Review of Septien (2011) by Carlos D — 14 May 2011

Seeing this film at the Maryland Film Festival was a real treat. Absolutely the best film I saw at the festival, Septien is an oddball art film that I fear will never receive any sort of mainstream recognition, but it isn't meant to be appealing to all audiences.

Michael Tully plays the main character, as well as acts as director and screenwriter for this film and it really is something quite special. From the first frame of the movie to the last chord of the music playing over the credits this film is exceptional.

The ideas are screwy and very surreal, the pain felt by much of the cast is so vivid and engrossing, the acting is unbelievable, surpassing all of my expectations and considering the cast was so small and confined to a limited area, it takes a real talent to make the story continuously interesting, and the makers of the movie have this talent.

The cinematography (shot on Super 16mm film) is amazing to say the least and how certain scenes are lit makes the feeling of further surrealism and intrigue push further into the audience's psyche, this mixed with humor both dry and dark just captures all attention and doesn't let us go until the film reel stops.

A film that surely is one of those hidden gems that should be given the recognition it deserves and I believe it is far more than Oscar-worthy in its execution of acting, directing, screenwriting and cinematography; but sadly, I feel, as aforementioned, that it will not get the attention it warrants.