On the Fringe (2001) Poster

(2001)

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6/10
Was better then I thought it would be.
director13-17 April 2004
Like most indie films I was prepared for the worst. But fortunately I did find myself getting into the story slightly and enjoying some of the performances. I thought the acting was above par, but I did find a lot of the interaction to be fragmented. There seemed to be pauses where novice actors or non actors are waiting to say their line and not really listening or feeding off of what the other actor is saying. I really liked a lot of the locations and thought it helped bring your story along. Overall I thought it was slightly above average, but a very good effort. Unlike most indies I see these days I think I could watch this one again.
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7/10
good, but a bit heavy
donegreg10 May 2004
This low budget character drama uses alot of scenic imagery in conveying it's overall message. Solid performances throughout by the actors, with maybe only a hint of a stiffness, which usually permeates the real low budget indies.

This is a movie about relationships, mainly father-son, but also different friendships, and their unique perspectives of the world they live in.

I would compare it to Lost in Translation, in that it can seem slow in establishing the characters and the setting. So it's really the type of movie for those who enjoy and appreciate character studies.

My only real complaint is that parts seemed to be a bit heavy, or sappy, and while there are some, it didn't feel like there were enough light-hearted moments to balance it out.

So if you're only into popcorn flicks, or low budget fare that's laughably bad, then it's not for you. This one is for the character indie film lover.
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7/10
Good Movie
famousmonster008 June 2004
"On the Fringe" is a movie that doesn't try to be something that its not. It's a story about people dealing with real life problems, without cheesy gun fights or sex scenes for no reason. Jeff Palmer does a good job with the writing and directing, however the acting did seem a little stiff and felt like the actors were reading lines instead of truly "being" the characters at times. Overall the music was very good and fit the story well, especially during the opening title sequence. I also loved seeing New England in the fall. It fit the characters and story well, sort of like they were dying but still beautiful to look at. It's worth checking out if you get a chance. This is what independent films should strive to be, a movie that has real emotion and doesn't just try to do the same thing Hollywood films also do.
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Good movie, Excellent scenery.
mcclure33314 April 2004
Watched On The Fringe last night. Really cool flick. A job well done. I found myself caught up in the story after about 10 minutes. Dan Clay did an excellent job as the main character, Kurt Calloway, while the supporting actors brought life to some memorable characters. The music fit very nicely with the action. The shots are excellent with very vivid backdrops, excellent locations and some unforgettable scenes. The story maintained it's dramatic flair while still being able to pull off a few good comical lines and it brings attention to the fact that everyone deals with their own past in their own way. Technical issues with the audio caught my attention, but not enough to throw me out of the story. Overall, a very good indie movie.
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7/10
On the fringe is a nice little indie movie that isn't so small.
VinceRocca1 May 2005
Strong well delivered dialog start off this fully realized tapestry of characters and situations.

The cinematographers use of Falls vibrant hues add a nice touch to some creatively framed shots. Small things that might get overlooked like a scene where two actors converse on a bench and the American flag waves proudly in a windows reflection are a delight.

The score is a wonderful compliment to the visuals and really sets the movies tone.

On the fringe is a nice little indie movie that isn't so small. It's amazing how much of the town the film makers must have covered. Lot's of exterior shots that really showoff the small town landscape.
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9/10
Excellent character study with spectacular Fall scenery
j-vaughn15 August 2006
This was a very entertaining movie and a fine character study. I found myself completely involved in the lives of the main characters and was sorry to see the film end - I would have loved to continue on with these people and see where their lives took them after the events in the movie.

The photography was spectacular with a gorgeous Fall in New England setting as a backdrop to the story. The music was excellent and appropriate to the various scenes. There were moments of laughter as well as sadness - something for everyone. This was an excellent independent movie that deserves more attention & praise.
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10/10
Ethereal story about conflicted, complex and troubled characters.
cabggagt16 July 2011
It's always great to watch movies with characters who are conflicted and to follow their transition or non transition and progression in their lives. On The Fringe is one of those stories about a group of misfits living on the fringe. Each character brings their own unique personalities to the story, set in a beautiful and scenic New Hampshire.

The story unfolds around the central character, Kurt (Dan Clay) who returns to his hometown after a few years of absence. He crossed path and connected with Dwayne (Jerry Howe), a peace seeking father like figure and glue to the main characters of misfits. Rounding out this group is an alcoholic, Eddie ( Michael Walsh) hiding from his debtors and Seamus (Matt Magennis), a antisocial and mostly mute character.

