I agree with the previous comment, the direction and cinematography on this short film is strong but where I disagree is that it lacks in story depth and illumination.
The violent act it depicts, gay-bashing, is horrific by any standard but the writer hangs too much of the story on this single hook.
The emotional sentiment of horror and then pity really doesn't go very far or deep and I don't think it serves his artistic purpose to be shallow on this subject and fall back on good vs. evil high concept.
I totally disagree with the previous poster! How many stories on here, let alone in theaters around the world have the typical heterosexual dynamic. Way to many. It get very boring seeing the same story told again and again.
This film has a beginning middle and end. It has suspense, mystery, and accomplishes the agony and bliss, unrequited love. Both from the boyfriend and the father.
The guy who does the beating, seems to have an issue with his own sexuality, and beating the guy to death, seems to imply his inability to express his own feelings.
The fact you don't know who Brian is there for, gives the impression it's a typical heterosexual situation, but then we find out different.
How it was done is clever. Not knowing what the voyeur had to do with the whole story was clever.
The directing, and cinematography was phenomenal.
The chase and fight sequence amazing. How often do you see this story told, like never! Then to use an all male cast was brilliant. Males have way to many hang ups about sexuality.
The third scene is just what was needed to help deal with the horrific beating. Then we are given more of the back story, and then again we are surprised because the Black guy wasn't the one who got killed. And need I add that this is one of two films that had more then the color white in it.
In fact having a black male who is gay as the lead role was very clever.
Obviously, this filmmaker invested time in their story and production.
Are people homophobic, because Speaking To The Sky, definitely Speaks the loudest as the best of the nine productions.
One slightly negative comment I have is that the acting from the father could have been stronger. It wasn't the worst on here for sure, but he could have been a bit better. Still very emotional. Brian, the lead role, was great, he had a vulnerability to him. Wow. Good job. The hater/beater was scary! The boyfriend was good for his small role. The tears at the fight sequence, very good.
The thing about this video that separates it from the others is that it achieves a catharsis. If your not sure what that means that’s fine, but be sure to look it up, because it is the key to a good story. Catharsis is what makes your favorite movie your favorite movie. It’s the connection to the audience member that lasts when the movie has ended. It brings a tear to your eye when a character dies, it blows your mind because the story unfolded in such a powerful way, certain times it makes you laugh at a strange poignant satisfaction (that always happens to me at the end of Reservoir Dogs). I'm not going on to say that this video ever got to those exact points really, but what did happen, for me at least, was I was brought to a point of enlightened thought concerning homosexuality in our society. And I'm sorry Mr. Super Hot! but your comment is proving the point exactly of what Movie Critic was saying about how the gay bashing character in this video has conflictions about his own sexuality and has an inability so express it. I.E. you are proving to everyone that you have conflict with your sexuality and you are letting that conflict surface in an unhealthy manner by strangely gay bashing someone who is commenting on the well-accomplished video project.
Great film, Chris! I loved the winter setting and the cinematography and editing was just beautiful. Great production overall.
Only one little, little thing to quibble about. When they take out the PFLUG brochure (which not everyone would understand the acronym), you take it from this wonderful, personal drama with an older character connecting to a younger character, gay to straight, black to white, interpersonal as all hell...from the realm of human relations...to a campaign commercial. Sorry.
Other than that little, little thing, I really enjoyed this.
Wow, It's exciting just to see the movie up on line!
Thanks to everyone who has viewed, voted and posted.
I respect all the film maker for their craft!
Not everyone is going like the same types of stories or film making, and that is what's great and unique about them all!
Speaking To The Sky, could be seen in many different ways, each person taking away from it what they choose.
My intention was to tell a story base in my truth, as a gay man. It wasn't to change the world, if it has an affect on you, I am even the more humble!
As a gay male I don't have many opportunities, via the big screen, to see these experiences. Sure it's fun to watch Will & Grace, The L Word, Queer as Folks, but these do not show or explore the not so nice side of things.
Besides the gay bashing scene, I hope people are able to see the internal conflicts within the characters or themselves perhaps.
That is what Speaking To The Sky is really about to me. I am very proud of the movie. And truly thankful to the cast & crew for all their help in bring Speaking To The Sky together. You Rock!
