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FILM REVIEW

'THAN ALL ELSE EVER'
- Directed by Thiyagaraja Marimuthu -

SYNOPSIS

 

A space agent is given the task of bringing back a space pod that was taken away by a captain who never returned to Earth. This journey reopens chapters in his mind that challenge the strength of his 

 

 

OUR VISION

 

We were really into the idea of a science-fiction film that rather than following the dystopia pattern, focuses more on the individual in relation with a setting that transcendes the Earth. The attention of the viewer is not directed to the elements belonging to the improbable; on the contrary,those are reduced to casualty, while the emphasis is shifted to the inner feelings of the main character. However, we do not feel that the idea was exploited at its best.Thiyagaraja Marimuthu's film has certain weak points, such as the unconvincing acting of the main actor even in simple scenes and the dialogue that fails to reach a point where it becomes meaningful. 

 

CHARACTERS AND ACTING

 

Than all else ever is a film of powerful conflicts, developed by enigmatic characters. The inner conflict of the main character plays the central role, as his mission becomes a journey through the darkest corners of his mind, where memories, desires and fears fusion. Glimpses from his past blur the flow of his thoughts, making it more and more difficult to distinguish between reality and imagination. If he does not manage to explore in depth the horizons he launched in because of the undying  memory of his lost love, the captain who held the pod cannot recover from the experience of the space. His detachment from the earthly life is perfected through a remarkable line: °I alone am my own God.” Overall, we felt that the actors understood the complexity of the conflicts behind the characters, so they kept everything clear and simple enough to let the viewer explore the subtle aspects.

 

 

VISUALS

 

The cinematography was far from being spectacular, but as the focus was on the flow of emotions, not on the space setting, it served its purpose well enough. We think that the choice of the noir visuals was very inspired, because it conferred more mystery to the plot and also managed to cover some imperfections of the images.

 

 

MUSIC

 

The soundtrack does not stand out, serving more as a background for the development of the story. The hunting sounds deepen the mystery and the incurable nostalgia of the film, creating a complex fusion of thoughts and feelings.   

 

CONCLUSIONS

 

Than all else ever is an experience that erases the borders between through time and space. It explores the limits of the human mind, stretched to the point where the future becomes a ” locked destination „ .  Although we feel there is a lot of improvement that can be made in terms of artistic and directing approach, we saw the potential of interesting new projects.

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© 2016 by Bucharest ShortCut CineFest,

Images provided by Stephen Brace and Jason Hargrove

have not been altered and are used in compliance with CC License.

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