There are some companies out there that make films that never get released in theaters. When we rent them from Netflix or our local video store we certainly know why. They are either poorly acted, written or directed or simply absurd beyond belief. We usually make a habit of ignoring them. I’m here to tell you to keep an eye out for some decent ones.
Things have changed– everyone and their cousin (including my cousin Joe) has a digital video camera now. Digital Video cameras, when lit correctly, can closely resemble film. The latest cameras have gotten so advanced they shoot 24 frames per second– just like film. Some have improved image quality so much you no longer can tell the difference.
There are a number of innovative, low budget filmmakers that are getting straight to video or online distribution. So, there may just be a remedy for you when you get fed up with the typical plot-less and overproduced Hollywood fare. Keep a good eye out for the under appreciated low budget Indie Film.
There is also another growing phenomenon in straight to video distribution. Some A-list actors, actresses, and directors are getting miniscule releases (In some cases I’m talking like 5 Theatres) and then the films are quickly pushed out into the video stores. People see them and then assume they are horrible films and don’t even bother renting them. I think we all miss out when that happens.
Here are two that slipped through the cracks. One stars Harrison Ford, Ray Liotta, Ashley Judd, Cliff Curtis, and many other character actors and is directed by Wayne Kramer. It is a multi story piece (Very similar in style to films like Crash and Traffic) called Crossing Over. It is thought provoking, well acted, and written and tackles the difficult subject of immigration. I’ve seen garbage distributed the last two years as this very good film sat on the shelf and collected dust.
Another film starred Tommy Lee Jones (I’m starting to think this might be a Fugitive thing) and John Goodman and Mary Steenburgen. It’s based on the popular Dave Robicheaux series written by James Lee Burke and is called In The Electric Mist. It is a mystery about an ex-alcoholic detective trying to solve a murder in Louisiana. Again-Why does a good film not get distributed when such garbage always gets the green light in Hollywood?
The good news is that you got me and I got my movie eyes open. Please make sure to follow your favorite actors, actresses, and directors on the always-helpful Internet Movie Data Base (IMDB) to keep up with such movies. It may just make the difference between a good and a bad night of home movie watching.
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Darren – I don’t know you, but I thank you for this post. I would love to see a revolution of the capable producers, directors, writers and actors who can produce quality films and get them known, usurping the Hollywood machine. Just like your post on Gods of Carnage, there’s a lot more quality and uplifting available that people want that they’re not getting from the studios.
I saw both of those movies at your suggestion and found them to be intelligent, entertaining and thought provoking. I will be looking forward to your suggestions in the future!! Thank you!
Thanks for the comments always-:)
I’m heading to Blockbuster now….. I’ve feel like I’ve seen everything. Don’t know if it went straight to video or was just never popular in the theaters but “Six degrees of Separation” is Will Smith’s best movie ever. When I saw it, I was like OMG…. this guy can act!!! It also stars Donald Sutherland and Stockard Channing. If you haven’t seen it yet… you must. “Feast of Love,” is also a winner.
Have a great weekend.
Great Recommendations Marc-I love 6 Degrees-:)
Darren,
I appreciate this info – we enjoy netflix but rent a lot of foreign films because of poor content in hollywood films.
Keep the reviews coming!
thanks,
Marlene
Thanks Marlene and if you like Foreign Films I recommend Amelie, Run Lola Run, The Crimson Rivers, and Pan’s Labyrinth-:)