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.

Could “Avatar” Win Best Picture?

By Brett Hogan

 

Last week, the trailer for James Cameron’s sci-fi experiment “Avatar” debuted. While initially unimpressed with the teaser, I began to wonder: Could this film win best picture? 

 

Buzz has been generating for this movie for years. Years. The technology to make this movie didn’t exist when Cameron conceived it, so he invented it. When is the last time you heard of a director spearheading the invention of anything? The casting started in 2005. Most movies these days, even epics, are done in half that time. I could go on. 

 

The most important thing to take away from all of this is that people are saying this will be the future of movies. Now, I don’t agree with the idea that CGI will become more prevalent than it already is. But I do believe that this will set the bar miles higher for sci-fi. I mean, that is what Titanic did. And that won some awards if memory serves.

 

I’ll bet you’re asking yourself, how can you even suggest that a film like this will win Best Picture when the initial trailer was nothing better than visual stimulation? Well, there are a couple of reasons. First, the Academy has expanded Best Picture to ten films. This doesn’t guarantee anything other than improved chances for most films on the cusp.

 

Second, after last year’s Oscars debacle, which saw the best film of the year, “The Dark Knight,” not only get shafted in awards but nominations as well, the Academy is pulling out all the stops to appease those with the loudest voices in the film industry, the fanboys. Now, the Academy probably didn’t lose anything because of that other than some viewers of the award show. Perhaps if people are again outraged with the winners or nominees, the heads of the Academy would lose their jobs. So this is all about the Academy protecting itself, which is not so outrageous.  

 

 

Third, there is an economic motive here. I’ve heard this film will cost $190 million, not counting the R&D costs associated with Cameron’s inventions or the cost of getting 3-D cameras into every theater in the country. The Academy will do everything in its power to get people into the seats and make this the next “Titanic” or “The Dark Knight.” But the Academy doesn’t have much power, besides nominating and awarding, so they will slap the “Nominated for Best Picture” moniker onto every commercial and print ad to get the people who didn’t believe the critics to relent and see this movie.

 

Of course, all of this is pure conjecture, and no revolutionary film (Terminator 2, Jurassic Park, etc.) has ever won the Best Picture category because it changed the game. Except maybe Titanic. But still, could this movie actually win? My answer is no but a nomination is certain and who knows what could happen from there. We’ll know more come February 2010.