SOLITUDE A film review by Steve Rhodes Copyright 2003 Steve Rhodes RATING (0 TO ****): **
SOLITUDE, jointly written and directed by Susan Kraker and Pi Ware, is a psychological drama set mainly within the claustrophobic confines of a small, trashy apartment. Filmed on a mini-DV camera, the movie's images are grainy and ugly. I have better luck with my digital camera, but my home movies aren't as artsy as SOLITUDE.
When we meet Louis (Patrick Belton) in the aforementioned apartment, he's about to commit suicide. As he has a razorblade positioned on his wrist, the doorbell rings. His life is saved by two uninvited guests, his slightly older sister, an attractive 30-year-old woman named Hilary (Mary Thornton), and Hilary's girlfriend Soledad (Ronne Orenna). Although the women are there to borrow Louis's car, they end up staying the night.
Louis and Hilary argue like, well, brother and sister. Deep dark secrets about their parents are hinted at. Their father is alive, but their mother committed suicide years ago. Both siblings are unhappy in their own way. Louis describes himself as "spiteful, angry and disgusting," while Hilary's problem appears to be an inability to let go.
SOLITUDE is a movie that depends on some big ending twist(s) to make the waiting worthwhile. When the surprises finally come, the letdown in the audience is palpable, as the twists are small and relatively inconsequential.
SOLITUDE runs a long 1:39. It is not rated but would be an R for drug usage and a sex scene and would be acceptable for older teenagers.
The film is being shown as part of San Jose's Cinequest Film Festival (www.Cinequest.org), which runs February 27 to March 9, 2003.
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