Silence of the Bees is a thought provoking, emotionally charged film. It's beautifully written and the characters are very strong and real. Jim Beaver and Sharon Garnier did an excellent job portraying the intense relationship between a father and daughter struggling to know each other and come to terms with their own life choices. It made me reexamine my own relationship with my father. Also you have to give the filmmakers a lot of credit for making a film of this quality with little money. From what I know about the making of it, they were able to utilize great talent because of close friendships which says a lot about the cast and crew. These folks really believe in this project. A tour DE force, haunting and unforgettable. I can't wait for the full length film. I'd recommend the Silence of the Bees to everyone.
119 Reviews
Powerfully dramatic in an artful way.
pmremmele25 October 2008
Silence of Bees is a powerful short film that packs an emotional wallop through the performances of the two leads. As I watched the film, I couldn't help but be reminded of the universal struggle between parents and their children. Sharon Garnier is raw and completely open on the screen. Jim Beaver's sardonic portrayal of an alcoholic writer is both an archetype and uniquely individual. The camera work and the editing are flawless. This is real gem of a film. No tricks, no artifice, just pure cinema in an old fashion sense. This film is a testimonial to the idea that simple, pure and profound emotions ultimately have more impact than superficial, contrived plot devices. It deserves to be seen.
Great Short Film!
lovely_lyss21 May 2012
The preview clip somewhat does pull me into the picture. As I watched the preview, I felt like I could see what was happening in the time before the preview and I wanted to know what was going to happen after it ended.
The Actors: Jim Beaver is a stage, film, television actor, playwright, screenwriter, and film historian. He is perhaps most familiar to worldwide audiences as 'Ellsworth'... the gruff, tenderhearted prospector in the HBO series Deadwood. This role won him a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination.
Sharon Garnier appears in a wide range of television and film projects, including HBO's Deadwood and WB's Jack & Bobby. Her primary work is in the realm of independent film and theatre. Sharon's recent film portrayal as Alex McKenzie in the independent short film The Silence of Bees found attention in several international film festivals.
The Writers: Joanna Perry-Folino, Screenwriter and Producer Joanna is the Executive Producer of Into The Fire Film and Theatrical Productions, LLC. She is a playwright, screenwriter, librettist as well as a producer. Her short film, The Silence of Bees, (based on the prologue to her stage play of the same title) won the prestigious Accolade Film Award in 2008, an Aloha Accolade from the Honolulu International Film Festival in 2009 and was screened at the Southeast New England Film Festival, The Kodak Screening Room in Los Angeles by Women in Film in April 2009, at the Urban Suburban Film Festival in Philadelphia and The Naperville Independent Film Festival in Illinois where it is an Official Selection. Also the producer of the film!
The Director: Andrew J. Traister's recent production of Waiting For Godot at A Noise Within in Glendale, California, was chosen as a Los Angeles Times Critics Choice. Andrew directed The Actors Playpen's inaugural productions of Lolita and Road To Nirvana in Hollywood. He has directed at The Old Globe Theatre, Alaska Repertory Theatre, Arizona Theatre Company, Actors Theatre of Phoenix, Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, Intiman Theatre, Tacoma Actors Guild, Geva Theatre, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, San Diego Repertory Theatre and many more companies across the country.
I liked: The location; the location was really pretty and gave a different spin on the film. The actors/actresses; super into their rolls, felt like they were their character & the relationship between them was great. It was a good short film & I do not have anything really to say negatively.
The Actors: Jim Beaver is a stage, film, television actor, playwright, screenwriter, and film historian. He is perhaps most familiar to worldwide audiences as 'Ellsworth'... the gruff, tenderhearted prospector in the HBO series Deadwood. This role won him a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination.
Sharon Garnier appears in a wide range of television and film projects, including HBO's Deadwood and WB's Jack & Bobby. Her primary work is in the realm of independent film and theatre. Sharon's recent film portrayal as Alex McKenzie in the independent short film The Silence of Bees found attention in several international film festivals.
