User Reviews

The Silence of Bees is an emotionally charged film that almost anyone can relate to when it comes to the struggle between parents and their children throughout life. The characters had a lot of depth and Sharon and Jim really brought them to life. The film has wonderful sound and the cinematography was fantastic, you could tell at every angel how the characters were feeling and the use of close-ups', and medium shots were great. The music was fitting for the film and on point. The only thing I didn't care for were the shots with low lighting, it made things hard to see at times. Other than that the film was great and I would recommend it to watch.

The Silence of the Bees is an interesting short film that gives the audience the question about mortality, and the ideas behind dreams and the definition of satisfaction. Sharon Garnier portrays Alex McKenzie, a nurse who is taking care of her father Parker Lam (Portrayed by Jim Beaver). Parker is an unsuccessful author who is living in Barbados. He continues to write, despite his failing age, and in his weakened state he wishes his daughter to continue the mantle of writing in his stead. She does not find an interest in writing as it does not give her the immediate satisfaction that a nurse's paycheck does. Despite her qualms about writing, nursing in reality requires more patience and vitality than most other jobs. To care for one's artistic work, is at times similar to how one cares for another's life. The film ends itself on an ambiguous note, with Parker's beer spilled on the floor. The audience assumes he had died from the previous bee sting, but it may also be possible that he had just accidentally dropped his stuff. The final scene shows the mortality of human beings, as the audience believes that Parker is dead, but the ambiguity of the scene prevents us from knowing for sure. The film is interesting, and while short gives us various ideas and morals to think about. Overall, i would give the short film, "The Silence of Bees", a Solid 8.

I enjoyed the film overall! I think it was very strong in terms of grabbing the audience's attention and pulling us in to an emotional scene that many of us could relate to. After viewing the film and comparing it to the script, I personally felt one of the weaknesses was the acting. I personally did not feel that drawn to the characters' portrayal of the emotional tension between Alex and Parker. In the script, the emotions and tone, such as sarcasm and bitterness, can easily be identified; however in the film at certain parts, I felt that Garnier's portrayal was too artificial or maybe showing a little too much emotion to be equated to how a real person would conduct themselves in this situation. I do not mean to insult the actress, but I feel that portrayal could have been better. I felt that Parker's character was pretty spot on to what I had imagined after reading the script. On the positive side, I do think that setting and the music were very effective for creating the right atmosphere during the various parts of their conversation. Also, I thought that the script was well written and the film was shot effectively; it allowed the audience to grasp only bits and pieces of the father-daughter relationship and history which ultimately allowed us to make up our own opinions about their choices and perspectives.

The Silence of Bees started off OK with the showing of the time setting, but I didn't think the lighting of the sun setting and the next close up shot of the leaves and a bee went together. The shot with the bee looked much brighter than it should have.

Sharon Garnier plays a perfect Alex because she has the right uptight look and conflicting emotions between Alex's father, Parker, played by Jim Beaver, who also played his character well. The father-daughter relationship seemed very real. In the beginning, Alex seems like she no longer cares to be living with her father and responds to her father's questions in a tight way, but towards the end, she begins to feel more appreciated and loved by her father.

Because this was a very short film (17 minutes), I felt it left me with many unanswered questions, but I also believe there was enough depth to the two characters that made the film watchable and not boring.

One of the biggest weaknesses of the film, for me, was the acting . Sharon Garnier, who played Alex, seemed too rehearsed for the scene, and when she "blew up" at her father, it seemed sudden and overblown. It was like turning a perfectly calm conversation into an unnecessary fight. I felt like she wasn't really listening to Jim Beaver, who portrayed her father Parker, in the scene. He was mostly very subdued with his acting, which I believed worked for his character, but Sharon would react by raising her voice and flailing about as if he had done the same thing. She escalated an awkward conversation into a fight without any real reason. It just suddenly happened. It's like they were acting for two completely different versions of the film: Beaver showed a more awkward, laid-back version of their disagreement, while Garnier frequently attempted to elevate the scene to a more dramatic conflict. It was strange and didn't work for me.

