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n. hoop·la fac·tor (h  p lä f kt r)
degree of entertainment attained irrespective of critical worth |
Missive
 | Year: 2007 |
| Country: Australia | |
| Writer/Producer: Daniel Bernardi | |
| Director: Adam Stolfo | |
| Cast: Paul Reichstein, Sean Scully, Michelle Cele, Andy McPhee |
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Stuart:From first time screenwriter Daniel Bernardi comes Missive, a bold tale of regret and redemption. The script is one of the film's many highlights. Though prone to the occasional bout of awkwardness there are no gratuitous lines whatsoever. It's a 15 minute film but felt half that length, which is testament to the abilities of not only the writer but the director and editor also. I must admit to being friends with director Adam Stolfo, and was of course a little nervous prior to the screening - what would I write if it was awful? Thankfully I had nothing to worry about. His directorial talents have improved immeasurably since Alaina, which was a great film that pales slightly now in comparison to Missive. But that's the way up and coming filmmakers' works should be - each one a great leap from the one before. The sound, cinematography and lighting are all spot on.Paul Reichstein is perfectly cast as the hit man Darius Satch, and when dressed up in his black suit his demeanour has an uncanny resemblance to Daniel Craig as Bond, though considering Missive was filmed in August 2006 (before Casino Royale appeared on screens) this is a lucky coincidence. He brings utter seriousness to the role and has the uncanny knack of commanding our sincere attention. Sean Scully plays the man who throws Darius' world into turmoil and his role is a thankless one, having to deliver his lines to a fairly non-responsive assassin. His delivery has the sweet pang of regret as he imparts words of wisdom that he fears have come too late. Michelle Cele is a strong performer also, and I perhaps would have preferred to see more of her. The role of June Fenton is unfortunately the only one that feels out of place, and perhaps her presence should have had a more obvious impact on the narrative. The score by Paul Houseman is an integral addition to the film and helps pick up the pace, even through the darker moments. A tightly woven thriller of sorts, Missive is possibly more accurately described as a post-thriller - that is, it focuses on the remorse and consequences of the actions we've come to expect from the genre. With nary a dull moment, it hints tantalisingly at what may be if either Stolfo or Bernardi decided to focus on a feature length film. Ones to watch, definitely. Review by Stuart Wilson, 15th January 2007 |
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