95% of the film was shot in the cold winter, but they were excited about making this movie. We were plenty cold.
pflag, is a supportive organization for Parents & Friends of Lesbian and Gay people. It was the pamphlet, the son gave his father as an attempt to help his father get support in deal with his gay son.
Whether you're heterosexual, gay, or label less, maybe you'll discover something from this film.
Thanks for all your support. I wish you all the best! Chris
I felt this film was thought out and well conceived from the standpoint of visual storytelling. It has a compelling visual style that elevates it above the other short films in this competition. I don't know if you had a artistic director on the film, lighting director, a cinematographer with a vision, if you made storyboards before shooting, a director with a singular vision or all of the above but whoever is responsible for the "look" should be commented.
I had trouble with some scenes and maybe the cold and snow had something to do with them. The scene where Jason beats them with a baseball bat is not believable. Our main character walks directly at him, like he is going to fight and then just stands, hands at his side and gets whacked in the head.
Not believable. He would have put his hands up to protect himself. He would have given more of a fight because he took his coat off and was headed into battle. That man would have beaten the gay-basher up -- no contest. And it is not as if he didn't see the bat coming or he snuck up on him from behind and whacked him on the head.
Same for the second instance of violence - exactly the same choreography of motion. Victim hands at sides takes a blow on his right side without even raising a hand in self-defense or to deflect the blow. Almost a carbon copy of the first sequence. And then the stream of blood from the mouth - an obvious bite down on the packet visual gag. Neither conforms to the nature of human reflects and it appears put up just to fulfill the terms of the story.
The casting of the father in this story is also problematic. He looks as young as his son and his sons boyfriend but more importantly he acts not like the age of the father but younger than either of the other two characters. I know it is a chore to get actors but you can and you could have done age appropriate casting. And you can write the character to be more convincing as the father of a gay son.
But I think it is good work and encourage you to make more films and explore your unique perspectives with them.
I was a bit surprised to discover, reading back through all the captions under the films that you directed both this short and "Beam." One seems highly visually accomplished, the other not so much.
Anon--, I didn't give him a lot of time for "Beam." In mid-June, I mentioned to Chris that I had been thinking of entering this competition, and described my idea for "Beam." Chris encouraged me to write it, and volunteered to direct. Between various crew members being out of town, it wasn't shot until the last weekend of July.
Plus, Chris used film for his own project and video for Beam. That makes a huge amount of difference, I'm sure.
A nice budget would pump up the production quality for all of us.
From my research, the fight sequence is pretty close to realism.
The blood was not a bite down, it was already in their mouths.
All the cast members did a great job! They worked very hard in rehearsals. I think it shows. Mike Rabe, who plays the father is in his thirties and I think he did a great job for someone who has never acted before! He looks very good for his age.
As for the look of Speaking To The Sky. Michael Richardson, the director of photography is very good at what he does. He and I had work on the look for Speaking To The Sky quite a bit before shooting. I suggested a few films that offered some of the look I was going for. We created shot lists, and story boards. Of course, in the moment of filming, some of those shots change. Yes we shot with film, 16mm, that does make a big difference.
Beam, a story by Karen Frank, is a very beautiful story. Karen told me what she was working on, and I said it's a great story. I asked her who was shooting it, but she had no one in mind. I offered my help! We had a short period of time to get locations, actors, crew members etc. The Visual FX artist, Maria did an AMAZING job with the Beam. Sasha, the lead role, Lindsey the Jogger, and Perry the older man did a great job with the characters in a short period of time!
Myron, the director of photography and editor really worked his butt off!
We were down to the wire getting all the elements together, and I think it looks great (all things considered!)
A bit melodramatic. I liked the music and the mood it set up. Some nice images and camera work. I don't think this is the winner, but some nice effort was put into this.
I would vote for this as the winner..It had all the elements of what I've seen many times in our society It's what americans are taught is normal..to be macho and beat up a "fag" is something to be proud of. The part that I had a hard time dealing with was how fast he decided to agree to go to a PFLAG meeting..otherwise it certainly was a dose of reality
15 comments:
This production is by far the best in: Story, Cinematography, Sound, Editing, Lighting, Depth and SWC Guidelines.
I agree with the previous comment, the direction and cinematography on this short film is strong but where I disagree is that it lacks in story depth and illumination.
