1984

"1984"

Directed by: Peter Weir
Written by: John Logan
Cinematography: John Seale
Edited by: Hughes Winborne

Main Cast

Winston Smith: Elijah Wood
Julia: Emily Blunt
O'Brien: Hugh Laurie
Big Brother: Alan Rickman

Tagline: "War is Peace, Freedom is Slavery, Ignorance is Strength"

Synopsis: “Big Brother” is everywhere, everyone, and everything. You are never alone that’s why your safe, his leadership provides protection in this safe-haven that is called Oceania. Posters, Ads, Books, Movies, Documentaries, and the Internet are all controlled and regulated by “Big Brother”. Winston Smith works for the Ministry of Truth, where his job is to rewrite historical documents so that they match current party lines. His girlfriend Julia seems to have an anger towards “Big Brother”. Winston is lured by O'Brien a fellow co-worker to join a secret organization aimed at demeaning “Big Brother”. There it is learned O'Brien is a government agent has Winston captured without revealing himself. After being tortured Winston outs Julia’s secrets. Months later they bump into each other and begin to meet secretly and they have fallen in love again. O'Brien meets with them and asks them if they would be willing to never see each other again if “Big Brother” told them so. They both disagree and Winston has a heavy heart doing so. The next day they are arrested by the Thought police. O'Brien reveals he’s a loyal party member who brainwashes them to make them “perfect” before they are executed. He “informs” Winston that Julia caved to the Party’s pressure and they start torturing him for months. You get to see many torture methods put upon this man and the effect months has upon his body as months go by. Then he is brought into Room 101 where O'Brien has rats ready to devour his face (Winston has a particular fear of these creatures) and Winston begs his torturers to do this to Julia. They meet one last time by chance in the streets and announce to each other they no longer have feelings for each other. Winston realizes he only has feelings for “Big Brother”- the only form of love accepted in Oceania.

What the Press would say:

1984 has come and gone but that doesn't take away this film’s true genius. Peter Weir masterfully directs every shot so that you can see the tension, the passion, and the betrayal in full retro scope. John Logan writes a beautiful script that matches with some of the best of all time. The performances should never be denounced because Elijah Wood gives a raved performance as Winston Smith the protagonist of the story. His performance shows us the true gift that he posses in front of a camera. Emily Blunt comes into the framework with her performance as Julia the rebellious young woman who shows Winston who he can become. When she comes in throughout the story, she seemingly goes from rebellion to utter devotion and Blunt provides that transition for us perfectly. The most pivotal performances comes from Hugh Laurie and Alan Rickman. Hugh Laurie is in most of the film but basically plays two characters. The sympathetic, friend that is O'Brien and the psychotic, torturer that he is seen to truly be. Alan Rickman plays the ever watching “Big Brother” and he shows up every once in a while to dispel “knowledge” to the audience members and to the characters. Even though he never speaks to a character you just learn to loathe him throughout the story. When the torture begins that’s when almost everything comes together because Laurie, Wood, Rickman, Peter Weir, and John Logan excel in their own ways within this section and give us the true climatic nature seen within the film. 1984 takes that to another level and provides a story that is seemingly timeless and provides an experience for audience members everywhere. A masterpiece was created on almost every level of filmmaking from the actors to the direction there is no bad frame.

FYC

Best Picture
Best Director- Peter Weir
Best Actor- Elijah Wood
Best Actor- Hugh Laurie
Best Supporting Actress- Emily Blunt
Best Supporting Actor- Alan Rickman
Best Adapted Screenplay- John Logan

Absolutely Normal Chaos

Author(s): Evan
Location: NY

"Absolutely Normal Chaos"

Distributor: Miramax
Director: Jason Reitman
Writer: Sharon Creech
Cinematography: Roger Deakins
Score: Hans Zimmer

Main Cast

Mary Lou – Anna Sophia Robb
Carl Ray – Paul Dano
Beth Anne – Alyson Stoner
Alex – Luke Benward

Tagline: "The problem is this, though. I don’t want you to read it"

