PVC-1

A single shot, a real time film on location about an assault, a ransom demand, bomb deactivating and desperation should have been nothing else than a breathtaking piece with its audacity. P.V.C.-1, the FIPRESCI award winner of the International Competition, is indeed breathtaking. Given the information that P.V.C.–1 takes place in a rural area in Colombia —where the political situation is critical— and the film is based on an actual event, the tension automatically increases. It is a brilliant directorial debut.

The outstanding work of the steady cam operator — by the director Spiros Stathoulopoulos himself — makes the audience become eyewitnesses to the tragicomic tale, seeing the helplessness of the authorities dealing with a cruel crime. We witness a poor farmer's family being slowly victimized by the harsh third world reality.

The originality of the idea and style transform the event into a genuine thriller. The panic- stricken family contacts the local military authorities and makes an appointment to meet the unit that might dismantle the PVC tube device from the mother's neck at the crossroads. They are not sure if it is a real bomb or a sick joke.

The use of real time and the camera's movement like the human eye as if turning our heads from one point to another, as if changing positions, creates a psychological effect. We feel as nervous as a person on location. Time passes, it gets darker and we get impatient.

P.V.C.-1 succeeds in creating the suspense that most thrillers, horror and action films fail to. It heartily involves us.

Without any artificial lighting, without any close ups, without any cuts, with only little dialogue, with amateurish acting and with some bitter, dark humor derived from the absurdity of the whole event, P.V.C.-1 reaches the level of high profile film-making.

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.

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.

The plot is literally ripped from the headlines, and is straightforward. A collar bomb is placed on an unsuspecting victim, mother of a household, and ransom is demanded. And here starts her family's agonizing journey to resolve the situation.

As a movie viewer, you soon realize that the movie starts off in a seemingly long continuous take - not uncommon in many films. Then there comes a point that you realize that the filmmaker has likely committed himself to filming the ENTIRE movie in one continuous take.

Filmed, then, in real-time, to the movie detriment, there is really no opportunity to build characters or backstories or plot twists or motives behind anything or subplots. What's left, gratifyingly, to the movie's brilliance, is a mesmerizing exercise in filmmaking.

Fully committed to this technique, stretches of the film, regrettably, feel tedious. But this is frankly unavoidable.

With little if any soundtrack to speak of, the movie can only build tension through body language and gestures and dialogue and somewhat succeeds.

The movie also is also intriguing in its exhibition of bomb squad procedures in the backwoods of a foreign country.

Flaws aside, the movie is compelling to watch from beginning to end, and most discriminating movie viewers will appreciate the intricate staging what with complex tracking and attention to shadows from the camera person and possible crew - a fascinating movie to watch.