Monday, March 31, 2008

Row M Seat 30 "Vantage Point"





"What is truth?" is not just a famous historical question but seems to be a fundamental human search and basic premise for authentic life. While "Vantage Point" doesn't rise to the heights of greatness [good scripts and plausible endings make great films] it is nonetheless in some ways an exploration of this basic search.
The film maker uses the tool of rewinding and re showing the pivotal events of the story through up to eight different sets of eyes!! These include: the recently reinstated security guard who took a bullet for the President; a recently separated tourist looking for something new in life; a local cop; the real US President watching his body double [in all the previews]; and other players who form part of an expanding and changing jigsaw puzzle.
The world is hopeful of a new agreement to end terrorism and the local freedom fighters hatch a plan of intrigue to cause trouble for the President!!
Is all what it appears? Who is in on the plot? What is truth in the eyes of the media outlet broadcasting the street square gathering?
Dennis Quade specialises in these 'not quite great' films but the rewind and replay technique and the apparent truth of the story made this an enjoyable 1 hour 40mins in my post Easter rest time!!

The other thing I've noted is the number of films coming in at 90-100 mins in recent times... a welcome return to a sensible length of time for any story besides a few notable epics!! Is it because that's how busy we've become or because studios have realised it's a good idea!!

I will be writing a more full discussion guide on this film soon...
Others I'm waiting to see:
"Hey Hey It's Esther Blueburger"
"The Black Balloon"
"St Trinians"
and
"U23D" at Sydney's IMAX and selected other theatres near you!!

1 comment:

Deb said...

hmm, second blogger that's mentioned Vantage Point (see also "resurrecting the resurrection" at www.emergentkiwi.org.nz)! I really should go see it next time I'm near a cinema... :)