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I’m really quite amazed that this film ever made it this far. And no, that’s not a derogatory statement. Owing to a lost package via FedEx, the film had to be completely re-shot a second time. Many people might have just given up at this point, especially considering the cost of film stock.
I don’t believe the cost of the original film is included in the $10,000 budget, but it still seems like a pretty reasonable price. The budget was spent on film, lighting equipment, food and Kraft services, color correction, post-production, duplication, and advertising. Very few microfilmmakers use film anymore, and it’s nice to see there are still some out there willing to go the extra mile. Of course one could certainly get a somewhat similar effect – at a smaller price tag – by using a 35mm lens adapter, digital video, and Magic Bullet Looks. And some might make the point that once it gets to DVD there’s very little difference. But the finished product looks great, and there are so few indie filmmakers who even bother to shoot with film, it’s good to see that not only do these filmmakers clearly know what they’re doing, but they also love it.
This story has a very powerful message, and it is told in a very powerful way. The film is entertaining and creative without being too overly dramatic. It is not without some humor to lighten the mood, but doesn’t fail to leave the audience with an unsettling feeling.
The film is certainly worth watching again. It has some minor issues, but overall it’s a very well-told story that I wouldn't mind showing to others.
We’ve all been bombarded with commercials for charities, celebrity spokesmen, and free concerts. And while that’s all well and good, sometimes it’s easy to sit back and let other people do all the work. With its initial subtlety, Sovereignty kind of sneaks up on the audience and then punches them in the nose with its message. There are people around the world who need help, but there are just as many living right next door. And ignoring the problem won’t make it go away.
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Content |
9.1 |
Visual
Look |
8.9 |
Use
of Audio |
8.7 |
Use
of Budget |
9.4 |
Lasting
Appeal |
9.1 |
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9.0 |
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The
author of half a dozen screen plays, two novels, and a proficient
camera-woman in her own right, Monika
DeLeeuw-Taylor is Microfilmmaker's lead writing analyst and
one of our top film reviewers. When she's not writing a critique for
Microfilmmaker, she's writing screenplays for Viking Productions. |
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