A bit long. But intriguing. I just have so many unanswered questions though, that I wish somebody could answer for me. The main one being "why"? If you see the film, you will know the reason I am asking that...too many loose ends... Jackman and Gyllenhall are good in this..as are Viola Davis, Terrance Howard, and Melissa Leo..though their roles are very small. At 2 /2 hours is does however keep you interested. The first few scenes are contrived..but then it ropes you in. The cinematography is gritty and grainy, and not a film for kids. It is pretty brutal in places but not gratuitous. This is a film worth seeing, with the tension of the film "Ransom" If you like movies that keep you guessing and wondering what happens next this is for you. The director seems to really know where to put the camera to make you feel like you are there. Gyllenhall gives a troubled performance worthy to see. Jackman at times seems wooden, and tries very hard to go to places to make you feel for him. Viola Davis is always good, and the few moments she has you feel for her as well. This film is worth going to and not waiting for the video to be released.
Reviews
3 Reviews
2012
(I) (2009)
This is The Day After redone!!
14 November 2009
Remember the made for TV film THE DAY AFTER that took place in Lawrence, Kansas..starring Jeff East? It is the SAME story...the end of the world..there are these special "arks" ready for those chosen to survive. blah blah blah..it's been done over and over. the old disaster movies of yesteryear like THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE from the 1970's had more heart and less CGI and by far better acting..rent that instead and enjoy Shelly Winters....this movie is 2 hours and forty five minutes too long. The acting in this is atrocious. The lines silly. and the plot preposterous. I am glad I saw a matinée and didn't pay full price. If you like popcorn movies of pure silliness this may just be for you.
HealtH
(1980)
A film way ahead of its time....
30 September 2005
This was the very first film I was in as an actor. Robert Altman himself chose me as "The Carrot" after casting director Rick Sparks suggested me for the role. The total experience filming was nothing but positive. Mr. Altman was a delight to work with and watch him gleefully direct his cast of repertory actors. The film was "shelved" for a few years before it was finally released nationwide in limited release. His films are more for "groupies" who "get" his brand of humor, where today Christopher Guest's improvisational films featuring a "rep" group of actors seem to be more widely accepted and understood. Mr. Altman is a sincere passionate director and lets his ensemble of players breathe life into the improvisational scenes. Carol Burnett is a class act on and off the screen. Glenda Jackson equals her. Lauren Bacall was more aloof. James Garner would spend hours signing autographs on the beach for the gallery of fans in the hot sun following the long hours of shooting. He is the consummate pro. Many people may not "get" HEALTH, but it was way ahead of its time and today would be a hit with the world's political scene more controversial as this cast of characters is. P.S. I played "the carrot" in the opening and closing scenes! how's that for getting "roots" as an actor?
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