The violent act it depicts, gay-bashing, is horrific by any standard but the writer hangs too much of the story on this single hook.
The emotional sentiment of horror and then pity really doesn't go very far or deep and I don't think it serves his artistic purpose to be shallow on this subject and fall back on good vs. evil high concept.
I totally disagree with the previous poster! How many stories on here, let alone in theaters around the world have the typical heterosexual dynamic.
Way to many. It get very boring seeing the same story told again and again.
This film has a beginning middle and end. It has suspense, mystery, and accomplishes the agony and bliss, unrequited love. Both from the boyfriend and the father.
The guy who does the beating, seems to have an issue with his own sexuality, and beating the guy to death, seems to imply his inability to express his own feelings.
The fact you don't know who Brian is there for, gives the impression it's a typical heterosexual situation, but then we find out different.
How it was done is clever. Not knowing what the voyeur had to do with the whole story was clever.
The directing, and cinematography was phenomenal.
The chase and fight sequence amazing. How often do you see this story told, like never! Then to use an all male cast was brilliant. Males have way to many hang ups about sexuality.
The third scene is just what was needed to help deal with the horrific beating. Then we are given more of the back story, and then again we are surprised because the Black guy wasn't the one who got killed. And need I add that this is one of two films that had more then the color white in it.
In fact having a black male who is gay as the lead role was very clever.
Obviously, this filmmaker invested time in their story and production.
Are people homophobic, because Speaking To The Sky, definitely Speaks the loudest as the best of the nine productions.
One slightly negative comment I have is that the acting from the father could have been stronger. It wasn't the worst on here for sure, but he could have been a bit better. Still very emotional. Brian, the lead role, was great, he had a vulnerability to him. Wow. Good job. The hater/beater was scary! The boyfriend was good for his small role. The tears at the fight sequence, very good.
Even the name is awesome! Come on people.
Oh dear oh dear yes, if we don't agree with you on every single point and see this is the BEST film than we MUST be homophobic!
Vote for this film or you too will be homophobic.
Nope, Just you sweetie.
Take the sexuality out of the equation, and it's still the strongest.
Movie Critic is gay as hell, LOL!!!
The thing about this video that separates it from the others is that it achieves a catharsis. If your not sure what that means that’s fine, but be sure to look it up, because it is the key to a good story. Catharsis is what makes your favorite movie your favorite movie. It’s the connection to the audience member that lasts when the movie has ended. It brings a tear to your eye when a character dies, it blows your mind because the story unfolded in such a powerful way, certain times it makes you laugh at a strange poignant satisfaction (that always happens to me at the end of Reservoir Dogs). I'm not going on to say that this video ever got to those exact points really, but what did happen, for me at least, was I was brought to a point of enlightened thought concerning homosexuality in our society. And I'm sorry Mr. Super Hot! but your comment is proving the point exactly of what Movie Critic was saying about how the gay bashing character in this video has conflictions about his own sexuality and has an inability so express it. I.E. you are proving to everyone that you have conflict with your sexuality and you are letting that conflict surface in an unhealthy manner by strangely gay bashing someone who is commenting on the well-accomplished video project.
-CC
Great film, Chris! I loved the winter setting and the cinematography and editing was just beautiful. Great production overall.
Only one little, little thing to quibble about. When they take out the PFLUG brochure (which not everyone would understand the acronym), you take it from this wonderful, personal drama with an older character connecting to a younger character, gay to straight, black to white, interpersonal as all hell...from the realm of human relations...to a campaign commercial. Sorry.
Other than that little, little thing, I really enjoyed this.
Wow, It's exciting just to see the movie up on line!
Thanks to everyone who has viewed, voted and posted.
I respect all the film maker for their craft!
Not everyone is going like the same types of stories or film making, and that is what's great and unique about them all!
Speaking To The Sky, could be seen in many different ways, each person taking away from it what they choose.
My intention was to tell a story base in my truth, as a gay man. It wasn't to change the world, if it has an affect on you, I am even the more humble!
As a gay male I don't have many opportunities, via the big screen, to see these experiences. Sure it's fun to watch Will & Grace, The L Word, Queer as Folks, but these do not show or explore the not so nice side of things.
Besides the gay bashing scene, I hope people are able to see the internal conflicts within the characters or themselves perhaps.
