PVC-1

I'm a working actor actor in Los Angeles and being involved in film and theatre since the age of 7. This last week I was fortunate enough to view a piece of cinematic history called PVC-1.

I watched the movie at the LA Greek festival and I found myself in awe. Not only the director had the ability to shoot the entire movie in a continuous shot of 87 min but in those 87 min he had the ability to capture the audience's heart. With subtle movements of the camera he was able to express raw and electrifying emotions.

As a friend of mine described it with tears in his eyes after we were leaving the auditorium:" I haven't felt so human in years". There is something glorifying in achieving catharsis through a movie, something that many theoreticians believe it's only achievable in the theatre or opera. But Mr. Stathoulopoulos did it. And when i heard him speak about his film later that day i understood how he was able to do it.

It wasn't his superb knowledge of technical matters or breathtaking ability of steady cam usage, but the simple fact that he cares about his fellow humans. With a mixture of humility and the self confidence possessed only by those who know that they are destined to succeed Mr.Stathoulopoulos explained the inspirational force behind PVC-1.

Im not a critic and i never had the intention of being one, but i've being watching movies since i can remember. Fortunately i was raised on Fellini, Visconti and Kurosava and i can say with confidence that all three of them would have generously applauded PVC- 1.

Thanks once more to the director and artists involved in the production. it was an experience i will cherish for the rest of my life.

It's been a few years since I've seen this film, but I'll add a few words.

From a technical perspective the film was incredible for me as I remembered it was filmed in a single take with one camera. That is stage-theatre discipline right there.

I liked the general idea of the plot, but the pacing was agonizingly slow. This did help to achieve some incredible tension as the film progressed. I recommend screening this flick once for the experience; but this really isn't the kind of film you'll find yourself wanting to revisit.

PVC 1 will most definitely open new doors for filmmakers all around the world. The director's phenomenal approach to this suspenseful and intense, clock ticking story while still taking the time to capture the warmth and the love of his characters is bewildering.

This true story is genuinely exposed of all its various human elements that surface in a moment of tribulation. These fundamental reductions of a human being are captured in real time for 87mins. The concept of time ticks over you louder and the suspense felt deeper than you have ever felt in a film.

I was truly captivated and left in awe. One film I will remember.

No pun intended - movies in real time are quite rare ... well at least the good ones! And this I would count to the good ones. Depending on your ability to suspend your disbelief you may think even more of it - I can see that some feel this is an undiscovered gem. There are quite a lot of things to love here.

That all being said, the movie is quite exhausting to watch. There is a lot of tension and if like me you thought this would be a greek affair (director being greek and all), you may be a little surprised. Doesn't take anything away from the movie, quite the opposite, might even elevate it for you. Suspend your disbelief and just accept the low budget nature of it all - this is something you might not forget so easily ... (which generally speaking is a good thing)

Just saw PVC-1 on a recommendation from a friend and although I had never heard of it, I was seriously intrigued at not only the premise of the film but of course the fact that the movie plays out in a single take. As a camera operator it's an idea that I've always loved so I was very excited to check out this film. The film succeeds on many levels and at times is a gripping piece of work. Excellent camera work, very well shot, genius subtle changes in exposure and well thought out camera movements to help convey the emotions of certain scenes. The acting was also solid except for a few over the top moments. Remember though, this is essentially like theatre with the actors pouring their hearts out for almost an hour and a half. Very well done! However, I found myself becoming frustrated with the film at various points, ranging from the actions of some of the characters, to the inexplicable absence of certain tools (yes i realize this is Columbia but a scalpel will work better than a dinner knife and a car engine will surely generate more heat than a candle), to the lack of rational thinking. I was also upset at the lack of explanation as to why the woman had a bomb placed around her neck. I'm assuming this is a common act - but for what purpose. To what end? Sometimes the lack of motive works amazing but not in this case. And finally, while I applaud the film on its realism, I found there were just too many times where nothing was happening to advance the story and or bring you in to the story. The ending was spelled out but props to the quality of the movie because it still got me. PVC-1 is a great piece of filmmaking, no question. But while other reviewers rave about the movie's impact, I was left feeling somewhat let down. I feel that the filmmakers became too caught up in the whole "single take" thing and forgot to really work on adding more special pieces/elements to the story. For sure check it out. I'm looking forward to Mr. Spiros next film.