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Surface (The)
- Director: Michael J. Saul
- Writer: Michael J. Saul
- Producer: Heath Daniels
CGiii Comment
Michael J. Saul has produced many a fine short film...
This is his feature debut...high hopes indeed.
We don't really want to use the word: lacklustre. But, alas, lacklustre it is.
We could use the words introspective, meditative...when, what we really are trying to say is...lifeless and rather dull.
Moody Evan is faced with a few - rather simplistic - dichotomies...rich boy/poor boy, young boy/older man...he's an orphan...we get it, he's seeking dependency...not just a father figure...but, as we see it, a meal-ticket.
Things would be a little different if Evan was likeable - he's not. He's cold and charmless, distant and a bit of a prick. If this coldness was the intention...then, fine. But...no-one is going to be on his side. No-one is going to care.
By the end...whether he finds a 'family' or not...it's of no concern...no-one cares.
It's not a terrible film...it just needed energy. Perhaps, a little passion?!?!
Just a little too low-key to register.
Trailer...
Surface Official Trailer from michael saul on Vimeo.
The(ir) Blurb...
Evan Jones, a child orphan who, for years, was shifted from one foster home to another. Now a disaffected college student, he lives with his wealthy boyfriend, Chris. Their social and financial disparities have made their relationship increasingly volatile despite their mutual love for one another. While sifting through old relics at an elderly man's yard sale, Evan finds an 8mm movie camera.
The man offers to teach Evan how to use it if he comes back the following week. Upon returning, Evan meets the man's 43-year-old son, Peter. They strike up a conversation and Peter gives him reels of old 8mm movies that are collecting dust in the garage. The home movies, featuring a young Peter and his boyhood friend touch a nerve with Evan. Their youthful flirtations and tenderness are uncomplicated and pure. Evan begins to live vicariously through the home movies and his friendship with Peter soon turns romantic.
Cast & Characters
Michelle Ehlen as Evie;
Harry Hains as Evan Jones;
Koji Niiya as John the Bartender;
Bryson Pitts as Young Evan;
Jinny Chung as Amy Chen;
Michael Redford Carney as Peter Berg;
Kyle Patrick Darling as Justin Fishman;
Miles Platt as Mark;
Samantha Bowling as Michelle;
Ari David as A.J.