Genres

Visitors Review

Bill 2012-05-24 21:11:10

Great movie

Great movie with an important message about AIDS and assisted suicide. Acting is top rate from the cast. Tear jerker moments.

2012-05-24 17:01:29

An important and impressive film

THE EVENT came and went in the theatres like some spectral ghost which, despite its trappings, failed to serve notice of its importance not only as a social comment but as a showcase for some excellent talent. Director Thom Fitzgerald deserves great respect (and most certainly an audience!) for the brave statement of his film and the facile utilization of some extraordinary talent. The "Event" of the title refers to a final party for Matt (Don McKellar), a young man blessed with many friends and family, who has decided to end his deteriorating life of struggle with AIDS with a suicide finale, gaged to be abetted by those closest to him. The glitch comes (after the death) when detective "Nick" DeVivo (Parker Posey) decides that assisted suicide is a crime that must be punished and proceeds to investigate all of the people involved. It is this investigation that introduces us to Matt's entourage - a glitteringly excellent cast of family (Olympia Dukakis as his mother, Brent Carver as his partner) and friends, which include roles for Sarah Polly, Jane Leeves, and an actor who makes a Drag Queen performance one of the strongest roles since Torch Song Trilogy. Through a series of thoughtful flashbacks and flash-forwards we are allowed insight into each of these characters and to the reality of exactly how Matt's final wishes were completed - a tender and wonderful surprise ending. This story is told with a simultaneous celebration of life and a warm tenderness for the meaning of love in all its phases and forms, all in a setting of the persistent ravaging plague of AIDS that continues to deprive the world of treasured citizens and spirits. Fitzgerald is able to accomplish this without resorting to the maudlin, the banal, or the tempting "somewhere over the rainbow" saccharine tone that often accompanies films of this nature. This is a remarkable achievement and in every way this movie stands tall. Highly recommended.

2012-05-24 14:20:46

What the hell

I'm sorry, The movie explained alot about how difficult it is to live with aids. It showed how it effects others within your life. However it seems to show how easy it is to cop out. The way we are judged in the afterlife is based on how we handle what is going on right now. I do not believe in the afterlife, I believe that the way we handle death is the same way we handle life. If we can struggle through the horrors that life has dealt us than we improve the lives of those that come after. I respect those who have gone through the trials of the Aids epidemic and have proven themselves worthy of our admiration. Every time someome lives or dies as a result of this horrific disease, it is a triumphic rseult for the human race.

2012-05-24 04:45:09

Very good movie, but very sad.

This review is from: The Event (DVD) A man dies of AIDS. Was it natural, murder, or a suicide. Parker Posey plays a detective assigned to determine if it was foul play. Olympia Dukakis turns in an outstanding performance as the man's mother. Superb acting, but I will not see the movie again, because it is such a downer.

taracienna 2012-05-21 08:05:35

tears, and then more tears

i saw the premiere of this moving film at the sundance film festival. ifound the beginning of the movie a little hard to get into. about halfwaythrough the film as the story began to unfold, i started to really careabout the characters. by the end of the movie, i didn't think i was goingtobe able to control the sobs that were welling up in my throat. thomfitzgerald did an amazing job keeping the story interesting as well asinformative. it was a real look at the effects AIDS has on the victim, aswell as everyone around him. the shocking scene in the film thatcompletesthe story is almost unbearable to watch. i have never been moreemotionallyaffected by a movie. and i was extremely thankful to thom fitzgerald forhaving a good sense of humor and for not crying, like many directors atthefestival had done when speaking about their movies. the audience was inshock and it was almost certain that there was not a dry eye in thetheater.i also want to comment on the woman in the crowd who gave an emotionalthanks to thom for creating this movie because she had recently lost abestfriend to AIDS. it was so moving. i'm still touched by this movie-goingexperience.

James 2012-05-21 01:01:22

Educational Perspective

The Event- A true film working with real people that actually exist in the gay community. I have never seen a movie that created so much laughter, rage, anguish, relief, and response all in one scene. It is truly a remarkable film, and is one of the greatest independent gay and lesbian films of the decade. A ++ for those who like to view the perspective of real people, and a wonderful cast at its best. Parker Posey plays an interesting role adding even more contrast to her career.

2012-05-12 22:06:30

This Film Was Over Before It Started.

