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joesh
Reviews
Chrystal (2004)
Raw, funny excellence
I loved Ray McKinnon's short The Accountant, so was really eager to see Chrystal, and it did not disappoint. The film is about Billy Bob Thornton's character coming back to his wife after 20 years in prison for a drunk driving accident that led to Billy Bob's wife (played by the amazing Lisa Blount) being horribly injured, and their infant son disappearing without a trace.
Like The Accountant, the film is set in the rural South, and is very interested in the particular culture of the region (Harry Dean Stanton plays a local musician.) Also like The Accountant, the film is very funny in places, despite its grim set-up. It goes in directions that are unexpected, but remain true and organic. The film touches on many issues and moves between moments of comedy, tension and high emotion with a sure touch. The acting is terrific (look out for James Intveld as a saintly policeman)and the pacing and camerawork are superb.
This film is yet to be picked up for distribution, but I'm sure that it will be out at some point - make sure you get to see it!
Habit (1995)
The best Vampire film ever. Probably.
A great vampire film full of realistic eroticism, Habit is one of the best small-scale independent films ever made. The film is stunning on many levels- narrative ambiguity (is she a vampire or not?), incredible visuals and a beautifully detailed soundtrack all combine to make a dark and mysterious film that is more interested in character than in gore.