Synopsis: 13 year-old Mary Lou Finney was not at all excited about her latest summer assignment: to keep a journal over the next three months. Boring! But over dinner one night, her father tells her that her cousin, Carl Ray, is coming to stay with them for a while, to work. Carl Ray and the rest of Mary Lou’s father’s family live down in West Virginia. When Carl Ray comes, he is less than anyone in the family is expecting. He mopes around, says “yup” and “nah” and doesn’t have to do ANY of the chores. After a bunch of dull dog days Carl Ray gets a job at their neighbor Mr. Furtz’s hardware store, which means Mary Lou can have a little bit of free time. She spends some time with her gossipy, boy crazy and paranoid best friend Beth Anne, and even gets to hang out with Alex Cheevey, the cutest boy at school. But when Mr. Furtz gets sick and suddenly dies, the entire summer changes. Carl Ray even cries at the memorial service. Mary Lou becomes confused, but is soon swayed away from her family problems when Alex asks her to be his girlfriend. Mary Lou. Caught up in love, family, and the sickening relationship between 17 year-old Carl Ray and Beth Anne, Mary Lou’s summer quickly switches from being the most boring thing in history, to an exciting roller coaster ride. And her journal reflects it! As she watches the absolutely normal confusion around her, Mary Lou investigates into Carl Ray, and finds out that Mr. Furtz was actually his father, and that that was why he had come up north in the first place! Doy! It’s so obvious now…well, that’s life.

What the Press would say:

“Absolutely Normal Chaos” is a very touching, and realistic film about young teens in suburbia. Adapted for the screen by it’s Newberry Award winning author Sharon Creech, this film is by turns sarcastic, clever, tender, and funny, giving viewers a spark of light in this dark year of films. Anna Sophia Robb plays Mary Lou with perfect grace. Using body language and clever wit, the young actress gives this film life, and a sarcastic humor, as she reinvents the role for the screen. Paul Dano is also very well cast as the West Virginian cousin of Mary Lou. Using a style slightly reminiscent of his performance in “Little Miss Sunshine,” Mr. Dano gives it his all in his near silent, emotionally powerful performance. Alyson Stoner also gives a great performance as Beth Anne, Mary Lou’s boy crazed best friend, using fake attitude and phrases she probably doesn’t know, Mrs. Stoner makes this hysterical and eccentric character more three dimensional than on paper. “Chaos” is a very funny, heart wrenching film about how someone’s family will always be a part of their lives, and one summer that changed a girl.

FYC
Best Picture
Best Director – Jason Reitman
Best Actress – Anna Sophia Robb
Best Actor – Paul Dano
Best Supporting Actress – Alyson Stoner
Best Adapted Screenplay
Best Tagline
Best Online Awards Campaign
Best Art Direction
Best Cinematography

Alaskan Calling

Author(s): AJ
Location: TN

"Alaskan Calling"

Directed by: Anthony Minghella
Written by: Anthony Minghella

Main Cast

Jeff Daniels – Timothy Treadwell
Hope Davis – Amie Huguenard

Tagline: "In October of 2003, a man was murdered by those he loved more than life itself"

Synopsis: The beauty of Alaska is a mysterious fish. One that can only be brought in with much patience and risk of failure. The wild terrain can entrance you, but at the same time, consume you. A man who was affected by both was named Timothy Treadwell. The Grizzlies were his children. They were his family, they were his spirit. And they ultimately destroyed him.

A plane arrives in a large bay on the coast of the Alaskan terrain. Out of the passenger side door jumps a man, his name is Timothy Treadwell. He is accompanied by Amie Huguenard. After their supplies were left on the beach, the plane leaves. Timothy and Amie are now isolated with each other, the wilderness, and the grizzlies to keep them company. Over the next summer Timothy and Amie will film the bears in their natural habitat, and bond with dark beauties of danger. Everyday the fear of attack eats at Amie, while Timothy becomes increasingly distant from her. His love is devoted more to the bears than to her. She threatens to leave for good, but her threats are pointless, as she knows that could never leave Timothy.

The foxes were Timothy’s closest thing to having children. He watched over them, he protected them, he loved them. But when he found the corpse of one in the field one day, he was devastated. How could something so innocent be treated like this? It’s mangled body was hanging over him like an angel of death. He finally got a taste what vicious creatures the grizzlies could be.

On October 6th, he and Amie headed out to film. They noticed recently that all of their familiar bears had gone into hibernation. New bears moved in, and they were more aggressive than the ones from before. On an open plain, they met up with a large Grizzly. Timothy approached it, but he was unprepared, and the bear attacked him. Amie ran at the bear with a frying pan, but her efforts were futile. Timothy and his lover were the victims of slaughter, slaughter by the bears Timothy devoted his life to, and in the end, this was how he was repaid.

