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Reviews
The Distinct Smell of Red (2001)
Operates on several levels, not all made obvious.
This is a worthwhile indie effort, with good production values. However, just as the character Vernon needs Cliff Notes to get through life, the viewer needs to have the plot summary on hand. The acting and the story are just a bit too subtle to really communicate anything to the audience. In the end it comes together better, but The Distinct Smell of Red just takes a route too slow and meandering to get there.
Laughing Boy (2000)
Excellent Indie Picture !
I had the pleasure of attending an advance screening of Laughing Boy. This independent feature certainly exceeded my expectations, much to my delight!
The sound is a little rough, but after a distributor is lined up, apparently it will be re-mixed.
All told, Laughing Boy has a solid script written by George Douglas Lee (based on his play) and some excellent unknown actors, including the director in the lead role. Now wait, Grisaffi pulled this off quite well!
It took a while for me to warm up to the film (a lot of dry humour), but once it got going (with intelligent and riskier humour) I was converted to an avid advocate of this film. Grisaffi was concerned about some of the religious humour in the film, but I thought that was some of the best - especially the crucifix/Jack in the Box drive-through.
The incorporated cell animation sequences were fabulous, and really added to the feeling of Cody's (the lead character) fantasy.
Grisaffi has accomplished a lot with only $50,000 so far, and I wish him the best with this feature. I also encourage you all to go see Laughing Boy, and support independent film!