Just got back from 2 screening slots at the Long Island International Film Expo and I must say that I was very impressed with what I saw. There were films that I disliked (and when I mean disliked, I mean hated), but I will not waste time on this post bashing other fellow filmmakers trying to get into the business. The bashing is for the filmmakers who are given the responsibility (meaning millions of dollars) to make quality films that they are incapable of making (Brett Ratner, Zack Snyder anyone?). But I digress.
I saw 10 films today, and will go over my favorites without disclosing my dislikes.
5. Enrique Enriquez: Tarology by Chris Deleo
This was a short documentary detailing Enrique Enriquez, a tarologist, and his altered view on said art. The documentary potrayed his view of images and life as an ongoing poetic search and painted an interesting portrait of a man still searching for the meaning in his art. Tarology seemed to be the main topic, but Enriquez the man and not the tarologist took most of the attention. Ultimately the film felt more like a bio documentary rather than a documentary on tarology. The filmmakers later mentioned that the film was incomplete and that there was still filmmaking ongoing. It certainly showed a great deal of promise.
Enrique Enriquez: Tarology from chris deleo on Vimeo.
4. "Heal" by Drew Leary
This film takes place in Iraq during the recent war. A US medic gets attacked by a citizen while alone. After a battle, he injures the Iraqi and is faced with the choice to save him or himself. The film was beautifully photographed and had tremendous performances from its two leads. At 18 minutes it did feel a bit lengthy during the second half however.
Heal Fight from Drew Leary on Vimeo.
3. "Mr. Mullen" by Scott Goldberg
Another beautifully photographed short film about a man who sets out to take vengeance on the recently elected mayor of his town. The film is radical to say the least and openly expresses a tremendous hatred for the politicians. While many would agree with Goldberg's message, the fact that he is expressing it so openly and with such negative intensity could be a bit off-putting at times. Goldberg does however play with non-linear editing in interesting manners that only add to the interest of the film.
Official Film Website
2. "Come Hell or High Water" by David J. Grand
A documentary about a trauma doctor and three of his patients who traveled to New Orleans from New York right after the devastation of Katrina. This film was not only a crude reminder, but also an eyeopener into the horrific life that the people of New Orleans had to endure. The film is by no means light, but the imagery put on display navigates from angering us to illustrating the beauty of human emotion and compassion. It is definitely a film to keep on eye on.
1. "King of the Hamptons" by Dennis Lynch
The winner of the night in my eyes, this documentary showed us the life of Dennis Lynch and his battle with a mid-life crisis. In attempts to find a new heading, he takes a trip to the Hamptons. There he learns to live the big life and party with Billy Joel, Alec Baldwin, Chevy Chase, Christie Brinkley, etc. but also learns to help others in need. The film is a coming of age story that is both hilarious and extremely touching. The film has been a smash hit at the Hamptons Film Festival and Lynch has restarted his life as a successful filmmaker with the company TV360 media. He told everyone during a brief Q & A session that he had no intentions of distributing the film, which means that unfortunately for most (and fortunately for me), this may be the last time the film ever gets viewed by a general audience. Keep an eye out for this one though and for Lynch, who claims to be working on a documentary on illegal immigration. That project is expected to premiere at Sundance Film Festival.
King of the Hamptons from TV360Media.com on Vimeo.
It was a fun night overall and I'm looking forward to the "OFFICIAL" premieres tomorrow night. See you then.
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