The Sexton's Wife (2009) Poster

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10/10
Superb
deyurre2910 January 2011
I went into this film not knowing what to expect. Needless to say you are in for a captivating and intelligent plot executed down to the last detail.

This film is essentially beautiful and can easily be considered a work of art. I was mostly intrigued by the photographic aspect of the film itself. Each shot is visually stimulating and emotional due to the striking lighting effects, which I found especially masterful.

One shouldn't leave out the superb acting that helped bring out the intensity of this script. The main character, Elizabeth really pulls the viewer into her world and you wind up suffering with her. It is truly moving.

Mr.Piana is a brilliant director, you will not be disappointed in this film!
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9/10
Seeing what i feel, and feeling what i see.
ryan-942-2320025 January 2011
When originally told, that i would be viewing what is considered to be one of the most renowned, and for lack of a better word..."classic" adaptations around, I was intrigued...

I was equally assumptive...already expecting a traditional, over-dramatic rendition followed by a painful theme accompanying a string of credits, and an overly-verbose post-view commentary. Which, admittedly may have not been the ideal prospect, but it was bearable, nonetheless.

So, you could only imagine my surprise, when i found myself, already mesmerized by an almost surreal, yet stunning...opening sequence. That is to say; it pulled me in. Each character, larger than life, and rich in breath. Their tension was palpable, sorrow was painful, and of course the antagonist was HATED. The cast was not just 'in the moment' rather, i was immersed...in their moment. At times, the striking visuals, foreboding shadows, and interesting close-ups brought about a sinister depth of a darker humanity. It was as daring, as expressive.

With the cozy familiarity of a period-drama, and the refreshing transition, only a great 'short' can have...Piana didn't just adapt the story. His, undoubtedly patient, and keen eye, sleight of hand perspective, and soulful intent, welcomed us... into HIS world.
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10/10
A Great film
waseemmahmood615 January 2011
this film delivers and continues to deliver. the direction mixed with great acting, compliments the visually beautiful shots. a film is indeed about good story telling, but if it is not executed in the correct method it can be a flop. this film delivers in all aspects and i am happy that I was able to see it. i put this film in the same category as gone fishing by the legendary chris jones which was another film that made me feel that the visual arts are an amazing method of storytelling. i encourage everyone to try and see this film, they will not be disappointed. As a filmmaker myself, I understand the art form, and this film is in my mind considered a piece of art
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10/10
An excellent artistic short film
philippvhannover30 January 2011
Warning: Spoilers
Marco Piana's short film "The Sexton's Wife" tells a story of fate, commitment, and the ultimate question of human life: What shall I do? The young daughter of a sexton in New England has promised her dying father to marry his successor, who turns out to be an old and cold-hearted man. A winter storm offers a change of life, when a handsome young post officer and his assistant ask for shelter.

From the point of narration, the movie plays with motifs from the genres of horror, mystery and suspense, thus deliberately leading the viewer into state of bafflement. The movie is beautifully shot, offering the audience a unique aesthetics, almost as if it is a sequence of still lifes and portraits by Vermeer or Caravaggio.

The atmosphere in the sexton's cottage is tense, when the visitors arrive. Each actor's performance contributes to this tension convincingly, especially when their faces tell the story. In those moments, words seem to be superfluous. The opening scene sets the tone for the condensed story to unfold: The sexton's wife is knitting with care, as if she is weaving her own thread of life.

It is rare that a short film is so elaborate and technically well made, thus differing from an ambitious feature film only in length.
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10/10
Wonderful cinematography! Excellent rendition of Chekhov.
rickdig5 January 2011
In an industry that can't keep the camera still for 3-seconds because they think the average viewer must have action, gratuitous violence among other things, The Sexton's Wife was a refreshing break.

We are constantly inundated with movies that don't allow the viewer the opportunity to focus on the story, nor the development of the characters. This movie does!

Wonderful direction from Piana with the character Elizabeth...bringing out the torture and torment she endures in her life until that fateful evening when a visitor opens the door to a hopeful new life...but to no avail.

I look forward to seeing more work from this Director.

BRAVO Marco Piana for this exceptional work!
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10/10
A Pleasure
martin-19678 January 2011
Warning: Spoilers
"The Sexton's Wife" is a great piece of story telling. Piana has produced something that deserves a wider distribution, his directing is superb and it is visually stunning. Piana brings to life Elizabeth's suffering (aided immensely by a strong, compelling performance by Amiga) and then gives her hope before taking it away. Even though this is a short film there are some superb supporting performances.

"The Sexton's Wife" is a film that deserves to be seen. It's a pity that less than mediocre movies get widely released, while a gem like "The Sexton's Wife" gets to very few theatres. Seek out this film it wont disappoint.
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10/10
Excellent
terrykosic5 January 2011
This movie' was intriguing and exciting....I was left wanting more. This is truly a great adaptation. I think this was a great cast of rising young actors. I would like to see the full length to this this exciting drama. The Sexton's wife was beautifully done, i guess the directors and everyone worked in sync. The lighting was amazing, made me feel like I was in the same place as the actors on that cold mountain...I admire the over all production and I give this 10 stars. I will look forward to more work from the entire cast and director. Great Job. Also I wanted to note that the background Music fit the scenes, it was not over/under-used. Was it nice to listen to.
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9/10
A wonderful short film from director Marco Piana!
balink765 January 2011
Excellent short film from the beginning to the very end. Absolutely flawless performance from the cast for which you can see the cast received immense direction from the director, Marco Piana. Piana's work in this short film shines through the amazing photography and storytelling. He demands true and genuine performance from his actors which results in an affective and powerful scenes. The audience witnesses the the desperation in Elizabeth's face as she looks out the window and her desire to escape her so called life that is filled with too much pain and anguish and no love until her postman comes to the rescue to sweep her off her feet. All this is reflected in the intelligently written and well versed script. Its a very well directed short film by director Piana indeed. A must see if you have not seen it already. Two thumps WAY up!
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10/10
Great Movie!
quintoperichon9 January 2011
Each of the 30 minutes in this film came together in a dramatic climax, showing the skills of a talented cast.

Its a real Gem with an incredible script and very solid acting from start to finish.

Excellent direction from Marco Piana, beautiful shots.

The locations in Long island made an amazing Setting for this short movie.

Lighting and Direction of Photography are flawless.

Bravo Marco Piana! There is an obvious talent on this Director, Cant wait to see whats his next project.
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