Rosebud! (no this is not about Citizen Kane)

Last week I volunteered for the Downtown Film Festival, Los Angeles. Wednesday night, I actually saw the film on the bill. A piece called Commit, 90 minutes shot in two days in three continuous shots. The film had been highly recommended in the cinema lounge by one of the board members. It was describe as a date movie, but the kind that left you wondering about the world of dating. More importantly it was going to be a story that had you thinking one thing when you walked in and had you thinking something else completely when you walked out. Importance, it had you thinking.

The summary of the film in the guide book was as follows:

Two strangers meet at a coffee shop for what seems like a blind date. But as the conversation progresses, it becomes clear that this couple, who have never seen each other face to face and who met on the Internet, have actually formed a suicide pact. Problems arise when the couple realizes that they may have finally found something worth living for. Comprised of three continuous takes—one take for each act—and shot over the course of two days, Mickey Blaine manages to keep the film exciting and unnerving, with sharp and witty dialogue and dark humor. The two lead performances are flawless.

What more can I say about this? Slightly reminiscent of Before Sunset and Before Sunrise, as even the writer, producer and director Mickey admitted it was well worth the time. It most definitely no lie that it contains so of the sharpest, wittiest, and darkest dialogue that I have heard in a while. Mickey Blaine (Writer, Director) wins a great nod of approval for capturing a disillusion spirit while also demonstrating the essence of persistent hope. The story was not about the action, it was about the thought behind every comment and personal contact of the main characters. The two actors of the film, Nicole Blaine and Forrest Erickson brought such a presence to the screen. As an audience it was as if suddenly we had the opportunity to eavesdrop on the most intimate of conversations. Dark, moody and really almost reflective of the nature of our present society. Questions of existence, purpose, relationships. A beautiful crafted dialogue, presented exquisitely, in an all together very classy film.

The characters are well developed. Perry, portrayed by Forrest Erickson, is a middle aged failed film student turned cop. While Trista, Nicole Blaine, is a broken hearted depressed woman. During their first few conversations Perry gives you snippets of a true film student, from observations of the corporate world of film making to quotes from Citizen Kane. While Trista strives to move pass the mundane chit chat and guides the conversation to being more personal and intimate. Trista moves the relationship forward, not allowing Perry to just exist but pushing him to participate. Once their relationship jumps over the initial disclosures, Perry and Trista dive head first into a level of intimacy that resembles the steps of passion Romeo and Juliet once took. They share childhood memories, failed plans, family histories, reasons for personal choices. And though every step of the way the characters become more intertwined, connected and loving towards each other it doesn't seem to make a difference in the end. Constantly they discuss their life together, a life that never existed outside of their own created realities. Perry or Trista move you to understand them as individuals and as a couple.

After the showing of it at the festival there was a short Question and Answer session. Mickey Blaine shared that film preparation was done similarly to a play. Both actors were well rehearse so as to be able to perform continuously for the shots required. The difficultly of the film was made light when discussed that the three day shoot was actually reduced to two days, after the camera broke on the first day. Listening to the actors discuss the work gave the audience a sense of how much they enjoyed the work. I would recommend if you have an opportunity to see this film, take it. The film was made with hard-work, passion and love that is obvious to any viewer.

* In the photograph: Mickey Blaine, Nicole Blaine and Forrest Erickson during the Q &A