Lakeshore Drive (2006) User Reviews

Drive on up to Lakeshore

[xenatorres · 9/10 · 17 September 2007]

There's something about a black and white film that can't be reproduced when it's in colour. In a film like "Lakeshore Drive" it adds a layer of danger and grit; a style that tells you this is going to be something unique.

Written and directed by Michael Grais, the film is based on his life story. This isn't a surprising thing as the moments are real, tense and the very way the movie is shot makes you feel like you're in it rather than watching it.

Grais has an excellent sense of pacing and pause. Though a short film, it never feels rushed – each scene plays out at just the right speed to keep it at its most powerful.

The opening scene with Eddie Stein (Peter Dobson) and Sally Stein (Adrienne Wilkinson) is the highlight of the film. The two actors play perfectly off of each other in a scene about control. It is, in fact, Wilkinson's top performance to date as she plays a woman who is both manipulating her husband, while, at the same time, is clearly not entirely functional; she's walking a fine edge, bordering a breakdown, but still she controls the situation.

"Lakeshore Drive" is currently a short film looking to expand into a feature. It would be interesting to see where Grais' vision and story takes these characters in a longer piece.

loved it - wish it was longer

[bluebirdpretzeltrex · 10/10 · 22 September 2007]

i saw a screening of this film and really loved it. Both of the women were really talented. knowing that its based on a true story makes it that much more fascinating. it was in black and white - which sometimes I find boring or snobbish, but it made the story that much more real and true to the time period of the early 1960's. They definitely captured the glamor and chaos of the relationships. it was also interesting to see the problems repeated between father and son. Loved the wardrobe! My only complaint was that it wasn't longer. i would love to see the full version of this film as soon as its made. I lived in Chicago for a while, and they really captured the feel of the city - both the the big and small aspects of living there.

gorgeous

[lilacwinejunkie · 10/10 · 29 December 2008]

This film is SO beautiful. Its very rare that something is able to capture the glamor and sophistication of the late 1950's or early 1960's - but also the glaze that everything hides behind. This film has a sexy cast that live and breath the era. But it also captures the reality behind the image they are all living. When housewives survived on liquor and pills - all the while showcasing the image of perfection. The comparison between the glamor on the outside and the reality on the inside. This coming of age story tells how different generations of the same family are dealing with growing up, falling in and out of love and surviving another day. The dynamics between the relationships based on what each person is going through. Shot in black and white, which adds to the realism of the time. Lakeshore Drive takes place in Chicago during its prime. The cast is fantastic and manage to keep you mesmerized. I'm not sure where you can find this film. Maybe they will post it online or make it available on DVD soon? I hope so as I would love to see it again.