What the Press would say:

Alaskan Calling is a great picture about a man who is betrayed by those he holds dear. Jeff Daniels captures the essence of Timothy Treadwell better than any could possibly do. His heartbreak in emotional scenes is truly tear inducing. Hope Davis scores as his ignored lover, and really shines when she feels his love for the bears overpowers his love for her, and she is correct in doing so. The writing is sharp, the scenery breathtaking, and the directing powerful. Jeff Daniels deserves Oscar acclaim for his performance, as does Hope Davis. The story was the subject of a 2004 documentary by Werner Herzog, but the story put into a storytelling style really captivates. This is the most heartbreaking, beautiful, and powerful film of the year, and it should not be missed.

BEST PICTURE
BEST DIRECTOR
BEST ACTOR
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

Batman: Doomsayer

Author(s): Tony
Location: Pittsburgh

"Batman: Doomsayer"

Directed by Takashi Miike and Robert Rodriguez
Written by Timothy Sexton
Produced by Andrew Macdonald
Music by David Julyan

Main Cast

Benicio Del Toro as Black Mask/Roman Sionis
Billy Crudup as Batman/Bruce Wayne
William Mapother as Cornelius Stirk
Ian Mckellen as Alfred Pennywood
William H. Macy as Commissioner Jim Gordon
Laurence Fishburne as Lucious Fox
Madeline Stowe as Silver St. Cloud

Tagline: "The break of defeat calls for the most desperate times"

Synopsis: Bloodied and battered was Black Mask, crawling to what looked like the end of his evil existence. Mask escaped the wrath of Batman, the merciless beating he took from the Bat only led to the demise of the death of his partner, Two-Face. Mask finds himself in the darkest pit of Gotham where he is approached by a familiar face, Circe, the love of his life. When he wakes up he's not greeted by Circe, but by delusional serial killer, Cornelius Stirk.

Cornelius Stirk has the psychic ability to make people see him as whoever he wants but often looks like a normal man. He thrives on the fear from his victims which allows him to live caused by the body chemical and hormonal response, norepinephrine. How he endures this hormone is by eating the hearts of his victims. He abducts them, mostly small time crooks that aren't missed to keep a low profile after escaping Arkham Asylum years ago. He creates trusted figures such as Abraham Lincoln and Jesus to get close to them before he transforms into a face of evil, his natural face, torturing them until they die of terror. Stirk was an admirer of Black Mask, but Roman attacked Stirk after the thought that his Circe came back to him. Stirk then turned into Bruce Wayne, the man that took everything from Sionis.

Stirk thrived on Mask's blackened hatred towards Batman. Sionis was willing to give up everything for Stirk to help him rid of the Bat once and for all. Not only did Mask want to kill him, but turn everything against him. Stirk accepted, but under his own conditions. Meanwhile, the Riddler now rests in Arkham Asylum as Bruce's butler Alfred returns with full health. Months go by and rumors are speculating that Black Mask will make his return to crime with the False Face Society. Bruce prepares for Mask but is distracted by the sights of Silver St. Cloud on the streets, restaurants, and parades. In order to hurt Batman, Mask sacrafices his own gang at the hands of Stirk. Cornelius would strike fear in the gang one by one as Batman in order to frame him, torturing them and eating the fear from their hearts, posing as the Bat in front of the likes of Commissioner Gordon.

Batman loses the trust from the citizens of Gotham. An evil Batman lures in the shadows as Bruce must find him and return as Gothams savior. Black Mask knows that Stirk's actions are no longer in his control. To seek answers, Bruce must confront his old friend Roman to put a stop to it. Stirk was taking over the business and crime aspect of Gotham as he continued to play mindgames with Bruce, taunting him as Silver. Together, Batman and Black Mask battle Cornelius until he is finally brought down near death, until he takes shape of Bruces fear, himself as a child on that dark night. He must overcome the fear and kill the boy that pleads in front of him, he does so and falls to his knees. It was enough time for Black Mask to inch behind him and raise his axe up high for Batman to meet his doom.....

