I think "Buffalo Bushido" is a tremendous film. It not only captures the mood and spirit of Buffalo like no other film I've ever seen but the performances of the ensemble cast are superb. Peter McGennis gives a raw and honest portrayal of an estranged schizophrenic coming home to confront his haunted childhood. He really dials in to a narrow band width for his transparent, ghost-like existence and lets his imagination break out in odd, original ways (flashbacks, animation etc). His "loss of touch" and symptomatic voices are best revealed by Bruce Glover who plays McGennis' many alter egos. John Savage gives a savage-like performance as Vendetti, a corrections officer. It's the best John Savage performance I've seen in many moons and his dialogue is fantastic (McGennis wrote the script). Leila Arcieri, Jesse L. Martin, Fred Weller and Lord Jamar all add to the chemistry and emotional depth of the film as do all of the child actors who play the younger roles of their adult counterparts.
Keeping in mind that McGennis wrote (script & music), directed, acted, and produced, "Buffalo Bushido" is nothing short of an amazing achievement. Working with something like a tenth of the budget of a typical low budget indie film, McGennis' production value is incredible (film, locations, cinematography, sound design, everything). While "Buffalo Bushido" will undoubtedly be the most appreciated in Buffalo, it is a film not to be missed. It is a dark, personal film that draws you in and keeps you there, in its throes, until the end. Great acting and great script (an original spin on a coming home story). Kudos to McGennis for earning his calling card as a complete artist and for inspiring in his hometown.
Keeping in mind that McGennis wrote (script & music), directed, acted, and produced, "Buffalo Bushido" is nothing short of an amazing achievement. Working with something like a tenth of the budget of a typical low budget indie film, McGennis' production value is incredible (film, locations, cinematography, sound design, everything). While "Buffalo Bushido" will undoubtedly be the most appreciated in Buffalo, it is a film not to be missed. It is a dark, personal film that draws you in and keeps you there, in its throes, until the end. Great acting and great script (an original spin on a coming home story). Kudos to McGennis for earning his calling card as a complete artist and for inspiring in his hometown.