I recognised nobody in this story of a student production of Strindberg's Miss Julie, and a check on cast members revealed that not only was this the film debut for all the major players, but the two leads also wrote and directed, and the credits suggest they called in a few family and friends to help too.
At no point did it feel like an amateur project. Direction, editing and photography were up to industry standard, nothing seemed rushed or trimmed to fit a budget, and it had the gloss of a more experienced crew.
It has its faults. The characters of the three student actors, the director and many bit parts were highly stereotypical; some of the dialogue was over-stylised (ironic for a film about theatrical naturalism) and a little too arch; and the plot seemed to go from 0-60 very quickly. Anyone not familiar with the play might have struggled to see the joins between the scripts of the play and the film. A sub-plot about a board game was an awkward diversion, possibly as a treat for minor cast members, and bought into a US trope that everything has to be taken incredibly seriously, even fun.
Overall, though, the team show talent and ambition. I see no reason that this should not be a springboard to better things and viable long-term careers. Well done!
At no point did it feel like an amateur project. Direction, editing and photography were up to industry standard, nothing seemed rushed or trimmed to fit a budget, and it had the gloss of a more experienced crew.
It has its faults. The characters of the three student actors, the director and many bit parts were highly stereotypical; some of the dialogue was over-stylised (ironic for a film about theatrical naturalism) and a little too arch; and the plot seemed to go from 0-60 very quickly. Anyone not familiar with the play might have struggled to see the joins between the scripts of the play and the film. A sub-plot about a board game was an awkward diversion, possibly as a treat for minor cast members, and bought into a US trope that everything has to be taken incredibly seriously, even fun.
Overall, though, the team show talent and ambition. I see no reason that this should not be a springboard to better things and viable long-term careers. Well done!
