When the highway becomes a dead end we drive on... "Did you ever want something really bad but did not know what it is?" Simple lines such as these resonate throughout this forgotten gem as two lost souls, treading the circumstantial leads of a dead end find the wherewithal and courage to drive on, about a high way to no where. The dialogue, the atmosphere, the looming freeze of the ambiance, all display an existential stupor numbed by the desolation of a forsaken world. Writer and director Ron Judkins conducts a script with as much skill and delicacy of touch as the dialogue is absorbing and contemplative. The scenery of the empty winter landscape of a rural Montana is a suited setting that strikes a tune in consonance with the able orchestration of the characters and their emotional depths amidst the duldrums of a dearth of meaning. Rachael Leigh Cook is undeniably spectacular. Every lazy eye, every shy exertion of anger, every lush yet timid expression of desire has you riveted with awe. The naturalism of her artistry is cause for celebration. This independent movie sees her display the full gamut of her talent. Any fan of her art shoud not miss this movie, nowadays become a rare find even at Amazon. What accentuates and amplifies such a compelling acting yet more is the role of Ryan Alosio, who interprets a lost soul with rankled resignation with able strength and reserve. The two begin a search for a mother who had abandoned Cook's character to a family of loving everyday folks, who are the understated threshhold of this trip to nowhere. It is not so much what they find but what they seek that matters. Upon reading the letter written by the dead estranged father to the young lady Alosio has by force of responsibility become the dispatcher of, he spells the philosophy of a movie that is, to put it mildly, damn good: "I don't believe in the presence of an almighty God or the pot at the end of the rainbow, or that anything in particular makes sense. All I know is that what matters, what we have, is what we do for each other in this world." It's with this simplicity and excess of depth that the narratiive drives onward to no sunrise or redemptive horizon. The letter will end as the movie does, by outlining the words: "it's taken me a long time to understand this..." And the desolation of the cold Montana landscape becomes an invitation to a ball where the two seem out of place in the middle of a dance floor, yet they are, sure, exactly where they need to be. EXCEPTIONAL, EXCELLENT AND NOT TO BE MISSED.
The Hi-Line If you are a Rachel Leigh Cook fan this movie is great. The movie is an interesting, somewhat, unique story. Rachel Leigh Cook is by far the best part of the film. I think she shines in this DVD and her role, in the film, is really the only real reason to purchase the DVD. If you are a Rachel fan the DVD is worth purchasing. The movie is interesting and the DVD extras are very nice, especially the interview conducted, with Rachel, regarding her character in the film.
Delicate Balance Ron Judkins' directorial debut is a deceptively simple story of a naive Montana woman, Vera (Rachael Leigh Cook) who is told she is adopted. She is approached by a sleazy, but sad-eyed man named Sam (Ryan Alosio) who was given the ashes of her recently dead father and told to find his daughter. This is a character driven story, similar to films like "You Can Count on Me," where the screenplay doesn't focus on plot so much as how characters react to what is happening, and the plot follows. In the case of this film, it works nicely. Both Sam and Vera are complex characters in a love story that doesn't work on melodrama. When Vera discovers that she never knew her mother, she decides to go find her. And Sam decides reluctantly to go with her. Few films use such stark dialogue, with such sad undertones, but this is a quiet film. It uses dialogue only when the characters truly mean to talk. The cinematography by Wally Pfister is stunning, showing the hauntingly barren but mysteriously beautiful back drops of Montana. This is a very nice film that deserves viewing.
Independent Filmmaking At It's Best Undiscovered gem. Sure-handed, sophisticated direction by Ron Judkins in his feature film debut. A Sundance Film Festival competition selection. Here's how special that is-- nearly 1,000 films apply and a mere 16 are invited. Judkins is a two-time Academy Award winner for sound on JURASSIC PARK and SAVING PRIVATE RYAN; also Oscar nominated for SCHINDLER'S LIST. Hanging out with that kind of company, the dude obviously learned something about making movies. Beautiful cinematography by star-on-the-rise Wally Pfister (MEMENTO). The Hi-Line is independent filmmaking at it's best.
The Hi-Line This is a delicate and subtle character-driven movie, which makes it a very good showcase for Rachel Leigh Cook. It's great to see her successfully explore a role with a wider and more complex range than Hollywood has allowed her. That's what indies are for, I suppose. It's beautifully shot, and has a tricky and understated plot. No car crashes or nude scenes, but a film well worth watching.
Anything Goes Trivia
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