What the Press would say:

No one can deny that the new Batman series is the most intriguing and vividly horrific old school tribute to the old comic books, "Doomsayer" is no exception. With Doomsayer we get an extra treat, two directors with a great contrast of styles teaming up for a perfect combination of harrowing violence with conceptually disturbing images along and intense, charismatic action sequences. Returning is the writer of the first two, Tim Sexton, who once again challenges himself with the most complex script of the series. It's the story of the fallen and reborn Black Mask in his last attempt to vanish Batman. The film virtually consists of returning actor Benicio Del Toro as the lead as we get a different perspective of the super hero flicks. Here we are introduced to the villains lifestyle and how he must confront his own problems while dealing with our dark knight. Del Toro gives a masterful performance as a man driven to the end of the remaining sanity he had left avenge his lifes work by eliminating Batman. In order to do it, he must seek help from an unusual serial killer Cornelius Stirk, played by Lost's William Mapother. Mapother gives a nigh-flawless, frightening performance in the supporting role. Whether it's his slow, menacing voice, constant snarls, or demonic like glares, it's the most haunting portrayal of a comic book villain we've ever seen. Miike thrives on Stirk scenes as they are done in his thoughtfully constructed, realist outlook on violence. Lastly, Billy Crudup returns as Batman only this time in the supporting role. Crudup brings all emotions to the table. There is always one scene that will dazzle you as far as the emotionally traumatizing event in our heroes life, the scene is when Bruce stares down at himself the night his parents were murdered in front of him. He must destroy it with Stirk on his final breath, one of the most tearful scenes in any super hero film, bar none.

As the series gets deeper more boundaries are crossed. This newly found Batman series doesn't follow your basic guidelines, it's not aimed for young demographics or people who want a realistic look at Batman stories. It shows the risk and purity that came from the comic book that produced demonic villains such as Cornelius Stirk and Black Mask. A story that truly tackles the emotional aspect of Batmans circumstances and the horror he faces. As entertaining as an adult super hero film will ever get with an ending that'll stick with you for years, unless they make a fourth.

FYC:

Best Picture
Best Actor - Benicio Del Toro
Best Supporting Actor - Billy Crudup
Best Supporting Actor - William Mapother
Best Original Screenplay - Timothy Sexton
Best Art Direction
Best Makeup
Best Score
BEst Sound Mixing

The Beauty Queen of Leenane

Author(s): Adam
Location: TX

"The Beauty Queen of Leenane"

Written & Directed by MARTIN MCDONAGH
Produced by MARTIN MCDONAGH, GRAHAM BROADBENT & PETER CZEMIN
Based on the play by Martin McDonagh

Main Cast

EMILY WATSON as Maureen Folan
JAMES NESBITT as Pato Dooley
BRENDA FRICKER as Mag Folan
COLLIN FARRELL as Ray Dooley

Tagline: "Love can hide our demons. Desperation can reveal our true nature"

Synopsis: Maureen is forty years old. She lives in a small cottage in Leenane, Ireland with her manipulative and selfish seventy year-old mother Mag. Life can be considered depressing for Ms. Folan, as all her sisters have gone to a life of marriage and family. Maureen finds misery in her day to day life, which consists of attending to her demanding mother's needs, dealing with a history of mental illness, and frequent visits from Ray Dooley, a family friend who obnoxiously attempts to carry the personality of a bad boy, but shows no threat what so ever. It is also known by Mag that Maureen once shared a romantic chemistry with Pato, Ray's lonely working class brother who now lives in England, a chemistry she did not approve of and never will.

Upon Pato's return from England, the once glowing chemistry between he and Maureen begins to rekindle. Maureen sees this as her chance to fall in love and escape her entrapment known as life with her mother. The more time they spend together, the more they realize their feelings towards each other. It is during this period that Maureen learns of Pato's numerous unanswered letters to her and the fact that she never recieved them because they were all destroyed by Mag.

A series of uprisng and downfall in romance occurs for Maureen. After a fight with Pato and his return to England, she finds herself in the same place she was before. But hope begins to show when he sends her a letter confessing his growing love for her, and that he desires for her to join him in going to Boston, where he has accepted a new job. Time and trust become factors after Mag gets a hold of the letter and destroys it, resulting in the revalation of Maureen's nature at the hands of her illness. One that included years of physical abuse towards her mother. Maureen now finds herself determined to reach Pato and simply confess her feelings and escape Leenane, but she may learn that her own personal demons could hold her back, not just her mother.

