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jseery77
Reviews
The Meaning (2013)
The Meaning gets right to the Point
The Meaning is an epic documentary that begins quietly with an amusing conversation in a living room and culminates with a journey around the world. It's a film that lives up to the high aspirations of its title, as it delves into the "meaning" of the existence of God-who God is, and how we get to know him—that is, if he exists at all.
The Meaning gives everyone (atheist, agnostic, Christian) equal time to express their own opinions and their main issues with religion and the existence of God. Early in the film, The Meaning presents hypocrisy and extremes on both sides of the table, but it doesn't wallow in these extremes as some documentaries have a tendency to do. The main point of this film is to delve deeper than the misconceptions and preconceived ideas we have for each other. As we turn to mass media, more often than not, we are bombarded with endless talk shows where people shout their opinions over each other without having an open, honest, and respectful dialogue. In The Meaning, each person's varied and valued opinion is heard.
The Meaning is Ian J. Keeney's fourth feature film, and first documentary. With this film, I think he has found his niche. I think documentaries suit him perfectly because of his background in poetry and his love for philosophy. Not to take anything away from his theatrical films, I just feel that poetry requires a raw truth and honesty, and a "real feel" to it. In a documentary film, there is more room for spontaneity. Here, Ian can let others express themselves, as he, and the audience, find themselves pleasantly surprised by the touching and humorous anecdotes that stem from life experiences.
This film is a comprehensive study into the lives of people of various belief systems. The pacing of the film runs smoothly, considering the enormity of this project. Name the last time you saw a film that had this much jam-packed into an hour and forty-five minutes. In your travels, you come across motorcycle gangs turned "Holy Rollers", surfers for Christ, rappers in the 'hood talking about Jesus, university professors who believe God created Evolution, crazed Disney World naysayers, transgendered women, Catholic monks, animal rights activists, and former self-proclaimed "Vegan Satanists"—I mean, my God, Ian out did Geraldo on this one!
Unlike most films today, The Meaning is not afraid to take chances. For a documentary to be a true success,it needs to bring to light issues of cultural relevancy and social urgency. The Meaning succeeds here, on all accounts. There are issues in The Meaning that will still be relevant for years to come. This is not your typical Hollywood movie. This film has something to say.
In short, The Meaning is an outstanding achievement and is not to be missed.
The Secret (2008)
The Secret is out: and it's great!
The Secret is the second feature film by director/writer Ian J. Keeney, and, in my opinion, his best film to date. The short running time adds to the intensity of this film. The close spaces in the film add to the claustrophobia that the audience will feel. Like most great independent films, when you see The Secret, you want to go out with your buddies and film your own movie. In fact, after hearing the commentary on the DVD, I realized that "let's-film-it-ourselves" mentality was the genesis of The Secret. The writer of the story, Darren Debari, a talented indie filmmaker in his own right, created the story long ago, when he and his friends picked up a camera and set out to create their own movies. Darren's twists-and-turns story along with Ian's intense imagery create a masterpiece of indie filmmaking. The cast is brilliant, led by Gregory Robert Wilson who also appears in some of Ian's and Darren's other productions. We also see two strong performances by Todd Pate and Arnold A. Sidney Jr. who will later turn out even stronger, more intense performances in Ian's third film: "Cold Blue Eternal". Overall, The Secret is great entertainment, and should be part of any indie film library.
Cold Blue Eternal (2011)
Cold Blue Eternal Delivers
Thematically, Cold Blue Eternal covers a lot of bases. I have never seen a director who can change tone and mood of the film, in a matter of seconds. This film is an emotional roller coaster until the very ending from fear to frustration to anger to sadness to happiness, and back again. Be prepared to experience a different kind of film that is not the random, run-of-the-mill indie flick. Unfortunately, today, most indie flicks have become about as predictable as most Hollywood movies, but Cold Blue Eternal definitely delivers the goods in terms of expecting the unexpected. The director/writer, Ian J. Keeney uses his talent of imagery and music to great effect in this film. Many indie films that get a wide release usually have a "tinny" sound, but not here. The soundtrack becomes another character, in a way, and it guides the audience along through this emotional intensity. But the real stars of this film, are the stars! This cast is brilliant. Todd Pate delivers a breakthrough, ironic performance, and he has great support from this young cast, namely Vicky Pezza and Kevin O'Heron. Todd, as well as Arnold A. Sidney Jr. (who plays his friend and accident attorney, Carl), both appeared in Ian's excellent film, "The Secret", which is on par with this film. I would implore any indie fan who enjoys CBE, to pick up "The Secret" and see the two as a double feature. Both films are set to impress, you may not understand everything going on in the first viewing, but they are mystery stories that get even better with age. If I can make one more comment about this stellar cast, I have to give a nod to Noah Forrest who plays Stavros in this film. Stavros is a quirky character that would fit perfectly in a Coen Brother's film. If I ask the filmmakers anything, please give Stavros his own film. He provides much needed comic relief in CBE, and I would love to see him get his own pic ala "Big Lebowski". In closing, I saw Cold Blue Eternal with an excited crowd, at a Hurricane Sandy fund-raiser. Every dollar of the film went to charity, so I wish to thank the filmmakers, the producers, the cast and crew for not only giving us an intense independent film experience, but also giving back to those who need it most.