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Prof_Tatalovic
Reviews
Nowhere Man - St. Joseph (2021)
The Scary Side of Social Media
An interesting and eye-opening piece of independent documentary work. Peter John Ross (director) tells a very personal story about today's social media problems, in particular - the problem of digital "trolling" and how it can affect anyone who works, communicates, or plainly exists on popular social media platforms. The film presents an extreme and very unusual example of cyber-stalking that (in this case) goes outside of digital boundaries and enters people's homes and workplaces. How do we deal with Internet bullying? Are big media corporations doing anything to protect people who use their platforms? What can we do as a society to make our communication healthier and more civilized? Through an entertaining blend of interviews, found footage, and subject's own audio-visual content, the film exposes an ugly side of our modern social media world - the world that has its own protagonists, antagonists, and monsters.
Innerself (2018)
Refreshing!
"Innerself", a "martial-arts musical" is very refreshing and pleasant feature release from the veteran of Cleveland's indie film movement - Johnny Wu. Very entertaining arthouse take on classic martial arts cinema, with a good story and positive message. The main character's wardrobe (yellow shirt with a black stripe) pays tribute to the "man" himself - the godfather of martial arts subgenre, Bruce Lee (those of us who grew up watching his films will recognize this visual element). The low-budget film is well directed, featuring talented performers who deliver everything you need for this type of visual narrative: songs, dances, fights, stunts, and more! It's nice to see something slightly different in today's independent cinema and "Innerself" is one of those indie films.
The Final Goodbye (2018)
Micro-budget Indie Period Piece
Cleveland, 1961: Nazi criminals, mob, detectives, shady characters... And a lot more in this micro-budget independent film from Ohio. It's rare that someone attempts to produce a period piece on minimal indie budgets, but these guys did. And it's good! An engaging story featuring several funky-crazy-strange characters - in pursuit of "stolen paintings worth millions of dollars"... The film has good cinematography (incorporating some archive footage in a very clever way), superb visual effects, an original music track, and solid performance by its key players on the screen. Very good production (set) design, using old props, historical vehicles, and little elements that are not-so-easy to find on this budget. Overall, it's a pleasant indie surprise from Cleveland's underground film scene.
Emily (2016)
Great Journalism!
"Emily", a true life story about a woman who lost her life as a result of domestic violence in its worst form, is a well crafted short-subject documentary film. The student filmmaker did great job in researching and investigating this case, and putting together an assembly that will touch your heart and make you think about our everyday problems and issues. Very good interviews with victim's family members and friends, and an honest look at something - no family wants to experience. Very solid entry-level short form documentary work!
Madness (2006)
Solid Indie Film!
The strongest thing about this film is - very good cinematography. Bill Johns uses artificial light extremely well. Each scene is carefully "painted" and looks very cinematic. For an independent film, produced on a very minimal budget - "Madness" delivers very good entertainment value, and it's directed well. The lead actor, M. Rose, is believable and strong in his role. The production design shows careful attention to details. The "murder" staging uses very interesting concepts, together with some CGI touches. Overall, this is a solid micro-budget independent film. Every film student who studies directing should watch this film - it's a perfect example of well made "one location" feature film!
Retake (2016)
Well Directed Narrative!
"Retake" is a road-drama about a lonely guy in his late 40s who hires a younger male prostitute - to drive with him from LA to Colorado. But "Retake" is not just another "road- buddy-movie". It's a powerful drama about human condition, relationships, pain, loss, and - love. The lead players (T. Watkins and D. Graye) are excellent in their portrayal of two complex characters, who search for answers through sensual and physical exploration. Their little "game" frequently breaks the rules, taking them to another dimension; exploring their past, and their inner-pain. It's a well written non-mainstream narrative, with certain dramatic elements of various European realism "waves" (such as Kieślowski, Wenders, and early Wajda). Nick Corporon's (director) mise-en-scène approach is semi-minimalist: long interior shots, mixed with hand-held photography and natural movement. An old Polaroid camera prop (used by the main character) - ads a touch of nostalgia to carefully staged cinematic ride. Overall, the picture is an example of well executed independent film that delivers something we lack in today's American cinema - a REAL people's story.
Spomenik Majklu Dzeksonu (2014)
Michael Jackson would love it!