For fans of coming of age or potential to come of age movies, such as Good Will Hunting or Garden State, this is a ethereal independent movie you can appreciate.
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10/10
A very original slice of New Hampshire life and a truly "independent" film
outofhouse12 July 2006
This is a film that clearly requires a quiet, patient viewing. That's it. The story has many layers and you're not going to appreciate it if you're not fully involved. It has a nice, lyrical quality to it, it is beautifully photographed, it is paced really well, and the acting is good. The writing is very good too, and this is what we should expect from well-made, independents. These characters have an emotional life to them. The writing is not your typical "Hollywood" smash bang imitation. The story has a depth and a quality to it, and a very cool David Lynch element, that kept me intrigued. I thought it was great. It wasn't what I expected. Albeit a little quirky, the film all around has a dreamy sincerity to it and I love that in these kinds of films. The story is interesting, it evolves carefully, and well, and it makes sense! A rarity indeed.
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Go Buy This Movie!
MicroCinemaMagazine19 October 2004
Sometimes in life, we come apart and there is no single person or single answer there to help put you back together again. Sometimes in life, we try to look into places where no words, wisdom or gifted hindsight could ever penetrate. Independent film director, Jeff Palmer's "On the Fringe"

explores the human condition by traversing familiar territories of death, self destruction and self preservation. Thankfully, it does not try to dish it out to the audience like children waiting to dive in the Halloween candy dish, or smother onlookers in introspective turmoil or pain that dumbfounds and petrifies the senses. Thankfully, "On the Fringe" is enjoyable to watch and paces itself with solid story-telling, purposeful soul-sharing, with a sharp eye on hope and wisdom. I think every movie fan of the heartfelt breed should absorb this poetic achievement of substance.

After three years, Kurt Calloway (Dan Clay) returns home. Kurt looks like every all American mother's son. Handsome, beautiful eyes, strong voice and will. Dan has an exceptional consistency in delivering a role that is haunted by a tragic and most painful memory; his mother's suicidal death. The movie never linger too longs about her death, but acknowledges the after affect it has between Kurt and his hopeful father, Kenneth (Bill Humphreys).

Will time heal the pain of their shared loss? Will time bring father and son back together again?

Incidentally, upon Kurt's return to his hometown, discovers new relationships with three dysfunctional men whose own souls are tormented by reverberating echoes of self affliction that either cut deep, impact hard, or terrify. His first elderly misfit of a friend, Dwayne (Jery Howe), had bled himself on a dock, the young man, Seamus (Matt Magennis), a trike wheeling introvert who lost his sister to a tree fall and lastly, a drunken musical talent, Eddie (Michael Walsh), who is still running from the mob for an overdue balance which led to the loss of his own wife and daughter. Together, the four pain musketeers. Together, they indirectly weave a road map for each other's way out of the pits where 'demons of self' do not like to let go.

Interestingly, the tag line of the film, "You'll find your niche and jive...", is lightly touched upon by the pain musketeers self deliverance from their own demons. I felt the phrase actually boosted or punctuated 'hope' by film end. I didn't come away feeling incomplete watching "On the Fringe", I came away feeling I've watched an honest film with an honest story about real people on the fringe of life and looking for a way back home. Buy this film and watch it from beginning to end. It is a thing of substance that will not preach to you, it weeps with you and pats you on the back.

  • 4/5 Little Guys -
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Really liked it
jeremiahrodriguez4 May 2004
I picked this film up yesterday from the Director who was kind enough to send me a copy. I've been really interested in putting together my own film for a while now and I was really interested to see someone else's work.

I felt that the story was very well developed with a wide range of characters who all contributed to the story. There was no 'fat' as far as that goes. I was impressed with many of the shots and the way certain scenes were put together.

My only complaint was there were parts where the conversation (yelling) got over powering and I had to turn it down a bit. Other than that it was great.
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Life can make you crazy.
kathyfilm-115 April 2004
I expected very little from this indie, but then found myself so engrossed that I refused to pause it for a snack or bathroom break.

The lead actor needs polish, but that didn't deter from the interesting characters and storytelling. They all did a great job. When I think my life is swirling down, heading for the toilet rush, I watch this and feel much better.

I think Jeff Palmer did a wonderful job and shows his 'Indie Spirit' by putting together an interesting and thought-provoking film together with sheer will, a few friends, and a piece of truth in life.

I enjoyed viewing it and will watch it again. When Jeff makes another movie, I'll be sure to look out for it. I hope it's a sequel, without a sequel feel to it.
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