For all the films that Harvey Keitel has made, this feels like a slightly more conventional comedy, of the type that the "Frat Pack" or Ed Helms might make. Though it carries a rather darker bent in accordance with the crime thriller story from which the humor is spun (to some extent recalling Cameron Diaz's 'Very bad things'), still it's cheekily lighthearted at its core, with a minor madcap energy as unremarkable exposition quickly gives way to the scenario spiraling out of control. For all that, it's even more of a delight to see Keitel participating in such a feature, and to see the chemistry he has with Diaz and Craig Sheffer as scene partners is simply a joy. Add in a unique role for screen stalwart Billy Zane and wonderfully playful original music from Christopher Young, and 'Head above water' is a lot more fun that I supposed before I started watching.
Theresa Marie doesn't seem to have any other credits to her name, but her adapted screenplay here is gratifyingly smart and clever. The characters are filled with personality, depth, and little complexities, nevermind the relationships between them, and this is the real heart of the picture. The sharp dialogue and scene writing, building the twisted, discrete plot bit by morbid bit, are just bonuses to propel the course of events as dynamics shift. Producer and filmmaker Jim Wilson demonstrates a keen mind in his direction to orchestrate shots and scenes and guide his cast, nevertheless leaving the actors just enough room to put a little a little bit of themselves into these characters. To that point, everyone here is clearly having such a great time with the sordid saga, and the situations and scenes it allows them to explore, and it really is such a pleasure just to see Keitel, Diaz, and Sheffer play in the spaces given to them.
Reaping the benefits of a beautiful filming location (there's no place like Maine), and excellent work in all regards from those behind the scenes, including production design and wardrobe, at length the result is unfailingly well done and entertaining. Ninety minutes pass swiftly as the plot thickens. All involved made terrific contributions to bring the movie to life, and to be honest I can't especially think of any distinct flaw. If anything I would only say that 'Head above water' perhaps never reaches an utmost crescendo to produce major thrills or commensurate laughter; it's roundly enjoyable, but not riotous. Whether one chalks up that tenor to intentional relative nuance or simply to a specific deficiency in the writing or direction is maybe a question for every viewer to answer for themselves - but even at that, the climax is such an outrageous, unlikely, Rube Goldberg-like cascade of nonsense that the picture concludes with a very strong finish.
This isn't necessarily something one needs to go out of their way to see, unless perhaps one is a huge fan of someone involved. If you have the chance to watch, though, 'Head above water' is well worth one's time.
Theresa Marie doesn't seem to have any other credits to her name, but her adapted screenplay here is gratifyingly smart and clever. The characters are filled with personality, depth, and little complexities, nevermind the relationships between them, and this is the real heart of the picture. The sharp dialogue and scene writing, building the twisted, discrete plot bit by morbid bit, are just bonuses to propel the course of events as dynamics shift. Producer and filmmaker Jim Wilson demonstrates a keen mind in his direction to orchestrate shots and scenes and guide his cast, nevertheless leaving the actors just enough room to put a little a little bit of themselves into these characters. To that point, everyone here is clearly having such a great time with the sordid saga, and the situations and scenes it allows them to explore, and it really is such a pleasure just to see Keitel, Diaz, and Sheffer play in the spaces given to them.
Reaping the benefits of a beautiful filming location (there's no place like Maine), and excellent work in all regards from those behind the scenes, including production design and wardrobe, at length the result is unfailingly well done and entertaining. Ninety minutes pass swiftly as the plot thickens. All involved made terrific contributions to bring the movie to life, and to be honest I can't especially think of any distinct flaw. If anything I would only say that 'Head above water' perhaps never reaches an utmost crescendo to produce major thrills or commensurate laughter; it's roundly enjoyable, but not riotous. Whether one chalks up that tenor to intentional relative nuance or simply to a specific deficiency in the writing or direction is maybe a question for every viewer to answer for themselves - but even at that, the climax is such an outrageous, unlikely, Rube Goldberg-like cascade of nonsense that the picture concludes with a very strong finish.
This isn't necessarily something one needs to go out of their way to see, unless perhaps one is a huge fan of someone involved. If you have the chance to watch, though, 'Head above water' is well worth one's time.