Social commentary is a good thing for art to do. Films like "The Life of David Gale," and "American Beauty" are cinemmatic masterpieces partly because they shock us into thinking about things we might not normally think about. Then there are films like this that show that good social commentary can also make for pretty mediocre art. From the beginning, "The Event" feels contrived; you know exactly how it will end 5 minutes into the film (and can proffer a good guess before you even see the film). While the acting was fine (excepting an embarrasingly akward showing from Parker Posey), it lacked the depth to me required of a plot so grave and deep. What was a disappointment, though, was the writing. What generally makes 'social commentary' films work is the push-and-pull and tension in its plot (think David Gale and Dead Man Walking). Here, there is no tension. A very sick man makes a decision to commit suicide and within a few minutes, all crying and subtlety stops; everyone is on board. While my symapthies lie with the 'right to die' movement, this seemed to me like a very one-sided view of a very more-than-one sided issue. The only tension - if one wants to call it that - was infused by Parker Posey as the assistant D.A. looking into the criminality of the situation, but this was very weak acting for a very weak character. Because of this - because of the lack of tension and transparent predictability - what could have been a poignant take on an important issue skated on the verge of a pointless sadism. (There is something sadistic to me about a film that's climax is the on-screen actualization of a suicide everyone knows is 'just around the corner.') Lest one want to think my bad review's impetus is bias against the film's message, I should repeat that I am quite symapthetic to the 'right to die' movement and always have been. The only bias my review is motivated by is that which says that even social commentary films - especially social commentary films - have an obligation not to be simplistic and cliche. "The Event," I feel, is both. It feels contrived from start to finish, and comes off as so concerned with the message that it loses any attention to the medium.

Demuytere 2012-05-12 13:42:35

A matter of life and death is a daily fact

This movie didn't seen very promising to me. But I started to watch (1of my bunch movies to watch). In the beginning I didn't understand whythey would do something to somebody you love so much. But at the end...I would do the same!!! I felt what the family and friends felt. Youalways think, it will never happens to me. but if you see this movie itcomes very close to you, just like it happens to one of you familymember. Fantastic acting and with a good casting crew... The movies ofThom Fitzgerald are not well know, but they should be... A welldeserved 7 out of 10!!!greets, GameBelgium

2012-05-12 10:50:02

A mother's love and dignity

I just can't say how realistic, but funny and sad this movie was. If only this could happen in real life, to choose to go under your terms when treminally ill and enjoy it. I was in tears by the end. Olympia Dukakis was tremendous!K

2012-05-11 23:56:58

Important, Potent, Beautiful

This review is from: The Event (DVD) The Event is a tremendous piece that pivots on an act of heart-wrenching compassion. The moments of empowerment are exquisitely imperfect and real. For anyone who has dared to stay close to those dealing with HIV/AIDS, right to the gritty end, you'll find this a draining, rewarding, amusing, heart breaking reflection of your experiences.It's for caregivers, and friends, and family, and those who somehow keep walking even in the face of deepest despair.I read some of the more critial reviews, and their contributors seemed wrapped around the axle about it's artistic deficits - plot lines and the like. I'd say to them, respectfully, that you need to go and find someone who needs support, who is dealing with HIV and stay the course. Then you'll understand what poigniant nuance and prause this work has captured.On 6/24 I'll be attending Tales of the City, The Musical in San Francisco, hosted by Olympia Dukakis. It will be with tears in my eyes that I take her hand and thank her for her phenomenal portrayal of Lila in The Event.A must see.

2012-05-11 10:18:42

"It's My Party" it ain't

Similar to It's My Party, but with only a fraction of poignancy and emotion. The segmented flashbacks don't allow any momentum to build up, and we don't get to know the characters well enough to truly care. There were far too many comic-relief type scenes that were largely inappropriate in both timing and content, and I also resented the gratuitous 9-11 related images that were used throughout.

doowylloh 2012-05-11 03:12:03

Uneventful

Addresses some important issues like assisted suicide.Some powerful scenes, but no overly likable characters.Slow moving and dreary. I know it wasn't meant to be carry a cheerfulatmosphere, but it was just too bland.Not a film that would appeal to the brainwashed, general population ofpuppets who make most Hollywood films as popular and high grossing as theyare. However, could have brought a little more to the table for the restofthe viewing audience as well. Not bad, but far from great.4/10

Danny Lips 2012-05-02 19:47:08

Awesome

This is the best movie I've seen in a long time. The actinf preformance of the mother when she... well, if you've seen the movie, you know what I'm talking about.Overall, a great movie!!