Thanks to Cleveland IFF's program selection (becoming one of top national indie-art-house festivals), I was able to see last night Monument to Michael Jackson -The Movie (2014), directed by Serbian up-and-coming film artist Darko Lungulov. The picture has all the elements of East-European realism driven cinema, blending - dark comedy, drama, tragedy, and romance. Inspired by semi-true events, the film follows an ordinary man trapped in his personal life problems, and trying to make a change by - building a monument to "king of pop" in the heart of small Serbian town. He also hopes to win back his estranged wife. The protagonist's "insane" project soon becomes a target of conservative and crime related forces within his social surrounding: local corrupted city officials and Serbian rightist-anarchists. Will he give up or fight? The ending is totally unpredictable. The character interactions and drama (touch of dark comedy), use of music, and playful staging points to cinematic influences by Jiří Menzel, Boorman, Kusturica, Herzog Darko Lungulov shows again that you don't need a mega-budget to create very original dramatic content and tell very good stories about human condition, love, hate, and everything in between. If Michael Jackson was alive, I'm sure he would love it, too. Thumbs up!
Christine at the Crossroads (2014)
Very good LGBT themed drama.
This independent film premiered (Ohio premiere) at an art-house theater in downtown Akron, Ohio (USA). It's an honest story and very well written drama/romance about a married woman who "discovers" her true (hidden) sexual identity, and falls in love with another woman. Great acting, solid cinematography, and very creative editing! Also, the film has several memorable music compositions. The director did a very good job in letting actors "find their characters" and play with their unique personalities. Overall, this is an indie flick that tells a story about life, relationships, and - love. American cinema needs more dramas such as this one. Very good labor of cinematic love!
Modus Operandi (2013)
Sexy Short Subject
The most important thing that must be taken in consideration, before you watch "Modus Operandi", is: this short motion picture was produced in only two days (as part of 48-Hour-Film contest). And, what a quality content! Very solid cinematography, perfect sound, and overall - good staging and directing. The performances are strong (considering that musicals could be very tricky experiment for every actor). Chris Ross and Robbie Barnes are superb in their roles. Barnes' great voice and perfectly measured dose of "erotic discharge" give this short film just enough spice - to satisfy the audience (even if you hate musicals). "Modus Operandi" is one very good short film and a perfect example of creatively executed one location mise-en-scene. And it's all created within insane umbrella of 48-hour turbo-filmmaking contest! Look for this one at your local festival - and enjoy it.
Unavailable (2012)
Fun Little Indie Comedy
The power of ultra-low-budget independent cinema is in actual content and its plot. Unlike Hollywood films, these so called "labor-of-love" movies - are not able to afford big "names" and reach wide theatrical releases. But it doesn't mean that indie films are not as good. "Unavailable" features very well written story, funky characters, and funny dialogues. It's a story about love, friendship, personal dramas, and our modern world. It's also a story about us - as individuals, and how we connect (or not connect) in this crazy world. Overall, this is a small independent motion picture, without big stars in it, but this little flick has a heart! Find it, see it.
ICE Agent (2013)
Entertaining and Action Packed!
This is an entertaining independent action-crime-drama about sexual slavery. Very solid production on a lower "indie budget", but filled with special effects, fight stunts, guns, and tough guys. Michael Madsen leads the pack in his trademark "bad ass" persona. Very good cinematography and well choreographed fights are part of every sequence in this motion picture. Acting is good, with so many new faces, mainly out of Ohio - since this film was almost entirely shot on locations in Cleveland. Overall, an indie film that showcases variety of possibilities when it comes to non-Hollywood productions and labor-of-love filmmaking.
Scarred (2016)
Very Well Produced Indie Horror
I had an opportunity to attend a world premiere of "Kandie Land" in Cleveland, Ohio. It's an indie/underground horror-slasher-torture flick, spiced up with beautiful young ladies and humorous dialogue lines. The film pays tribute to 1980s genre classics, and even features a special appearance by "the Original Jason", played by Ari Lehman! The cinematography is very solid, with creative compositions, well-controlled moving camera, and very good coverage. The sound is good (something that indie ultra-low-budgets constantly struggle with); "Kandie Land" has it under control. The acting? Very good, natural...I would like to point out one particular name - Molly Miller. This lady has potential. The audience loved her creepy, twisted, but very natural delivery. Overall - this little film shows that American new-wave indie horror is alive and kicking (I mean killing!). if you are a true fan of classic 1980s horror - see "Kandie Land". It will get you back to those good old days of - "beautiful people who must die"!