Movie Review - Heights
Hitting the 'Heights' and Lows
Subtlety in moviemaking is a difficult thing to even attempt, let alone to pull off well. Leave it to a first-time director to make a wonderful go of it. Chris Terrio’s initial foray into film has produced a very fine and emotionally moving piece of theatre that just happens to be projected onto the big screen. Characterizations are quite strong from the entire ensemble cast, and they come roaring out of the gate full-tilt from the very first scene. Each one of these actors give a uniquely detailed performance steeped in weighty backstory that can be felt with each evolving relationship and each intimate exchange. Relationships are explored from a kaleidoscope of various angles. Mother and daughter. Husband and wife. Friend and lover. Every interaction adding to the collective consciousness of a societal whole that comes clearer and clearer into focus as the film builds to a strangely wistful yet upbeat finale. The story itself doesn’t so much “twist” as simply gains in momentum and depth as we come to better know each of these interconnected individuals. It is a moving and interesting experience that I certainly appreciated. I must however mention some overripe aspects: a touch too much with the longingly knowing looks on the part of our fabulous diva mother (Glenn Close) in regards to her unresponsive philandering husband… a bit too many overly blank expressions by our sexually conflicted husband-to-be (James Marsden) when faced with any number of what-to-dos… a tad too over-the-top in the self-loathing department by third-wheel gay lover, Alec (Jesse Bradford)… the list goes on apace from there. All these things would read very well on the stage in a live performance, but seem to come off beyond the pail blown-up to cinema screen size. Odd that a director who shows so much subtlety and restraint also allows things to occasionally turn so emotionally purple. I’m sure with time and experience a balance will be found. For now, ‘Heights’ can be said to be a flawed work, but an emotionally filling one regardless, and to me, well worth the scaling.
Subtlety in moviemaking is a difficult thing to even attempt, let alone to pull off well. Leave it to a first-time director to make a wonderful go of it. Chris Terrio’s initial foray into film has produced a very fine and emotionally moving piece of theatre that just happens to be projected onto the big screen. Characterizations are quite strong from the entire ensemble cast, and they come roaring out of the gate full-tilt from the very first scene. Each one of these actors give a uniquely detailed performance steeped in weighty backstory that can be felt with each evolving relationship and each intimate exchange. Relationships are explored from a kaleidoscope of various angles. Mother and daughter. Husband and wife. Friend and lover. Every interaction adding to the collective consciousness of a societal whole that comes clearer and clearer into focus as the film builds to a strangely wistful yet upbeat finale. The story itself doesn’t so much “twist” as simply gains in momentum and depth as we come to better know each of these interconnected individuals. It is a moving and interesting experience that I certainly appreciated. I must however mention some overripe aspects: a touch too much with the longingly knowing looks on the part of our fabulous diva mother (Glenn Close) in regards to her unresponsive philandering husband… a bit too many overly blank expressions by our sexually conflicted husband-to-be (James Marsden) when faced with any number of what-to-dos… a tad too over-the-top in the self-loathing department by third-wheel gay lover, Alec (Jesse Bradford)… the list goes on apace from there. All these things would read very well on the stage in a live performance, but seem to come off beyond the pail blown-up to cinema screen size. Odd that a director who shows so much subtlety and restraint also allows things to occasionally turn so emotionally purple. I’m sure with time and experience a balance will be found. For now, ‘Heights’ can be said to be a flawed work, but an emotionally filling one regardless, and to me, well worth the scaling.
posted by asparry at 5:15 AM
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