What the Press would say:

"It can easily be said that Martin McDonagh has a knack for writing a great story. His feature film debut, In Bruges, introduced him to the world of film. A successful introduction for the renowned playwright. "Leenane" is a wonderful stage to screen adaptation of his own play. The setting is captured uniquely and superbly. The scenes in the dimly lit kitchen (where most of the play took place) are meant to give a feeling of personal entrapment and at times, clautrophobia, but are shot with such spectacular skill, only McDonagh himself could have perfected them the way he did. Yes, some scenes may make you feel uncomfortable in their sense of staying in room for minutes at a time, but the camera moves wonderfully with techniques ranging from tracking shots to ship shape editing. Its a balance that allows you to understand the intended vibe, yet also breaks away from making the viewer feel uncomfortable to the point that the film becomes unenjoyable. McDonagh also takes advantage of the free range in transfering a story from stage to screen, breaking away from the one room where the play is set, and placing more detail into events that are only spoken of on stage. He converts what you were only able to picture in your mind, and vibrantly gives you the picture of Leenane, Ireland you could only imagine in your mind."

"With a solid script comes solid performances from its four main stars. Emily Watson is the perfectly casted Maureen Folan. Her look, her skill, her character's personality. From the moment we are introduced to the frail and dynamic character of Maureen, we feel a sense of sheer brilliance in the job that Mrs. Watson puts forth. The effort and succesful job put forth by Brenda Fricker creates such a splendid chemistry between both actresses that you never feel a sense of acting, yet a natural flow of words between two human figures in many different scenarios. Mr. Nesbitt may have found his calling for an Oscar in his portrayal of the lonely and humble, yet charming and modestly confident Pato. With the dramatic sense and the dark themes/humor of the film, also comes its comic relief in the form of Mr. Farrell as Ray. The absolute entertainment provided by his [Mr. Farrell's] performance as the unthreatening bad boy wannabe Ray, is one that fits liekt he perfect connection betwen two puzzle pieces, it completes the connection of actor and character. The acting showcase of this film is simply appearing as if it is bound to become a pool of nomination (and a hopeful win or two) for its splendid cast of actors."


FYC
BEST PICTURE (Comedy/Musical)
BEST DIRECTOR- Martin McDonagh
BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY- Martin McDonagh
BEST ACTRESS- Emily Watson
BEST ACTOR- James Nesbitt
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS- Brenda Fricker
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR- Collin Farrell
BEST FILM EDITING
BEST ART DIRECTION
BEST ORIGINAL SONG- "She Says Goodbye" performed by Glen Hansard & Dolores O'Riordan

Boys Will Be Boys

Author(s): Hugo Manso
Location: Spain

"Boys Will Be Boys"

Directed by Catherine Hardwick
Written by Isabel Coixet

Main Cast

Romola Garai ... Kate
Topher Grace ... Tim
Jensen Ackles ... Lance
David Annable ... Josh

Tagline: "N/A"

Synopsis: Kate woke up suddenly. She couldn’t sleep two hours in a row. She couldn’t stop thinking about how would she tell Tim everything. They were together for six years. The next morning Kate was driving towards Tim’s house. It wasn’t easy. Words didn’t want to go out at first, but once she started, she told him everything in one go. She broke up with him.

Lance wouldn’t be who he was if it weren’t for her friends: Tim, Kate and Josh. They had always been together. Lance was single. He had had a girlfriend a couple years ago but things didn’t turn out well. He decided to not fall in love again.

Lance was working when the phone rang. It was Josh. It seemed that Kate and Tim had broken up. It wasn’t a surprise, the truth was that Lance had been noticing something strange recently. Lance and Josh decided to make a deal, Josh would spend more time with Tim and so would Lance do with Kate. This way none of them would be outcast.

Kate and Lance soon started to get on together really well. There was such a feeling between them. Things were really easy. They could talk comfortably about everything. It was great. Little by little they fell in love with each other.

Tim and Josh were friends since they were like three years old. After the break up they spent many time together. One day, when they were at Josh’s home, Kate and Lance visited. Kate and Lance were going out together. Tim didn’t make a big deal of it. He seemed fine.

Months went on and the couple decided to marry. The day had arrived, the stunning bride, the perfect church, the beautiful bridesmaids, the proud best man, the deeply moved parents, a trigger being pulled by a friend and the graceful groom dead.

What the Press would say:

The film ends when we hear the shotgun. The screen goes black, and the credits start to roll. The film itself it’s the beautiful love story between Kate and Lance. You just can’t expect the ending. The church filled of people, all happiness, and then ¡BAM! Cool water moment. Your heart will jump.

