Review of Too Late (2016) by John D — 13 Sep 2016
I saw this at the Cleveland International Film Festival. It is perhaps the worst thing I have seen in the many years I've attended this festival and by far the worst thing I've seen screened at the Cleveland Cinematheque.
This is Cleveland native Dennis Hauck first feature. He attempts to use the gimmick of five 20-minute uncut scenes to tell his story. He makes multiple references to cheap thrillers like Carnival of Souls from 1962.
I was repeatedly reminded by the gratuitous nudity, drugs and violence, fundamentally gratuitous-Tarantino, that this feels like an over-inflated film-student film. The writing and way the actresses were forced to appear topless or obviously braless also reminded me of the trashy The Room by Tommy Wiseau and Fateful Findings by Neil Breen.
The film does have John Hawkes as the private investigator in its favor (and probably one of the few reasons it got picked up by festivals). The non-linear plot used to cause disorientation, the at times sloppy camera work, and the mediocre to vapid supporting cast are not saved by some 35mm film purist bull.
This review of Too Late (2016) was written by John D on 13 Sep 2016.
Too Late has generally received positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
