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  July '08

   

Everyone But You Review

By Brett 4/13/08

The documentary Everyone But You follows the life of Denver musician Eric Shiveley who, in late 2005, sold his house and bought 40 acres in no mans land Colorado. After getting fed up with unfulfilled dreams, he decides to build a house himself. The story follows him, as he tries to make sense of his life, as well as answer the questions that plague us all. When not doing recording work for musician friends or playing in little gigs, he tries to win the heart of the most beautiful girl he knows. We see his life in detail as he follows his heart in search of something greater, all on a $350 Wal-Mart camcorder.

First off, wow. This was a great, great film. It made me laugh, almost brought me to tears, and kept me wondering what was going to happen next. Shiveley’s sense of humor is shown in full scale throughout the film from scripted scenes, dogs talking through voice over, and just generally off the wall moments. The comedic moments only hold so much weight because Shiveley is able to contrast that with poignant scenes dealing with the heartbreaking nature of life. We get an emotional roller coaster throughout the film, because that is what life is, especially when compressed into 110 minutes. These moments also come from several of his personal pontifications on things such as life, the music industry, and what it takes to follow your dreams. While it was very different hearing an outside looking in view of the music industry, I felt somewhat understanding of how he came to realize what he was. Shiveley doesn’t want fame or fortune. I don’t even really know if he wants people to watch his film. I feel that his goal is, in some ways, to help us understand what is real.

Shiveley takes control of everything, the narration (with a very calm, involving voice), the direction, and the editing (no small task for having only one camera). Any written parts are from his own mind, or made up on the spot right before the camera rolls. But the real beauty of Shiveley’s work is his ability to use his own songs (and some from some friends) to create a soundtrack that amplifies the emotions of the audience to their peaks. Music is often used in film to do this, but Shiveley somehow takes it a step further. The music is visually integrated into the film as well, giving the audience a chance to see the music, rather than just hear it. There are several scenes of Shiveley either practicing or recording a gig, giving the audience the opportunity to see him at work. Music lovers will find this worth watching.    

Please understand, this is not a documentary trying to change the world in any way. Rather, it is a beautiful observation of one’s own life who wishes to show us everything he can while using his sense of humor, cheap camera, and his excellent music. I will say that there were a few slower parts, and a few endings, but neither detracted from this outstanding picture. The film has several great shots and edits despite no expensive equipment, effects, or formal training. Shiveley proves to everyone that there is room to rework your life, and you need only the drive and passion. I cannot think of anything else to say about this film other than you should go see it, at all costs. This film is Saltystix.com’s consensus pick as the best and favorite film at the Oxford International Film Festival. 9.5/10 Saltystix.

   

Depends on Your Vantage Point

By Brett 2/24/08

The film Vantage Point has been called, “the best episode of ‘24’ crammed into one movie.” I won’t argue the similarities, but I will say that this is far from the best episode of “24” I have seen. The story centers around eight unrelated people who witness the assassination of the President of the United States at a speech in Spain. The movie starts by showing a view of the assassination from Rex Brook’s (Sigourney Weaver) perspective, a television broadcast manager. There we get little pieces of what happens from the different characters including a secret service agent (Dennis Quaid) fresh off the inactive list from taking a bullet for the President the year prior, the President (William Hurt), a tourist (Forest Whitaker), a Spanish policeman (Eduardo Noriega), and the terrorists. The Rashoman storytelling brings the audience back to 12pm for each character right before the President is shot, until all stories are told, where the movie then turns into a chase.

The problems I encountered with this film were numerous. First, there was basically no character development. The only character we get development for is Dennis Quaid’s character. It’s a problem when a film that has several characters and the producers only give one significant development. They had time to do so; the film was only 90 minutes! Second, the plot was very minimal, and therefore, the film should have relied on either the characters or a twist. However, as I have already stated, the characters were just not their, and the twist was unfulfilling, at best. I was expecting something of The Usual Suspects proportions, but instead, got something closer to The Kid. Maybe my expectations were too high, but I did not think a film like this would lack THIS much. Lastly, as we were taken back to the 12pm standard time, there would be a rewind effect that the film went through. I found this annoying, and draining of all dramatic buildup.

Even though I had my complaints, I still had some fun at this movie. I thought most of the actors turned in several great performances including Dennis Quaid, Forest Whitaker, Matthew Fox, Edgar Ramirez, Eduardo Noriega and the always great William Hurt. Watching these characters interact on stage made me feel that this was not the bad movie I originally thought when leaving the cinema. Overall, 4/10 SaltyStix. This type of film will appeal to several, but probably only loved by few.

 

   

   


   


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