A flawless film, best Indy of 2005
You will either love or hate this haunting, Memento-esqe film, but not for any flaws inherent in it. Courtney Cox proves herself a more than capable actor, as does every member of the cast; the photography and editing are first-rate, and reflect some of 2005's best cinematic moments; and the story's internal logic (twisted as it MUST be) never contradicts itself. I almost never consider a film flawless, or a 10, but November is both.
Director Greg Harrison comes from the editing side of the film industry, and his experience shows. November tells a complicated (by definition) story, and 9 out 10 director-editors would have bungled the job. The writer, Benjamin Brand, taught college level photography; his familiarity with the camera informs his script, intersecting well with Harrision's abilities. These guys have a roster of pro consultants on hand, too, like David Fincher (Se7en, Fight Club) and Josh Lowden at Skywalker. And unlike most low-budget film-makers, they pay as much attention to the film's sound design as they do to lighting and setting.
Did I say low-budget? I had no clue about that until I listened to the DVD commentary (as much fun as the movie itself) after the second viewing. Doesn't look low-budget to me.
November will not offer you many Hollywood style feel-good moments, tidy moral resolutions, or satisfying happy endings, and if you need these things to stay engaged or walk away satisfied, don't rent this film. November WILL deliver a real psychological mystery, brilliant in its execution, as it plunges the depths of human guilt, sorrow, and the inevitability of death.
P.S. Not to mention that Lew Baldwin's dark musical score is morbidly delicious.
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