The Writers: Joanna Perry-Folino, Screenwriter and Producer Joanna is the Executive Producer of Into The Fire Film and Theatrical Productions, LLC. She is a playwright, screenwriter, librettist as well as a producer. Her short film, The Silence of Bees, (based on the prologue to her stage play of the same title) won the prestigious Accolade Film Award in 2008, an Aloha Accolade from the Honolulu International Film Festival in 2009 and was screened at the Southeast New England Film Festival, The Kodak Screening Room in Los Angeles by Women in Film in April 2009, at the Urban Suburban Film Festival in Philadelphia and The Naperville Independent Film Festival in Illinois where it is an Official Selection. Also the producer of the film!
The Director: Andrew J. Traister's recent production of Waiting For Godot at A Noise Within in Glendale, California, was chosen as a Los Angeles Times Critics Choice. Andrew directed The Actors Playpen's inaugural productions of Lolita and Road To Nirvana in Hollywood. He has directed at The Old Globe Theatre, Alaska Repertory Theatre, Arizona Theatre Company, Actors Theatre of Phoenix, Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, Intiman Theatre, Tacoma Actors Guild, Geva Theatre, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, San Diego Repertory Theatre and many more companies across the country.
I liked: The location; the location was really pretty and gave a different spin on the film. The actors/actresses; super into their rolls, felt like they were their character & the relationship between them was great. It was a good short film & I do not have anything really to say negatively.
Review of film
jannelmachado5 December 2011
The Silence of Bees is a short, 17 minute film that successfully portrays the movies plot and storyline. Being a short movie, The Silence of Bees gets right to the point and does an okay job at including everything the audience wants to see. For me, the movie consisted of many good characteristics, but with the good comes bad. On the other hand, the only negative thing I can think of would be choice of music. The music used for scenes didn't match up to what I was expecting to hear. Overall, I enjoyed this short film and its way of fulfilling many aspects in a short amount of time. I am glad I was able to see this movie through the drama course I am in, because if it wasn't for the class I would have never seen this.
The Silence of Bees worth watching
cathy_colt22 May 2012
The Silence of Bees was a great short film. Jim Beaver and Sharon Garnier did a great job capturing the emotion of a troubled father/daughter relationship. It was clear that they didn't know or understand each other very well. Father/daughter relationships can be so complicated and if not portrayed properly can come across as fake and over acted, but that's not the case here.
I do wish the movie could have been longer. I found myself wanting more backstory about Alex's mom and in her past and present relationships. I wanted to know more about Parker and what made him the way he was. I want to know what the relationship was like between Alex and her dad before her mom went away.
I love the story about how this movie was made. The budget was small and the actors did the movie as favors of the directors. They loved the script and wanted to be a part of the film.
I do wish the movie could have been longer. I found myself wanting more backstory about Alex's mom and in her past and present relationships. I wanted to know more about Parker and what made him the way he was. I want to know what the relationship was like between Alex and her dad before her mom went away.
I love the story about how this movie was made. The budget was small and the actors did the movie as favors of the directors. They loved the script and wanted to be a part of the film.
Review
imbored200221 May 2012
Warning: Spoilers
The Silence of Bees is an emotionally charged film that almost anyone can relate to when it comes to the struggle between parents and their children throughout life. The characters had a lot of depth and Sharon and Jim really brought them to life. The film has wonderful sound and the cinematography was fantastic, you could tell at every angel how the characters were feeling and the use of close-ups', and medium shots were great. The music was fitting for the film and on point. The only thing I didn't care for were the shots with low lighting, it made things hard to see at times. Other than that the film was great and I would recommend it to watch.
The Silence of Bees
xxbabylocafacexx15 May 2011
I thought this was a really good short film. I kept me interested on what was going to happen next in the film, and what was going on in these character's lives. It kind of had me question my own life and if what I was doing in my life I was happy with. The facial expression of the characters were very well captured and the angles of the film were very good. Just in general the film was very well captured especially the beginning of the film. I loved how there was a scene of the ocean view very well done! I would say the film was original. The relationship of the daughter and father probably reminds a lot of girls with the relationship of their father. The film also reminds me sort of a documentary interviewing individuals of a part of their life and the decisions they make.
