THE DARK DIVIDE
(DRAMA)
WRITTEN & DIRECTED BY TOM PUTNAM; BASED ON THE BOOK "WHERE BIGFOOT WALKS" by ROBERT M. PYLE
STARRING DAVID CROSS, DEBRA MESSING, KIMBERLY GUERRERO, DAVID KOECHNER, and CAMERON ESPOSITO
SYNOPSIS: Based on the story of renowned butterfly expert Robert Pyle (David Cross) who embarked on a life-changing trek through one of America's most important unprotected wildlands in the summer of 1995.
WHAT THIS FILM DOES WELL: It doesn't pretend its more than it is but it is far from what everybody might think when it comes to watching a guy hike through the mountains in search of rare butterflies. Of course it doesn't hurt that this scenery is gorgeous and Tom Putnam and his team, especially Director of Photography Sean Bagley capture it at every turn and in every conceivable angle and shot there is. Part of why you will be riveted in this film comes from that design, the close ups, the frantic handheld motions, and especially the edits. Hard cutting to moments that shift the narrative into almost an action adventure and giving those moments a chance to feel sit on screen where absolutely the perfect choices to make this movie move and also give it the POV and sense that you are on this journey with Bob. David Cross is a powerhouse and stamps this performance with that profound statement that what we are watching is an acting clinic. He serves a guide, as the conscious, and as caretaker to what we are experiencing and witnessing all so aptly that we feel right there with him more than we don't. Sprinkle in what is a landmark performance for an incredible actor in Debra Messing, who becomes what Bob has to work through with such demand and presence that she is nearly unrecognizable as Thea.
WHY YOU NEED TO CHAMPION THIS FILM: This is the kind of film nearly all the award shows ignored (sans Film Threat's AwardThis Indie Film Awards, where it won Best Indie Film of the Year) and shamefully what we have been talking about over at Go Indie Now, the sad state of being a dog and pony show instead of recognizing the true utter talents on display here. David Cross and Debra Messing are both so amazing and they need to be applauded for standing up, taking a chance, and doing something unlike anything we have ever seen either of them do. Tom Putnam has really brought a stylish, engaging, soul searching, punch in the gut film to life with some bold choices, some well thought camera designs and editing choices, all while not ignoring the fact that they are trekking through some of the most gorgeous landscapes in North America. This movie is riveting, powerful, and above all else true to the journey of the soul in many ways that has never been done before on a screen.
YOU MIGHT LIKE THIS FILM IF YOU LIKED Into The Wild, Dead Man, and A River Runs Through It
YOU CAN WATCH IT NOW ON VIDEO ON DEMAND HERE
GO INDIE NOW'S SPOTLIGHT WHICH FEATURES AN INTERVIEW WITH FILMMAKER TOM PUTNAM AND LEAD ACTOR DAVID CROSS
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