That is what Speaking To The Sky is really about to me. I am very proud of the movie. And truly thankful to the cast & crew for all their help in bring Speaking To The Sky together. You Rock!
95% of the film was shot in the cold winter, but they were excited about making this movie. We were plenty cold.
pflag, is a supportive organization for Parents & Friends of Lesbian and Gay people. It was the pamphlet, the son gave his father as an attempt to help his father get support in deal with his gay son.
Whether you're heterosexual, gay, or label less, maybe you'll discover something from this film.
Thanks for all your support. I wish you all the best!
Chris
I felt this film was thought out and well conceived from the standpoint of visual storytelling. It has a compelling visual style that elevates it above the other short films in this competition. I don't know if you had a artistic director on the film, lighting director, a cinematographer with a vision, if you made storyboards before shooting, a director with a singular vision or all of the above but whoever is responsible for the "look" should be commented.
I had trouble with some scenes and maybe the cold and snow had something to do with them. The scene where Jason beats them with a baseball bat is not believable. Our main character walks directly at him, like he is going to fight and then just stands, hands at his side and gets whacked in the head.
Not believable. He would have put his hands up to protect himself. He would have given more of a fight because he took his coat off and was headed into battle. That man would have beaten the gay-basher up -- no contest. And it is not as if he didn't see the bat coming or he snuck up on him from behind and whacked him on the head.
Same for the second instance of violence - exactly the same choreography of motion. Victim hands at sides takes a blow on his right side without even raising a hand in self-defense or to deflect the blow. Almost a carbon copy of the first sequence. And then the stream of blood from the mouth - an obvious bite down on the packet visual gag. Neither conforms to the nature of human reflects and it appears put up just to fulfill the terms of the story.
The casting of the father in this story is also problematic. He looks as young as his son and his sons boyfriend but more importantly he acts not like the age of the father but younger than either of the other two characters. I know it is a chore to get actors but you can and you could have done age appropriate casting. And you can write the character to be more convincing as the father of a gay son.
But I think it is good work and encourage you to make more films and explore your unique perspectives with them.
I was a bit surprised to discover, reading back through all the captions under the films that you directed both this short and "Beam." One seems highly visually accomplished, the other not so much.
Anon--, I didn't give him a lot of time for "Beam." In mid-June, I mentioned to Chris that I had been thinking of entering this competition, and described my idea for "Beam." Chris encouraged me to write it, and volunteered to direct. Between various crew members being out of town, it wasn't shot until the last weekend of July.
Plus, Chris used film for his own project and video for Beam. That makes a huge amount of difference, I'm sure.
A nice budget would pump up the production quality for all of us.
From my research, the fight sequence is pretty close to realism.
The blood was not a bite down, it was already in their mouths.
All the cast members did a great job! They worked very hard in rehearsals. I think it shows. Mike Rabe, who plays the father is in his thirties and I think he did a great job for someone who has never acted before! He looks very good for his age.
As for the look of Speaking To The Sky. Michael Richardson, the director of photography is very good at what he does. He and I had work on the look for Speaking To The Sky quite a bit before shooting. I suggested a few films that offered some of the look I was going for. We created shot lists, and story boards. Of course, in the moment of filming, some of those shots change. Yes we shot with film, 16mm, that does make a big difference.
Beam, a story by Karen Frank, is a very beautiful story. Karen told me what she was working on, and I said it's a great story. I asked her who was shooting it, but she had no one in mind. I offered my help! We had a short period of time to get locations, actors, crew members etc. The Visual FX artist, Maria did an AMAZING job with the Beam. Sasha, the lead role, Lindsey the Jogger, and Perry the older man did a great job with the characters in a short period of time!
Myron, the director of photography and editor really worked his butt off!
We were down to the wire getting all the elements together, and I think it looks great (all things considered!)
Chris.
A bit melodramatic. I liked the music and the mood it set up. Some nice images and camera work. I don't think this is the winner, but some nice effort was put into this.
I would vote for this as the winner..It had all the elements of what I've seen many times in our society It's what americans are taught is normal..to be macho and beat up a "fag" is something to be proud of.
The part that I had a hard time dealing with was how fast he decided to agree to go to a PFLAG meeting..otherwise it certainly was a dose of reality
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