I believe one of the film's strengths was the camera work. I enjoyed the lingering close-ups, especially on Jim Beaver as Parker, as they always revealed the hidden or private thoughts of the characters. I watched in fascination as different emotions flitted across Beaver's or Garnier's faces, and the close-ups gave the film an awkward intimacy reflected in the relationship between the father and daughter duo. I also liked the over-the-shoulder shot from early in the film, giving us a view of Parker through the kitchen window. This shot perfectly conveyed the emotional distance between Parker and Alex; they close and yet still so far from each other. The final shot of the rum bottle on the floor was also interesting to me, as it could potentially have many different interpretations. Has Parker given up his excessive drinking because of the possibility of a renewed relationship with his daughter? Is Parker doomed to die because of his alcoholism? This final shot is also interesting because it's not included in the original screenplay and was instead added by the director.

Overall, I enjoyed the /idea/ of the film, but I wouldn't say I enjoyed the film itself. The way the actors' moods clashed really brought me out of the film instead of pulling me in.

The preview does pull you in the picture because it gives you the beautiful imagery of the place and it gives you just the right information to let you know what the movie will be about, but not all the details. It creates the curiosity to watch it; since you want to know more about why she acts the way she does along with her father.

The cast and crew were well chosen. Starting with the director Andrew J. Traister who just recently did a production that was chosen as Los Angeles Times critics' choice. He is talented and has been working with several companies across the country. The screen-writer and also producer of this film is Joanna Perry-Folino who is a playwright, screenwriter, and producer. She has produced over 15 plays and other productions. She wrote The Silence of Bees and has won prestigious awards. This film also includes excellent actors such as Jim Beaver, who is a playwright, film historian, screen-writer, and television actor as well as other things. He is very talented and is very well-known. Sharon Garnier who played Alex Mckenzie is also very talented and has appeared on television and films. The producer and director of photography for this film was Pete Kelley who has over 25 years of experience. Derek Beauchemin was the film and sound editor. He is a producer, musician, and a writer. The composer was Carl Johnson who is an Emmy Award-winning composer who has written music for many famous movies like Hunchback of Notre Dame II and Aladdin and the King of Thieves. Lastly, Dan O'Day McClellan was the assistant director and production coordinator. He has over 15 years of experience as actor, writer, producer, and comedian. He used to work in the animated TV show The Simpsons when he used to live in Los Angeles. The whole cast and crew has lots of experience and they brought their talents to this film.

A strength this film has is the characters because they develop as the film continues. Father and daughter are not connecting quite well, but as the film continues they start to change their views and understand each other realizing it might be the last time they will be able to connect and show that they really care about each other. The daughter tries to break the bond between them but she is unsuccessful. Another strength is that it is an excellent film even though is a short film. It is well done and developed since you get the whole picture with out the need of more information. The lighting and music were really good too they made the scenes so realistic and in the right environment and the music helped bring the emotions into play. The only weakness I saw was the fact that it was short and even though you don't need more information it could have been better if there were more scenes about their past and future. Other then this I believe this film was really interesting and good.

The Silence of Bees is an incredible journey of an intimate father daughter relationship and the incredible emotions intertwined within them. The film beautifully captured the awkwardness and power of the significant relationship of father and daughter. These characters are so relatable that it is hard not see your own broken relationships within the characters. The strengths in this movie are numerous. The exotic background sounds, dim torch lighting, and slight breeze perfectly complimented the tropical island ambiance. Also the use of close ups to showcase the intense emotions felt by the characters during the conversations was astounding. These minute details really brought the whole picture to life. In my opinion there were only two minuscule weaknesses in the entire film. One was when the characters were talking and Alex says "you are working again" and it cuts to a behind shot of Parker it seems as though his reply is quite louder than it should be. Also I feel as though Alex, Sharon Garnier, looks around and moves her head around too much when she is talking to Peter, it is almost distracting from the film. These two weaknesses are very nit-picky because honestly it was hard to find fault within this film. The play on emotions is incredible and truly transports you into memories of your own life and your own relationships with those you love.

Watch the preview clip.

Does it pull you into the picture? How so?

