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Weak layers
Weak Layers falls into a rare category. I had to watch it a second time for the review. Reason: wanted to approach it from a different mindset / point of view. Between both, seriously thought about some aspects of the film. Raised some questions. At no point did I tune it into the background. Or, stop watching / listen while doing other things. There have been a few films in this category.
Weak Layers is not your typical "Underdog beats the odds film." Yes, it does have a few aspects of that typical template. There are moments that will surprise / make you want to continue watching. Important Note on beginning: Pay close attention to the definition of Weak Layer. Throughout the film, don't take it literally, on scene does refer to it. It is more abstract throughout the film.
Opening scene: it has almost become illegal to show people smoking in a film. Illegal drugs / serious violence, alcohol; not a problem. Smoking a cigarette? No, you can't show that. Cleo (main character) is smoking. Different / rule breaking, love it.
Don't let the first part of this film fool you, make you think it is another 20 something party movie. Showing off the drugs / alcohol / who gives a fuck attitude (of any age / generation). Even though Cleo / Lucy / Tina (Cleo's roommates) appear to be generational poster children for this topic. Weak Layers goes in different directions / levels from this point. I am only 13 minutes in. Title / opening credits are around 14 minutes in. Giving you time to seriously reconsider watching the rest of the film. Honestly, it almost became background for me. Watched trailer and had to find out how film evolved. Yes, trailer had me completely hooked on a few levels.
Not going scene by scene. A great example of the humor in Weak Layers: Cleo says she will strip before entering Hot Lapse (film competition). Tina asks why it always comes down to stripping? You have to see this part. Seriously cracked up both times.
Attempting to jump forward and wrap it up. Trust me, this review could easily become a short story.
Weak Layers is one of the most interesting films I have watched. Mainly due to Katie Brurrell merging so many different aspects. Natural development of conflict especially between Cleo / her roommates. Add in personal evolution / growing up. Cleo goes from a party animal to serious / responsible adult (especially with making her film). While Tina / Lucy are so caught up in that scene, Tina especially get pissed at Cleo for these moments. Especially when Tina / Lucy completely bail on Cleo. Cleo finds out how she was accepted into Hot Lapse. How Lucy / Tina solved their homeless problem. They were evicted due to over-the-top partying towards beginning (living in a borrowed van).
Dane (professional film maker) is your typical male / egomaniac / asshole. Almost like Katie felt compelled to include this character type. He does have an important role with how Gabe develops. How relationship between Gabe / Cleo develops and evolves combination of Hallmark movie / Katie saying fuck the rules. Depending on what moment(s) you are watching.
Hot Lapse (film competition Katie enters) give us a behind the scenes of film making. Not only with the almost required action shots. Enough to help the film and evolve plot. Not over top to make it boring / predictable / stereotypical.
Most important aspect: Definition of Weak Layer at beginning. Watch film carefully and from a deeper / different mindset. You will see how this affects characters / interactions / backstory of some.
I still have some questions and "Ok, need more backstory on a few characters." Tina: hinted at and she point blank says reason for partying at one point. Lucy: Please come out with part 2! Need to find out if she pursues film making and becomes successful. Gabe: Seriously need backstory, too many questions. Lucy: almost complete backstory. Especially what let to her serious alcohol problem / partying addiction.
Final point: Katie hints at real challenges of film making for indies. "What is your film about?" No real answer. Overcoming creative block with completely brand new idea. Ending: giving us an idea of what any ski town is like. Highlighting people behind the scenes (lift operators / bartenders / every aspect of the town).
Honestly, I would love to meet / interview Katie Burrell. Believe me, this is very short list. Weak Layers finds a true balance between using formulas most major film makers / companies use. Again: saying fuck all the rules, taking different directions, surprising us in interesting and good ways. Very real / honest / not too heavy on emotional side (thank the Gods / Goddesses). Not the usual style I go for, Weak Layers seriously climbed up my list of best movies experienced.
Weak Layers is not your typical "Underdog beats the odds film." Yes, it does have a few aspects of that typical template. There are moments that will surprise / make you want to continue watching. Important Note on beginning: Pay close attention to the definition of Weak Layer. Throughout the film, don't take it literally, on scene does refer to it. It is more abstract throughout the film.
Opening scene: it has almost become illegal to show people smoking in a film. Illegal drugs / serious violence, alcohol; not a problem. Smoking a cigarette? No, you can't show that. Cleo (main character) is smoking. Different / rule breaking, love it.
Don't let the first part of this film fool you, make you think it is another 20 something party movie. Showing off the drugs / alcohol / who gives a fuck attitude (of any age / generation). Even though Cleo / Lucy / Tina (Cleo's roommates) appear to be generational poster children for this topic. Weak Layers goes in different directions / levels from this point. I am only 13 minutes in. Title / opening credits are around 14 minutes in. Giving you time to seriously reconsider watching the rest of the film. Honestly, it almost became background for me. Watched trailer and had to find out how film evolved. Yes, trailer had me completely hooked on a few levels.
Not going scene by scene. A great example of the humor in Weak Layers: Cleo says she will strip before entering Hot Lapse (film competition). Tina asks why it always comes down to stripping? You have to see this part. Seriously cracked up both times.
Attempting to jump forward and wrap it up. Trust me, this review could easily become a short story.
Weak Layers is one of the most interesting films I have watched. Mainly due to Katie Brurrell merging so many different aspects. Natural development of conflict especially between Cleo / her roommates. Add in personal evolution / growing up. Cleo goes from a party animal to serious / responsible adult (especially with making her film). While Tina / Lucy are so caught up in that scene, Tina especially get pissed at Cleo for these moments. Especially when Tina / Lucy completely bail on Cleo. Cleo finds out how she was accepted into Hot Lapse. How Lucy / Tina solved their homeless problem. They were evicted due to over-the-top partying towards beginning (living in a borrowed van).
Dane (professional film maker) is your typical male / egomaniac / asshole. Almost like Katie felt compelled to include this character type. He does have an important role with how Gabe develops. How relationship between Gabe / Cleo develops and evolves combination of Hallmark movie / Katie saying fuck the rules. Depending on what moment(s) you are watching.
Hot Lapse (film competition Katie enters) give us a behind the scenes of film making. Not only with the almost required action shots. Enough to help the film and evolve plot. Not over top to make it boring / predictable / stereotypical.
Most important aspect: Definition of Weak Layer at beginning. Watch film carefully and from a deeper / different mindset. You will see how this affects characters / interactions / backstory of some.
I still have some questions and "Ok, need more backstory on a few characters." Tina: hinted at and she point blank says reason for partying at one point. Lucy: Please come out with part 2! Need to find out if she pursues film making and becomes successful. Gabe: Seriously need backstory, too many questions. Lucy: almost complete backstory. Especially what let to her serious alcohol problem / partying addiction.
Final point: Katie hints at real challenges of film making for indies. "What is your film about?" No real answer. Overcoming creative block with completely brand new idea. Ending: giving us an idea of what any ski town is like. Highlighting people behind the scenes (lift operators / bartenders / every aspect of the town).
Honestly, I would love to meet / interview Katie Burrell. Believe me, this is very short list. Weak Layers finds a true balance between using formulas most major film makers / companies use. Again: saying fuck all the rules, taking different directions, surprising us in interesting and good ways. Very real / honest / not too heavy on emotional side (thank the Gods / Goddesses). Not the usual style I go for, Weak Layers seriously climbed up my list of best movies experienced.
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