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Reviews
Firecracker (2005)
This film blew me away!
As I wrote in my comments about Wamego: Making Movies Anywhere, Steve Balderson certainly seems to provoke passions, whether positive or negative. After seeing Firecracker, I think I understand why.
Firecracker is NOT for the faint of heart, nor those looking for a happy ending. It is not the typical fare found in your local multiplex. It doesn't follow a formula, and it obviously wasn't made by a committee.
Firecracker IS a gorgeous, lush, dramatic, intoxicating, mysterious and extremely complex telling of a very sad story. The fact that it is a true story at its root is even more compelling.
So many of the comments have focused on one thing or another, and most of those that are positive touch on the elements that I would name as being the reasons I love this film. The use of the black and white segueing into color is obvious, yet as the film progresses I became less aware of it, and now realize that the very presence or absence of color created much of the mood I felt. I'm more use to the music being the source of my emotional state, and as has been stated in other reviews, the music is incredible. But I believe that the use of color (or lack thereof) may have pulled me deeper into the story and the underlying emotions than even the music. Near the end, when the black and white "Kansas" world and the brilliantly colored "Carnival" world switch, I think the jolt to my system was perhaps the strongest I've ever felt in watching a film.
I'm not a crier, but there were 2 different times when I found myself tearing up. The plots of those 2 scenes were reasons, but I think the depth of color and then the change to black and white, intensified it to produce the overwhelming sadness that I felt.
It's now been 4 days since I saw the film. I can't stop thinking about it. I want to see it again. I don't want to criticize those who have criticized Firecracker. Each and every person has a right to his own opinions. For those who haven't seen it, if you like simple, straight-forward, fun-loving narrative comedies, thrillers or big budget extravaganzas, then you probably won't understand Firecracker and won't like it. For those of you who like complex, character driven films full of symbolism, a gut-wrenching storyline and gorgeous cinematography, you'll want to see Firecracker over and over.
To all who had a hand in creating it, thank you very much.
Wamego: Making Movies Anywhere (2004)
Interesting, provocative, even if self-indulgent
I was at a private screening of Firecracker early this week. I have comments about it posted on that listing. After viewing it, I was curious about the documentary so borrowed one from a friend and watched it last night.
The first observation isn't about the DVD but about the fact that Steve Balderson seems to generate either praise bordering on adulation, or criticism that reminds me of total denigration. There sure doesn't seem to be a middle ground for the opinions about this guy and his work.
I found Wamego: Making Movies Anywhere to be inspiring. Sure, it is self-indulgent. After all, they made it about themselves, so I doubt any family would deliberately shoot and edit a film that revealed huge flaws, particularly when the objective is to promote their feature film. At least that is what my friend told me... that the documentary was designed to go on a DVD of Firecracker when and if it is ever released as such.
Anyway, as I said, Wamego inspired me. While I'm an independent film nut (see screen name) I have always wanted to open a coffee house/café. But I've always let one thing or another convince me it was a bad idea. And in the process all that has really happened is that I've gotten older and still haven't pursued my dream. After watching Wamego last night, I've decided it is now or never.
I wish there were more to the documentary, like steps and such, but somehow I'm going to figure out how to move forward pursuing my dream as determinedly as the Baldersons pursued theirs.
You see, I think the real message of Wamego isn't about making an independent film. It's about determination... utter and pure dogged determination. It's about refusing to accept the premise that "You can't..." It's about figuring out a way, no matter what the obstacles are. I don't know this family, but my friend does, and he tells me they are pretty genuinely fond of each other. Maybe that is a message too.
At any rate, I enjoyed the doc and intend to watch it every time I get bogged down in all the reasons why my dreams will never come true. By God, they can come true!