The preview was beautifully done. The intermixing of scenes of the characters and their struggles with shots of the bees silently and peacefully flying around was incredible. It was such a short clip but it really made me feel so many emotions and made me wonder so much about the film in such a short period of time.

Now read about the key players in this film: the actors, writer, producers, director What can you tell us about each of them?

The director of this film is Andrew J. Traister. Not only has he directed at many prestigious theaters and worked with many amazing actors/actresses, but he also has taught at four different schools.

The screenwriter and producer of this film is Joanna Perry-Folino. She also is a playwright, screenwriter, professor, and librettist as well as a producer! She has produced over 15 plays and is very involved in the Sustainable Communities movement.

The Director of Photography and Producer is Pete Kelley. He has over 25 years of professional experience and his career actually started in his college years as a camera operator.

Jim Beaver played one of the main characters, Parker Lam. He is a stage, film, and television actor and also is a playwright, screenwriter, and film historian. He also served in the Marine Corps, was a Vietnam vet, and went to a couple different colleges all on top of being an actor!

Sharon Garnier played Alex Mckenzie. She does acting in television shows, acts in plays, as well as in independent films.

Derek Beauchemin is the Film and Sound Editor. He has worked as a musician, writer, and producer but in recent years has started getting into film and video editing.

Carl Johnson is the composer. He is a film and television composer but has done some for the stage also. He has composed for some very popular films and television shows.

Dan O'Day McClellan is the Production Coordinator and Assistant Director. He is an actor, writer, producer, and comedian. He also writes and directs his own short films.

I really felt that the acting and writing were excellent in this short film. Jim Beaver really stood out with his performance and gave this character depth. Sharon Garnier did a wonderful job portraying this strained relationship with her father. I felt the ending could have been done differently though, I didn't like the slow motion, dreamy feel of it, but overall, I really enjoyed it and wish there was more. It would be nice to dive deeper into both these characters as well as the other ones mentioned in it. It was all done on a very small budget but came out very well and has one a couple awards which are well deserved in my opinion.

The Silence of Bees is a short film that discusses topics of ones true passion, their art, what they want to be remembered for and what the rest of the world would remember. Ones final last words, A fatal bee sting ends a life. A daughter torn apart, join the medical world, or write like her father wants of her. Set on the tropical island of Barbados, this short film has great directing and awesome dialog. It has a few big stars, and isn't long. It's a very powerful film, the dark night sky really sets the tone for this somber feeling that it provides. The actors do a great job in getting you interested quick with their amazing dark glances that they shoot at each other,

The Silence of the Bees captures your attention from beginning to end! The cinematography truly captured the somber mood of the film, and the actors Jim Beaver and Sharon Garnier interaction helped you understand the struggling relationship between a father and his daughter. The close up shots of the actors showing their facial expressions helped you understand what the characters were feeling. The emotions were clearly conveyed and the setting and lighting also contributed well to setting the mood and tone. This 17 minute film went by too fast, it left you wanting more. A well written screenplay was beautifully brought to life through film! I would enjoy watching more films from this writer, and director!

I have not seen many short films so I am unfamiliar with the sort of standards these films need to meet in order to be categorized as "successful". Having said that, I strongly believe that The Silence of the Bees (2008) is a decent film and well written! Even though it appears that the budget for this film was small, the cast and crew did a beautiful job with the completion of this film given the resources that they had. I did not know who Jim Beaver or Sharon Garnier were until I researched more about them. I think I would have chosen a different female lead for the role of Alex but regardless, I think they both did a nice job at portraying a complicated father/daughter relationship. For the most part, they both showed the right amounts of emotion; I think that Sharon Garnier was a little too over dramatic sometimes but both still did a good job at making their roles believable. The story itself left me hanging because I wish I could have seen a little more backstory on these characters lives including Alex's mother and her previous boyfriend, Harry. I think it would have been interesting to have seen snippets of the show or at least the episode Alex's father was talking about so that I could better understand why he believes Harry did a poor job at depicting Alex. I also would have liked to have learned how and why Alex and her father's relationship is so strained and what kind of man Alex's father was before her mother left. Even though I would have liked to have seen more of the history between these two characters, I still feel that I got a good enough idea of who they are and how they contribute to the overall story.