I remember catching this film on our local TV station a few years ago and I've remembered it ever since. They used to run short films all the time and many of them were okay but kind of, well, uninspired. I believe the best film makers are those that take you completely out of your role as viewer and into the story and this short film certainly does that. The pacing, the casting, the awkward tension... it's all evident and yet there's a rather powerful subtlety or restraint shown here. The director is pulling you into his story- not bashing you over the head with it. I found myself wanting to strangle the characters at times as they fumble toward (and away from) their feelings for each other and then realizing that I was identifying with them. It's really well done and highly recommended. I'd love to see a feature with this story expanded or see something else by this director.
8 Reviews
A must see film in the exploration of human connection
ming88812 July 2006
This is a unique story that explores the relationship between two individuals with very different and opposed personalities.
I found much of the film to be exquisite as it displayed the awkwardness of human contact at what may or may not be the early stages of a relationship. The simplicity of its execution allows the viewer to focus on the actors and the story without being distracted by gimmicky shots or flashy edits. The acting was very strong and both performers took their roles well. They felt like real people in a real situation with genuine concern for each other.
I really enjoyed this movie and found it quite masterful at times.
I found much of the film to be exquisite as it displayed the awkwardness of human contact at what may or may not be the early stages of a relationship. The simplicity of its execution allows the viewer to focus on the actors and the story without being distracted by gimmicky shots or flashy edits. The acting was very strong and both performers took their roles well. They felt like real people in a real situation with genuine concern for each other.
I really enjoyed this movie and found it quite masterful at times.
Intimate portrayal of human connection, with all its awkwardness and honesty
rich-73917 July 2006
Touch is an intimate movie, showing the main characters in an awkward, human interaction. Ian embodies the quirks and anxiety of someone grappling with masculinity in today's society. Max is equally fraught with tension and contradiction. But there is honesty and tenderness working between Ian and Max, even though it isn't a smooth linear progression, or a typical representation of a "relationship".
Ian's discomfort can be unsettling, leaving the viewer frustrated and impatient at times. However, the intimacy provided by Ian and Max is genuine, and shows a true human connection. It can be difficult to remember our own coming of age. Touch serves as a beautiful reminder of what that looks and feels like.
The ending provides the vagueness that leaves the entire film open to interpretation. It is truly a gift, in this over packaged and formulaic era that many films fall prey. Hopefully, there is a resolution that works for Ian and Max, we will never know.
Ian's discomfort can be unsettling, leaving the viewer frustrated and impatient at times. However, the intimacy provided by Ian and Max is genuine, and shows a true human connection. It can be difficult to remember our own coming of age. Touch serves as a beautiful reminder of what that looks and feels like.
The ending provides the vagueness that leaves the entire film open to interpretation. It is truly a gift, in this over packaged and formulaic era that many films fall prey. Hopefully, there is a resolution that works for Ian and Max, we will never know.
Touching Journey
PeterTharos8 July 2006
This charming indie explores the profound journey and power of the human "touch". Through a seemingly simple story, the bold and thoughtful director/writer moves us into the world of Ian (Rick Roberts), a young man who seems intent on breaking free from the ordinary, disconnectedness of things to get "in touch" with something deeper. There are many possible interpretations of the movie as it quietly invites you to ponder what life's all about in a world where real connection can so easily pass us by. This film has a meditative and cool smoothness about it that takes us into uncharted waters where the simplest intimacy can have the power to transform. The ending, (or is it a beginning?), will leave you surprised and intrigued. Aren't those the best moments?
A unconventional take on relationships
htiedke22 July 2006
This movie takes an interesting and original perspective on the beginning of a sexual relationship between two people -- highlighting the excruciating awkwardness and self-consciousness, as opposed to the excitement and giddiness. The movie also conveys the message that it is the underlying strong emotions between the two characters that are responsible for the strained awkwardness between them. Over all this movie made me see relationships through a different, but nevertheless, very realistic lens. It made me think about all of the nerve-racking second-guessing and self-examination I go through at the start of relationship, and this is not typically portrayed in movies. The negatives: I was not as sympathetic to the female character as the male character.
very good
mbobandjean23 July 2006
"The Touch" is a very warm and sensitive film which delves into the many aspects of human emotions. It also leaves one with a deep sense of anticipation and the hope that another film of this caliber will soon be available. I found the performances of the actors was excellent - so much so that there was a feeling of being there with them throughout their scenes. Perhaps Glenn MacIntosh experienced some of the same excitement and emotion that they so ably displayed. good story line, good direction , good acting and well planned scenes in which to work. In summary, may I say that it was a joy to watch and my congratulations to all involved and may they go on to even greater films.
