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The Disappeared (2012)
Wonderful and Moving
Wonderful film - the story was powerful and the characters were both rich and subtle - their back stories were explored enough that I was interested and became attached, but it didn't go into too much detail about any of them. This kept things in the here and now - which was a theme throughout.
It was so nice to watch a film that didn't have a soundtrack! I really felt like I was on the water with the guys just hearing their voices, the ores and I think at one point, some whales. And I think music would have taken me out of that. I loved how there was so much silence. Silence is underused and I guess underrated as a cinematic tool, but a great decision was made here to let it carry the film throughout - as if it actually WAS the soundtrack. The silence was both beautiful and lonely. It must have been a challenge to make a film without music or special effects, having only a few characters and props - and still have it be engaging throughout. But it absolutely was.
The film does a great job of creating a feeling of being lost and disoriented with time and space - just another way the film makes us feel like we're a part of this journey.
On a purely entertainment level The Disappeared is a compelling survivalist story. But on a deeper level the film made me think about all the fishermen (and women?) who have become lost at sea. And to take it one step further there are unfortunate events and tragedies that happen all the time that we don't hear or think much about. And this film can get us thinking about those too.
Highly recommended.
Mission to Mars (2000)
Great Beginning, Terrible Ending
I was totally immersed in this movie until about the 70 minute mark where all my interest turned to annoyance. The first two of the film were great. Wonderful moving shots that really made me feel like I wasn't being confined by gravity, and beautiful cinematography that puts the reader on the big red planet. BUT I have to say that the final 20-30 minutes of the movie may have completely ruined it for me. It was a lousy attempt to touch the audience. It was nothing but funky effects and an unoriginal resolution, and that just isn't enough. When the movie was over, I heard several boos and "uchhh!" The effects were nice to look at but what a waste of money.