2012-05-02 02:41:56

touching moment

This review is from: The Event (DVD) I bought this movie for my mom, I have personally never seen the movie but my mom loves it and has tried and tried to find it in stores, online, etc. I bought it for her for Christmas and when she opened it she cried. A friend of hers wrote and sings the ending song of the movie. Now I guess I should sit down and watch it with her!

mtoda 2012-04-26 00:03:51

A Mainstream Movie

I just got home from seeing this at the 2003 San Francisco ILGFF. It is anextremelypowerful movie by the director of The Hanging Garden and Beefcake. Therearesomefamiliar faces like Olympia Dukakis, Parker Posey, and Jane Leeves(Frasier's DaphneMoon).The Event shows many different sides of the issue and does not impose anopinion onyou. You will leave the theater discussing the issues and characters withyour friends.And that's the mark of a good movie.I don't want to spoil it, just go see it!

DJChorus 2012-04-25 06:21:36

A brilliant, powerful film

Congratulations to everyone who worked on this film! It is an immenselypowerful movie that left me speechless. I had the opportunity to see thisfilm at the Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival onWednesday,October 8. Most of the audience was reduced to tears, as the story playedout. Parker Posey and Olympia Dukakis gave stunning performances, and itisa crime that they will be not recognized by any award committees. Thankyouto the filmmakers for creating such a cinematic triumph and for treatingthesubject with sensitivity and understanding. I recommend this movie toanyonewho has ever seen a loved one suffer with an illness.

2012-04-25 08:35:45

why'd they walk out?

i heard of the movie by chance and caught it while it played (it was onlyhere for a week). i had to go by myself because no one else would go withme. but i did, and i'm glad i did. what an amazing movie. it moved me inways i never believed possible. i went because of don. i knew little oftheplot. an old couple left mid-way through the movie. why? it was hard towatch. it was a hard concept to swallow. i cared about the characters fromthe start. when the sister reacted to her brother's news of his infectionithit me harder than a bus could have. that's the reaction i would have had.it was a hard topic to deal with, but it was done so properly and it wsverybeautiful. the acting, the filming, the writing, it drew emotion out ofpeople.it really is a must see.i can't wait for it to be released for home-viewing.bravo

tedg 2012-04-24 10:25:49

Three Women

This is not the kind of thing that attracts me: simple drama. Straightahead, grinding humanity.Why would people invest in watching something like this? Forengagement, I suppose.There's engagement in the story, for sure, if you need it. But there isa higher level of engagement in knowing that these players are pouringout their hearts for us.Sarah Polley is extraordinary, just extraordinary. Olympia has a gracethat matters. Parker is less open than usual until the end.Coming to the event, the man's sister and mother talk about ShirleyMcLain's performance in "Tears of Endearment." The whole movie revolvesaround that line, that notion.The thing is constructed so that there is a movie within the movie — amovie of the event. Something clever.Ted's Evaluation -- 2 of 3: Has some interesting elements.

2012-04-24 17:51:10

A Pleasant Surprise

It's like Russian Roulette when I pick up a random DVD from the clearance rack just for the excitement of watching a film I've never heard of. I did that today and was pleasantly surprised at what a great film "The Event" was. This moving story which centered around assisted suicide was touching, sad, funny in parts, and relevant. The acting was great, especially by Olympia Dukakis who delivers a quietly understated powerhouse performance, her strongest in years. The weak link of the film was Parker Posey as the District Attorney. I usually love her movies but she was terribly miscast in this film. Had I never seen her earlier performaces I may have believed her, but she is so typecast that it's hard to take her seriously. Overall I would highly recommend this movie, but it's not a film for everyone. The subject matter and theme is grim but the overall production is outstanding. If you like offbeat independent films with great acting and mature subject matter then I would highly recommend you check out "The Event".

tmtalent 2012-04-23 22:37:38

I would of like see this in more movie theatres

When I went to see The Event. I cried. I as a parent realized that thisstory could be my child my friend or someone close to me. I really wishthat they had advertising money to advertise this movie properly. Thecast was amazing. The movie kept you entertained the whole time. Iwould really recommend watching it. I bought the DVD in Block Busterand watched it for a second time and learned things I didn't catch thefirst time. I am a harsh critic on movies. I would say the footage wasa little choppy but on the whole the story was great and bring yourtissues to the screen when you watch it. Olympia played a wonderfulJewish Mother with love and compassion. The Movie was suspenseful andit made you think of many different ways the whole thing occurred.