Review of "REVE Leaving Styx" by Andrew Pengilley
My first thought as the film began was 'all is not what it seems' which for me is a very good thing (I love to sit and watch a film that is unpredictable). The opening shots heightened my sense of unease by the interesting framing. Some characters are often at the edges of the frame rather than central, some shots are from behind and one genius shot of Reve (in the kitchen) without her head. 'Where is this going?' I thought, 'It's the real world but clearly something else is going on underneath the facade of the sunny cityscapes'.
The voiceover was interesting too, revealing just enough of the character's state of mind rather than giving away too much...or plot details. I loved the little animated touches and split-screen, I think it spiced up scenes and confirmed the film's slightly 'off-kilter' feel (much like something David Lynch might do).
What I liked most about the film, is the potential that the filmmaker is showing. Exploring composition, sound, light and narrative structure with confidence. I'm really looking forward to seeing what happens next in the story, and where Susan Lien Whigham will go as a filmmaker.
Andrew Pengilley, Filmmaker
Distinct Films - http://www.distinctfilms.com/
P.S. Excellent closing shot by the sea - I'm officially intrigued!
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