An Emotional film with just one issue
xshadowadamx20 May 2012
This movie was interesting, the opening was really neat. The music reminded me of a game I used to play, Final Fantasy X. The close up on the bee's was really nice. The rest of the movie looked like a Soap Opera to me. I'm not a fan of those at all, they don't really grab my interest that well. This movie though had a great emotional impact on me. My dad and I don't get along that well just like Alex and her father doesn't get along. The camera angles and shots really really great, they added to the drama of the movie. The sounds were right on with the sound levels. They weren't overpowering the voice acting, same goes with the music. The only things that drove me crazy was acting of Sharon Garnier, who played Alex. It was terrible to me. She reminds me of Kristen Stewart, the actress who shows no emotions. Also on some parts she just randomly tries to act too hard. The acting of Jim Beaver, who played Parker was great though. He made you feel bad of how he is losing his daughter. He was the key of this emotional film.
Strengths - Camera views, Sounds, music, and emotional impact are all great strengths in this film.
Weaknesses - The acting of Sharon Garnier was terrible to me. She seemed dull at some moments and then others seems like she was acting too much. One camera part that I didn't like was when she was bringing the soup to her dad, where it panned with her.
Strengths - Camera views, Sounds, music, and emotional impact are all great strengths in this film.
Weaknesses - The acting of Sharon Garnier was terrible to me. She seemed dull at some moments and then others seems like she was acting too much. One camera part that I didn't like was when she was bringing the soup to her dad, where it panned with her.
The Silence of Bees (2008)
zepolsirhc8 December 2012
Warning: Spoilers
"The Silence of Bees" is a extremely emotional short film. The father-daughter relationship that was portrayed seemed very realistic in nature. The cinematography was exceptionally done with great attention to detail. Every shot was done perfectly and it fully captured every mood and element of each and every actor. I really enjoyed watching this film. The only thing I would have to say that I did not like was the way in which Sharon Garnier expressed her motions. The facial expression she used were not in accordance with how she was acting. I would definitely recommend this film for others to watch and enjoy. I give this short film a thumbs up without a doubt.
Strengths and Weaknesses
eshesatcher6 May 2009
Satcher, Eshe' Drama 70 May 6, 2009
Silence of The Bees: Strengths and Weaknesses
The film, Silence of The Bees, brought the play to life through its strong characters, directing, scene setting, music, and costumes. The characters were extraordinary. They really took their roles serious, and fitted into each character marvelously. Their makeup was very natural, and their costumes were too. I could see when the character Alex started to tear up in the scene when she talks about her unsuccessful writing career. The character that played Parker Lam floral shirt, vest, and hat fitted his character's age, and island environment. It was interesting to see their father daughter love-hate relationship play out. The father loves her, but he is sarcastic at times. In comparison, the daughter said she was going home, but ended up staying. The opening scene was immaculate with the sun setting, and the bees by a tree. Also the lighting with the candles on the porch made the scene look real. The music was nice. Very sentimental in the beginning, but through the characters dialogue the audience could hear the ocean water in the background; which also made the film have an island environment. The director did well with the close up shots to show the characters facial expressions, and their emotions. It was a great choice in the end to stay with the fathers face as he talked to the daughter when she was inside. The ending, with the bottle falling to the ground, made me think the father died.
In contrast, there were minor weaknesses to the film compared to the screen play. The screenplay doesn't leave the audience with a great ending. It seems at it was cut off. I thought the father should have looked a little older. The actress that played Alex was over-dramatic when she talks about the meat being in the soup. Last, the film should have included the background and the scene about other people partying on the island because it would make the setting more realistic, and the characters not so isolated at the home.
Silence of The Bees: Strengths and Weaknesses
The film, Silence of The Bees, brought the play to life through its strong characters, directing, scene setting, music, and costumes. The characters were extraordinary. They really took their roles serious, and fitted into each character marvelously. Their makeup was very natural, and their costumes were too. I could see when the character Alex started to tear up in the scene when she talks about her unsuccessful writing career. The character that played Parker Lam floral shirt, vest, and hat fitted his character's age, and island environment. It was interesting to see their father daughter love-hate relationship play out. The father loves her, but he is sarcastic at times. In comparison, the daughter said she was going home, but ended up staying. The opening scene was immaculate with the sun setting, and the bees by a tree. Also the lighting with the candles on the porch made the scene look real. The music was nice. Very sentimental in the beginning, but through the characters dialogue the audience could hear the ocean water in the background; which also made the film have an island environment. The director did well with the close up shots to show the characters facial expressions, and their emotions. It was a great choice in the end to stay with the fathers face as he talked to the daughter when she was inside. The ending, with the bottle falling to the ground, made me think the father died.
