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Reviews3
zoiestar-78186's rating
Seeing the story played out in black and white definitely enhances the mystery and intrigue of the film as black and white imagery suggests isolation, the unknown, and a cold, harsh territory. Black and white images are likened to the unfolding of one's dream-like imagination upon one's first impression of hearing a story. The skilled acting with black and white imagery drew me in to attend to subtle detail and to each successive scene with much anticipation.
The moments of silent acting enabled me to tune into the feelings of the characters and wonder about their thoughts (where words could disturb the imagination).
This film was beautiful to watch. It kept my imagination engaged and it had an interesting twist.
The moments of silent acting enabled me to tune into the feelings of the characters and wonder about their thoughts (where words could disturb the imagination).
This film was beautiful to watch. It kept my imagination engaged and it had an interesting twist.
This story reminds us how desperate times can lead to desperate choices, causing good-natured people to act irrationally, alter their mindset, and turn against one another after spontaneous, unfortunate circumstances. I appreciate how the director and cinematographer focused on essential "stills" during the opening credits to set up the film's eerie tone, and subsequently focus on just the essential scenes to allow our imaginations to piece things together, step by step. I appreciate the fantastic perspective through the camera that brings the viewer into the action to feel impatience, loneliness, fear, desperation, rage, and determination. My favorite scenes were the fear on the face of the gagged woman and the tired, dehydrated 4th express rider.
I like how Durant's Never Closes weaves story-telling, metaphorical imagery, and documentary style real-life interviews together to open a window into the intriguing lifestyle and character of 1970s successful Phoenix restaurateur, Jack Durant, an arrogant, self-made business man who had relations with Hollywood celebrities and with the mob, including Bugsy Siegel. I like how Travis Mills and the Running Wild Film crew incorporate scene transition techniques that convey the complexity of Jack Durant and mimic the kaleidoscope of invading thoughts, worries and confused dreams I have an appreciation for the cinematography techniques, particularly the manner of camera panning, slow motion, depth of field, and the manner of scene transitions emphasize the dreamlike state of Jack Durant's flashbacks as well as exemplify the jumbled mindset of an irritated, demanding, troubled man who is frustrated by the state of his control as he views his life events in confusion. The complex character of Jack Durant is portrayed expertly by Tom Sizemore's skillful use of subtle expressions and body language. It demonstrates Sizemore's true ability to empathize with the character of Jack Durant and bring him back to life. Travis Mills, the screenwriter, director and producer of this film, showcases his ability to visualize the entire picture from the start with supportive stories that add drama, comedy, historical information, and empathy for the characters. Travis Mills, in his ability to accomplish the entirety of screen writing, directing and producing a feature film, demonstrates his strong potential for more greatness in the future. Durant's Never Closes is an applauded example of how it is possible, within a limited independent film budget, to construct amazing scenery, to incorporate that talents and skills of local talented actors, artisans, to attract the dedication of expert sound & lighting technicians, to provide opportunities for rising local talent to blend with seasoned actors and mutually benefit from the experience, and to make the most of available resources in order to develop entertaining stories.