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Written by Dave Marfield
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The first reviews are in on DEEPWATER, in which Dee has a cameo role as a shotgun-wielding bartender. The film was directed by David S. Marfield, who started the first version of deesnider.com back in 1995. It should be out in theaters later this year.
From THE SEATTLE POST INTELLIGENCER (June 10, 2005)
DEEPWATER (U.S.): Here's a taut and tense twist on an already tightly wound noirish classic and modern thrillers like "The Postman Always Rings Twice," "Blood Simple" and "Body Heat." This world premiere by David S. Marfield, whose cinematic influences definitely show (add "Psycho" to the mix of movies above), subverts everything we think will happen. He does it with stylish pulse and visual creativity and -- with a solid cast that includes Peter Coyote, Lesley Ann Warren, Lucas Black and Mia Maestro -- makes something fresh and suspenseful out of a successful, if standard, formula.
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From VARIETY (June 29, 2005)
DEEPWATER
By KEN EISNER
Low-budget neo-noir looks like more than a million bucks, thanks to the vision of debut helmer David S. Marfield,
who adapted story from a Southern Gothic novel by Matthew F. Jones. It
also offers one of strongest, most unusual turns yet by Peter Coyote,
as a rural tycoon who is either an evil manipulator or an outsized good
ol' boy, depending on the interpretation -- with pic's main p.o.v.
called into question as things get increasingly weird. Distribs will
need muscle to get "Deepwater" out of the shallow end of theatrical
play, but cable and vid follow-ups should go swimmingly.
Noir format initially feels more than familiar, with damaged young
drifter, Nat Banyon (compelling Lucas Black from "Friday Night
Lights"), just out of rehab for an unexplained mishap and on his way to
a new life in Wyoming (pic was shot in rural British Columbia). He
rescues one-named Finch (Coyote) from a bad road accident and is
rewarded with a job at the man's run-down resort motel.
The cigar-chomping, glad-handing Finch has his fingers in numerous
local pies, such as car dealership (run by Michael Ironside, usually a
bad omen) and a casino nominally headed by natives (including
always-great Ben Cardinal).
Despite tough survival skills, Nat feels in over his head. What really
does it is Finch's beautiful young wife, Iris (Argentine up-and-comer
Mia Maestro of "The Motorcycle Diaries"). Her mysterious combination of
come-hither hints and what-are-you-doing reactions baffle the blonde
youngster, especially after they engage in several semi-nude gropes.
He's further confused by conflicting gossip from locals, including a
lonely waitress played by fetching Lesley Ann Warren. But Nat's
bewilderment also offers a suggestion not to trust his version of
events, as people and pets -- like Finch's German shepherd -- go
missing.
Helmer keeps heat on throughout, and viewers who don't cotton to the
Chinese puzzle aspect of the tale will still respond to startling
images from resourceful lenser Scott Kevan, who fashions iconic
silhouettes and hallucinogenic, brightly colored dreamscapes out of
what could have been bleak northern settings.
Charley Clouser's subtly burbling score is another unsettling plus.
Critics could argue with Eric Strand's acid-dipped editing and pic's
hyped-up sound, but Darren Aronofsky-stye disorientation ultimately
pays off in a thriller twist that carves out unique territory -- even
as it may freak out fans of genre convention.
Camera (color), Scott Kevan; editors, Eric Strand, Zene Baker; music,
Charlie Clouser; production designer, Jeremy Reed; art director,
Shelley Bolton; set decorator, Stephanie Fielden-Justice; costume
designer, Katia Stano; sound (Dolby), Tad Nazar; line producer, Dan
Howard; assistant director, Matt Mellinghaus; casting, Carmen Cuba.
Reviewed at Seattle Film Festival (New American Cinema), June 11, 2005.
Running time: 93 MIN.
With: Michael Ironside, Ben Cardinal, Kristen Bell, Xander Berkeley, Jason Cerbone, Dee Snider. |
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