Touching, unusual, original.
duncanm-625 July 2006
Warning: Spoilers
An unusual treatment of two people trying to deal with one of them wanting something more, the other, not sure. The issue is handled sensitively, more unsaid than said. There are some funny scenes--one character struggling to resist the temptation to smoke, another scene where his need to smoke is making him impatient on a shopping adventure, an odd, unexplained bit with a mop and a bucket. The director manages to create a world with this vignette, and to impose his sensibility thoroughly on the story. The characters feel real, and we seem to have a glimpse into their lives. The actors are winning in their performances. The male lead is especially subtle, in part because it is more his story, and his interiority is more revealed in the writing. There is a calm, soft, almost mysterious atmosphere to the film, and yet also some tension. Part of this is achieved by the effective, subtle sound-track. Production values are good. A fine movie for couples.
A special memory.
Hal93 January 2001
Warning: Spoilers
I was able to make this film thanks to many talented and generous people who were kind enough to afford me their considerable time, patience, abilities and resources. I'm grateful to all of you and wish you my best.
***
FROM "THE TORONTO STAR", A REVIEW BY HENRY MIETKIEWICZ:
"CANADIAN DIRECTOR FINDS SENSUALITY WITHOUT SKIN"
On screen, as in real life, there's a motto that often holds true: Sex is easy, intimacy is hard.
Carnal groping may be everywhere on TV and in the movies, but how much of it ever conveys the closeness and breathless discovery that passes between two mature adults?
Precious little, which is why "THE TOUCH" comes as such a revelation.
In less than half an hour, and without a scintilla of nudity, Toronto Director GLENN MACINTOSH has crafted a tiny gem of a film that subtly explores the first stirrings of intimacy in a relationship that's flickering into existence.
At first, there's little sense of where MacIntosh's script is heading, since the encounters between Ian (RICK ROBERTS) and Max (JOY TANNER) consist of little more than nervous chats over coffee.
But even here, with all the elongated pauses and strained silence, there's an unshakable feeling that MacIntosh is in full control. What he's doing is coolly and realistically depicting the awkwardness that keeps Ian and Max, co-workers in search of something deeper, from relaxing in each other's company.
Roberts ably underplays the jumpiness of Ian's fidgety fingers and darting eyes, while Tanner gives Max an air of self-confidence that we know is only skin-deep.
But just when it seems that MacIntosh is interested only in the gulf between two friends, Ian suddenly proposes a startling experiment in intimacy that involves touching. Not kissing. Not foreplay. Not caressing. Just a special kind of touching.
The result is far from erotic. You'd have to strain even to call it sexy. In fact, MacIntosh underscores this irony by ending "THE TOUCH" with the sort of discreet breakaway shot that would normally be tacked on to a scene of conventional love-making.
Yet the sequence works because this IS love-making, except on a delicate, emotional level, disconnected from physicality. In capturing these surprising nuances, MacIntosh achieves more with his characters' fingertips and eye contact than most filmmakers do with writhing torsos.
***
FROM "THE TORONTO STAR", A REVIEW BY HENRY MIETKIEWICZ:
"CANADIAN DIRECTOR FINDS SENSUALITY WITHOUT SKIN"
On screen, as in real life, there's a motto that often holds true: Sex is easy, intimacy is hard.
Carnal groping may be everywhere on TV and in the movies, but how much of it ever conveys the closeness and breathless discovery that passes between two mature adults?
Precious little, which is why "THE TOUCH" comes as such a revelation.
In less than half an hour, and without a scintilla of nudity, Toronto Director GLENN MACINTOSH has crafted a tiny gem of a film that subtly explores the first stirrings of intimacy in a relationship that's flickering into existence.
At first, there's little sense of where MacIntosh's script is heading, since the encounters between Ian (RICK ROBERTS) and Max (JOY TANNER) consist of little more than nervous chats over coffee.
But even here, with all the elongated pauses and strained silence, there's an unshakable feeling that MacIntosh is in full control. What he's doing is coolly and realistically depicting the awkwardness that keeps Ian and Max, co-workers in search of something deeper, from relaxing in each other's company.
Roberts ably underplays the jumpiness of Ian's fidgety fingers and darting eyes, while Tanner gives Max an air of self-confidence that we know is only skin-deep.
But just when it seems that MacIntosh is interested only in the gulf between two friends, Ian suddenly proposes a startling experiment in intimacy that involves touching. Not kissing. Not foreplay. Not caressing. Just a special kind of touching.
The result is far from erotic. You'd have to strain even to call it sexy. In fact, MacIntosh underscores this irony by ending "THE TOUCH" with the sort of discreet breakaway shot that would normally be tacked on to a scene of conventional love-making.
Yet the sequence works because this IS love-making, except on a delicate, emotional level, disconnected from physicality. In capturing these surprising nuances, MacIntosh achieves more with his characters' fingertips and eye contact than most filmmakers do with writhing torsos.
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