If you have not heard of this film, here is the link: http://vimeo.com/ondemand/inyoureyes
Sitting down to watch...
I found this idea intriguing and spent the five dollars on Vimeo to watch this film in the 'new' distribution channel. After seeing it, I think I understand the decision of Whedon and the production team to go with an on-line distribution.
Direction, Acting & Storyline: 2 stars
This concept has originality written all over it. Two people in different areas of a country who can experience the senses of the other person. They can see, hear, feel, smell and taste what the other is experiencing. From childhood, Rebecca (Zoe Kazan) and Dylan (Michael Stahl-David), without explanation, experience a meta-physical connection. After 20 years they become aware of each other and it blossoms into a bizarre romance.
Brin Hill direction guides us through this sci-fi love story and he manages to make the idea believable. The meta-physical concept is intriguing and fascinating to watch as the story unfolds. I will not go into the multitude of plot holes that go unexplained, but the first two acts are enjoyable to watch. We travel through their connection from childhood to adulthood. Watching the characters come to the realisation of the psychological and physical effects this has on them throughout their lives. After 20+ years they are able to communicate with one another and in the process fall in love. Why it take so long to figure out this connection is never fully explained. The final act stretches an intriguing, but weak, storyline. You want the 'lovers' to meet, but it all feels rushed and too unbelievable for a satisfactory ending.
Kazan (Ruby Sparks) and Stahl-David (Cloverfield) are appealing as the lead characters and they are supported by a good cast. Kazan has become an indie film champion and has an original presence and unsettling beauty on screen that works in this film. The writing is exceptionally disjointed and lets down the characters. I will give the concept a high rating, but the workmanship of the writers and director do not support the abilities of the actors.
Brin Hill direction guides us through this sci-fi love story and he manages to make the idea believable. The meta-physical concept is intriguing and fascinating to watch as the story unfolds. I will not go into the multitude of plot holes that go unexplained, but the first two acts are enjoyable to watch. We travel through their connection from childhood to adulthood. Watching the characters come to the realisation of the psychological and physical effects this has on them throughout their lives. After 20+ years they are able to communicate with one another and in the process fall in love. Why it take so long to figure out this connection is never fully explained. The final act stretches an intriguing, but weak, storyline. You want the 'lovers' to meet, but it all feels rushed and too unbelievable for a satisfactory ending.
Kazan (Ruby Sparks) and Stahl-David (Cloverfield) are appealing as the lead characters and they are supported by a good cast. Kazan has become an indie film champion and has an original presence and unsettling beauty on screen that works in this film. The writing is exceptionally disjointed and lets down the characters. I will give the concept a high rating, but the workmanship of the writers and director do not support the abilities of the actors.
Visual Effects: 3 stars
The effects of their mutual experience is noteworthy. There are no groundbreaking components to this area, but it is one area that does support the story. Even with minimal contact throughout the film, the connection seems real and believable. I will credit the acting with this connection more than the effects.
Family Component: 2 stars
This film deals with adult themes and would be recommended for mature audiences. At first the relationship seems innocent, but the inevitable relationship between the two lead characters leads to a 'virtual' adultery. There is minimal violence, foul language and sexual content.
This film deals with adult themes and would be recommended for mature audiences. At first the relationship seems innocent, but the inevitable relationship between the two lead characters leads to a 'virtual' adultery. There is minimal violence, foul language and sexual content.
God Component: 1 stars
The story is a science fiction premise, but it ultimately is a love story. What the film addresses is the world of virtual relationships. In this world of on-line relationships, the potential for a 'virtual affair' occurs regularly. We understand that Rebecca's character is in a controlling and unhappy marriage and when presented with this situation enjoys the emotional experience of the love affair. The moral implications are exposed, but not justified in the film. In the end, I do not want them to destroy a marriage for they sake of their connection.
The story is a science fiction premise, but it ultimately is a love story. What the film addresses is the world of virtual relationships. In this world of on-line relationships, the potential for a 'virtual affair' occurs regularly. We understand that Rebecca's character is in a controlling and unhappy marriage and when presented with this situation enjoys the emotional experience of the love affair. The moral implications are exposed, but not justified in the film. In the end, I do not want them to destroy a marriage for they sake of their connection.
In the end...
Concept: Great
Distribution channel: Creative. I think they saw they had a product that would not withstand the scrutiny of the regular distribution channels.
Delivery: In my eyes, the film lacked originality and vision.
Distribution channel: Creative. I think they saw they had a product that would not withstand the scrutiny of the regular distribution channels.
Delivery: In my eyes, the film lacked originality and vision.
Overall Rating: 2 stars
Written by Russell Matthews based on a five star rating system @ Russelling Reviews
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