On Sunday, September 23, 2012 I attended a screening of I Declare War at Fantastic Fest 2012 in Austin, Texas where it took top honors, winning the Audience Award.
Here is my review:
http://www.pronetworks.org/independent_films/index.php/post/my_review_ of_audience_award_winner_i_declare_war_at_fantastic_fest_2012
Added some intro and Q&A pics of co-director/producer Robert Wilson and producer Lewin Webb to my review post.
http://www.pronetworks.org/independent_films/index.php/post/my_review_ of_audience_award_winner_i_declare_war_at_fantastic_fest_2012
A very nice review. It shows a great respect to those who worked very hard on this movie.
I think that some people have failed to consider some of the challanges of working entirely with a cast of 12 to 14 year old kids, some who have not had a great deal of acting experience. I like the fact that you mentioned that the kids themselves provided some of the input into how they felt that kids their age would interact in the situations presented. This helps make the performances more genuine.
It was pointed out in the audio commentary, that most of the kids were acting "out of character" to their personalities, so they wernt simply playing "themselves" in the movie. Most of them pulled it off very well. The directors and filming staff are to be commended for keeping things inline and producing a good viewing experience for the audience. Everyone did their jobs well.
Thanks for the kind words. It is much appreciated. The filmmakers did mention, in the Q&A (I haven't heard the commentary but, based on what you said, it sounds like they echoed the same thoughts), that working with kids, primarily in one external (and very wooded) location, presented a huge challenge. They didn't have the luxury of multiple takes. The fact that they pulled it off in such a professional manner speaks volumes about the dedication of the kids as well as the filmmaking team.
I find it interesting that in the years since the film was made, and since I saw it over a year ago, that there are viewers who don't understand (spoiler here, mouse over -->) that the times real weapons are seen are the kids' imaginations. Several people have told me they thought they were real (and how could kids be shown with weapons post-Newtown!) while others never even noticed any real weapons iun the film and wondered why I mentioned it in my review.