtle way it was portrayed and the great directions that Amy Redford lead in such a way that I knew it was meant for me too see. It wasn't the disease to me, it was the isolation of the character, her need to hide, yet her soul seeking beauty and self comfort until she was strong enough to face life with a new found freedom of spirit. I lost my husband, a masterful musician, in a sudden accident. My soul was dying and I felt isolation from those who felt uncomfortable to face my grief, I didn't want to venture from my sanctuary of home, and in a form of self healing, embraced what comforted me before my loss, the love of music we both shared. Saffron's performance reminds me again that it's OK to feel pain, to venture into unknown, even daring experiences to kick start our emotions in the direct of a recovery tbat we can manage on our own terms, pamper ourselves, let others who are dear and accepting help when they can. I was sad after my apt was robbed while away on business to return and find my DVD collection was gone. This movie was one of my first replacements bought. I loved the casting choices and think it's worth watching again.

The storyline is engaging and thought provoking. There were moments where I felt inspired by the main character's plight.

However, throughout the movie, I could not help but feel irked by a number of the unoriginal and overused techniques the director employed to force the audience to feel something. For example: the slow, melodramatic montage scenes in which the main character twirls in the sunlight with a shawl wrapped around her; the scenes in which the main character, reflecting on her childhood,is shown as a 7 year old girl sitting sadly by herself on the stairs as she watches and hears her parents argue.

There was also a lack of honesty about the character. One example in which this lack of honesty manifested itself was in the 'heroin-chic' appearance that the main character took on as she rapidly accepted that she was going to die. This says more about the director and the director's 90's influence than it does about the actual character.

Either way, this movie is definitely worth a look just for the life lessons alone.

The Guitar starring the stunning Saffron Burrows in a low-fi take on changing gears. A parable of the drudgery of modern life, the cancer we discover she has in the first minutes, is almost an allegory for modern life: slow death at the office. She then becomes both a recluse and a free spirit - out of touch but via the power of the credit card very much in touch with who her superego would want her to be.

What we love in this was the pacing - rather than slow a better word would be tender - the Guitar uses film to draw us into the perspective of a dying woman through sound, sight, and feeling and for a directorial debut this is powerful stuff.

it has a simplicity in the film-making. This far outweighs any nudity - and it does have an eroticism to it which is well handled - but really does not make the viewer feel like a voyeur. I felt an initial disappointment at how the ending is set up but it is, on reflection, well-handled from that point on. There is a quality to the ending which colors how you see the whole film let's the plot devices slide by.

If I were to choose two words for this they would be subtle and tender - and from my point of view I can't think of no better praise for this particular type of drama than that.

An auspicious beginning for Robert Redford's daughter Amy in her directorial debut.

For fans of Saffron Burrows, it will be an enjoyable 90-minutes of your time. She does the best with what little material she has to work with and turns in a gutsy, raw performance. The first half-hour is especially strong as the camera focuses almost exclusively on Burrows as her character copes with the diagnosis of a terminal illness, losing her job and being dumped by her boyfriend… all on the same day.

This is a very small budget production and it shows. The 21-day shoot makes for a slightly rushed and rough finished product. The directing by Amy Redford is on par, or slightly better, for an indie film. The sound and lighting were all acceptable as the majority of the film takes place in a huge penthouse loft with ample sunlight during the day and candle light being effectively used in the evening. There isn't much in the way of a supporting cast as this is primarily a showcase for Burrows displaying how one person might cope given this horrible scenario.

Some people will openly criticize how the Melody Wilder character initially deals with her dire situation, but I had no problem with it. I rather enjoyed it, actually. If you like Burrows or the premise as stated in the plot summary, I recommend seeing this film.

However, I personally prefer "Henry Poole Is Here," also released in 2008, by the talented director Mark Pellington (Arlington Road, The Mothman Prophecies). It has a larger budget which is used wisely by casting some well known as well as virtually unknown actors, and possesses quality direction and superior production aspects. The camera work is especially good.

Even though it is not the feel & sound good movie of the year, "The Guitar" rocks! Saffron Burrows mesmerizing performance is all the string it needs for this movie to be helmed a success. Burrows stars as Melody Wilder, a grieving New York woman who is told she has terminal throat cancer by her pessimistic doctor. Unfortunately, Melody's life tunes continue to be somber when she is downsized by her employer, and downsized by her boyfriend. Melody is about to take the suicidal route until she sees an ad for a short-term rental for a NY loft apartment. She then decides to hibernate during her last days of existence in the loft while charging all her credit cards to the max on food, furniture, and eventually The Guitar. Melody since childhood has been yearning to own & learn to play the guitar, but had never amplified (whatever that means) herself to do so until now. In the loft, Melody self teaches herself to play the guitar and all its melodies. Situations turn a bit more sexually wilder for Ms. Wilder when she beds a black furniture mover employee and a pizza delivery girl during her loft stay. I will not reveal more of "The Guitar" because it will spoil some dead or not-so-dead issues which the film's plot line reveals. "The Guitar" had a sundance twist to it as it was helmed by novice Director Amy Redford, daughter of Robert. Ms. Redford's impressive debut is worth a Sundance Festival salute. Amos Poe's semi-implicit screenplay worked brilliantly; it's "quality" not "quantity" wording approach was "poewerful". But it was Burrows' stunning acting was what I thought jammed the most about "The Guitar". Her facial expressions and nonverbal cues spoke volumes on stellar acting. Her commendable characterizations will not succumb to acting death any time soon. Remind me, why wasn't she nominated for acting awards last year? "The Guitar" is slow moving and its not an easy plot sell, but do not pass on playing this Guitar notably for Burrows' resounding acting! **** Good