This is an independent movie in every sense of the word. A "no frills" production that relies totally on story and performances. I caught it Saturday at a screening in Los Angeles and I'm here to report it succeeds!Unlike many low budgets this is not a movie made by wannabes. Becauseof the level of professionalism in "Let Me Die Quietly" it works onseveral levels. First the story which is intricate, interesting and written with skill. The plot unfolds slowly--but it holds your attention from the opening shots of the sexually-addicted psychic (Mario) in front of the porno theater, to the exciting final scenes of mayhem and revelation. You later learn that not a single moment in the movie, not one line in the script, is wasted. And there are many clever lines along the way.
It also works on an acting level. These are performances filled with nuances and moments of subtle brilliance. Charles Casillo does a fantastic job conveying a confused yet determined Mario--a man at the end of his rope who makes it his final mission to stop one murder before he dies (particularly in close-up Casillo leaves you transfixed) He meets a beautiful, enigmatic woman (Gabrielle)--also a psychic--who claims to be seeing the same murder from different perspectives. Dana Perry is highly skilled and delicate as the other psychic who slowly falls for Mario as the delve deeper and more dangerously into the upcoming murder. Ian Tomaschik gives a terrific performance as Mario's psychiatrist and I must also note the first rate work of Paul Coughlan as the tough detective with a heart underneath and Ian Macrae in a small role with a big payoff. As written, many of the scenes are between only two characters and the chemistry between each actor is amazing. The actors' stunning personalities shine through the darkness of the themes in the movie. Some viewers used to formula pictures may be turned off by the movie's leisurely-paced first half hour. Some may not be able to see beyond the gimmicky plot twists to the in-depth character studies of loneliness and fear in the big city. Also, in the theater in Hollywood where I saw it there were a few glitches that were either production problems or technical problems with the projection. What makes this movie so very special is that its success relies completely on the acting of the small cast and the storyline (plus an excellent musical score.) The picture is worthy of several viewings and mainstream success.
