Review of Ballast (2008) by Tõnis K — 05 Dec 2008
Incredibly restrained, minimalistic filmmaking. This pic gives you the bare essentials with which to construct your impressions but it still packs a punch. My advice to the fellow at my screening who asked for his money back: sometimes you gotta WATCH movies, sir.
Actively. "Ballast" will only reward you if you're prepared to regard every shot, every line of dialogue as indispensable. (Heck, if you wanna complain about something, complain about the abominable sound system at the Carlton cinema.
The manager made some excuse--"the theatres are only equipped for mono playback"--but, sheeyit, that don't explain the muffled, mid-range hertz hum that is omnipresent in more than one auditorium.
Now I have a soft spot for the Carlton. It gets great flicks. But I think it's a shame that it presents these rarities with such shoddy technology. AND the admittance fee has gone up! Torontonians, if you are so inclined to be a fellow griper, send a refurbishment plea to 20 Carlton Street, Toronto, M5B 2H5.
Films like "Ballast"...mixed at Skywalker Ranch, even!...deserve better. Much love.).
This review of Ballast (2008) was written by Tõnis K on 05 Dec 2008.
Ballast has generally received positive reviews.
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