Might as well start with a burst of good news via an awesome Review of Slant – my first short film – from the selection committee of the 2012 Rochester International Film Festival. I’m grateful that they took the time to watch Slant with such a critical eye. The committee definitely “got” what I was going for.

Here’s the feedback:

All our judges agreed that you very poignantly yet subtly depicted the impact of the loss of a loved one to his gay partner. Your film was emotionally charged and its mood was nicely supported by a well chosen haunting soundtrack.

We discussed the numerous cinematic qualities of your film such… as a steady camera, a wide variety of camera angles, interesting shots such as the shadows at the beginning of the film that one judge interpreted as allegoric, a tight editing with effective scene transition, authentic heartfelt acting, beautiful lighting, excellent photography, very good script writing with “economy of language” and great character development.

All of our judges agreed that you very poignantly yet subtly depicted the impact of the loss of a loved one to his gay partner. Your film was emotionally charged and its mood was nicely supported by a well chosen haunting soundtrack.

In addition, several judges commented on your clever use of Emily Dickinson’s poetry to frame the organization of the film, including the flashbacks.

One judge also commented on your effective didactic treatment of facing one’s aging process and adjusting ones’ romantic expectations, which is a universal issue we are all confronted with.

In brief, your film has left quite an impact.

Véronique Cheniaux
Critique Committee

Onward.

SHS