Spanish director and writer Isabel Coixet had done an amazing job with this masterpiece. The script it’s just sensational. The dialogue along with the acting will make you feel that you’re actually seen them through the window. Catherine Hardwick had done, as well, an incredible job directing this movie. Everything is tied up. She has made an estraordinary job direting the cast. The cast... the cast is one of the most effective esembles seen recently. Romola Garai stars as Kate, a confused woman who decides to put an end on her relationship and will find the love of her life where she couldn’t have imagined. Topher Grace stars as Tim, Kate’s boyfriend who will be suddenly left by his girl. Throughout the film we can see Tim dealing with the situation fine, with integrity and dignity. That’s why the end is that shocking. Jensen Ackle and David Annable complete the cast. Jensen Ackles stars as Lance the friend who will soon become something more. David Annable as Josh, everyone’s friend. Funny, smart and sweet. This four characters will drive you through one of the best film of the year.

For Your Consideration

Best Picture
Best Director – Catherine Hardwick
Best Original Screenplay – Isabel Coixet
Best Actress – Romola Garai
Best Actor – Topher Grace
Best Supporting Actor – Jensen Ackles
Best Original Song – “Boys Will Be Boys”

Broken Pieces

Author(s): Chris Perkins
Location: IL

"Broken Pieces"

Written & Directed by Robert Benton
Produced by Jeff Sharp
Music by Gustavo Santaolalla
Edited by Anne V. Coates
Cinematography by Enrique Chediak

Main Cast

Joseph Gordon Levitt as Edward Jones
Dominique Swain as Maddie Snow
Madeline O' Brian as Delilah
Wentworth Miller as Brian
Philip Bosco as Emerald

Tagline: "When love is lost, it's always hard to gather back the pieces"

Synopsis: Edward Jones (Levitt) and Maddie Snow (Swain) have been together for over five years. The moment they met they knew it was an instant attraction. He was a recent graduating student from Michigan State University working as an intern at the hospital his grandfather, Emerald (Bosco), was employed at and she was a struggling stage actress trying to make a name for herself. During their first year as a couple, Maddie conceives a child, Delilah (O' Brien), to the dismay of both lovers’ families. From then on, the couple ends up raising their daughter in a cozy and spacious home. Now, things have been getting worse for the family. Edward has just been diagnosed with asperger syndrome, an autistic disorder that causes one to find difficulty in interacting socially with others, and it is causing lots of confusion and loneliness in his heart and household. In addition, his disorder is also hurting his relationship with Maddie who is unable to fully understand her boyfriend’s behavior but tries to be there for him no matter what. But soon she begins an affair with a former acting associate, Brian (Miller), who is back in town to visit his sister and her family. When Maddie is with Brian she feels comforted and loved. She starts to become conflicted between staying with Edward because of his disorder and for the sake of their daughter or leaving him for a new man. "Broken Pieces" is the tragic story of what happens when life over takes love and when difficult decisions have to be made.

What the Press would say:

"Broken Pieces", the outstanding new film by Robert Benton ("Kramer Vs. Kramer"), is an amazing and riveting triumph. It tells the story of a young couple whose lives and affection are torn apart after one of them is diagnosed with asperger, an autistic disorder that causes difficulty in someones social interactions.

Indie favorite Joseph Gordon Levitt delivers a subtle yet powerfully emotional performance as Edward Jones, a young father who is diagnosed with this disorder and starts to build much grief in his spirit as his world becomes empty and isolated. Levitt's performance is commendable of being compared to a young Marlon Brando. He creates this character with such mesmerizing force and raw bravado. It's truly an unforgettable award worthy showcase. Also great in this film is Dominique Swain as Maddie Snow, a young woman who is caught between two conflicted decisions. Swain shows a lot of range in such an impressive way. Her character's loyalty to her boyfriend is tested by her need for admiration and consoling. Swain gives her character an incredible amount of complexity. She shows the real pain this young woman has to go through while watching her boyfriend suffer.

The directing and writing by Academy Award®-winner Robert Benton make the story feel really authentic and uncompromising. There is never a dull or melodramatic element to this profound film. It’s message about love and life is clear but it never feels as if the film is hitting you against the head with its meaning. All of the characters in this story feel existent and genuine as well.

Overall "Broken Pieces" is one of the best films of the year. From its astounding performances to the fantastic writing and directing. This film is one that should not to be missed.

Awards Consideration
Best Picture
Best Director - Robert Benton
Best Actor - Joseph Gordon Levitt
Best Supporting Actress - Dominique Swain
Best Original Screenplay