In contrast, there were minor weaknesses to the film compared to the screen play. The screenplay doesn't leave the audience with a great ending. It seems at it was cut off. I thought the father should have looked a little older. The actress that played Alex was over-dramatic when she talks about the meat being in the soup. Last, the film should have included the background and the scene about other people partying on the island because it would make the setting more realistic, and the characters not so isolated at the home.
Great Short Film
klbgarcia1216 May 2011
Warning: Spoilers
Does it pull you into the picture? How so? It somewhat pulls me into the picture, just seeing the fact that it's about a romantic journey between a couple. I can see the film being a television series because I have seen a few just like it such as Summerland, where the show involved relationships and family drama.
What can you tell us about each of them? Actors: Sharon Garnier (Alex McKenzie) is a television and film actress. Garnier has played roles in popular series such as Family in Hiding.
Jim Beaver (Parker Lam) is a television and film actor. Parker has also played popular roles such as his role in Deadwood.
Writer: Joanna Perry-Folino is the screenwriter for The Silence of Bees. Perry-Folino is a member of multiple groups and associations such as Academy of Arts and Sciences. Perry-Folino is a screenwriter, a playwright, librettist, and a producer. Perry-Folino was also in a short film called Just Out of Reach.
Producer: Joanna Perry-Folino Director: Andrew J.Traister has been associated with several theaters, plays and some films in California, Arizona and other areas. Traister's current film is in production with Fire Production LLC.
Film Review for The Silence of Bees: Reading the screenplay for The Silence of Bees, it was interesting because it was emotional. However, seeing it on the screen made it better because actions can actually be seen and easier to decipher. The sound editor though did a great job with the background music. The cinematography wasn't that great because the tropical scene didn't look natural as it's supposed to be, but the lighting was great. If the setting of the film were meant to be very tropical, they probably should have emphasized on that.
Many other scenes could probably have been more dramatic, such as the typewriter scene or the notecard scene. Since the music is what bring emotions to the viewers, maybe a more mellow music or sad music could have been in the background to have a feel for the characters' feelings or somewhat of a connection. It seems as if some scenes didn't have emotion with them.
Overall, the film is great with actors, story and the lighting. However, I am still lost of what the connection of bees in the film. Like I did not see connection at all?
What can you tell us about each of them? Actors: Sharon Garnier (Alex McKenzie) is a television and film actress. Garnier has played roles in popular series such as Family in Hiding.
Jim Beaver (Parker Lam) is a television and film actor. Parker has also played popular roles such as his role in Deadwood.
Writer: Joanna Perry-Folino is the screenwriter for The Silence of Bees. Perry-Folino is a member of multiple groups and associations such as Academy of Arts and Sciences. Perry-Folino is a screenwriter, a playwright, librettist, and a producer. Perry-Folino was also in a short film called Just Out of Reach.
Producer: Joanna Perry-Folino Director: Andrew J.Traister has been associated with several theaters, plays and some films in California, Arizona and other areas. Traister's current film is in production with Fire Production LLC.
Film Review for The Silence of Bees: Reading the screenplay for The Silence of Bees, it was interesting because it was emotional. However, seeing it on the screen made it better because actions can actually be seen and easier to decipher. The sound editor though did a great job with the background music. The cinematography wasn't that great because the tropical scene didn't look natural as it's supposed to be, but the lighting was great. If the setting of the film were meant to be very tropical, they probably should have emphasized on that.
Many other scenes could probably have been more dramatic, such as the typewriter scene or the notecard scene. Since the music is what bring emotions to the viewers, maybe a more mellow music or sad music could have been in the background to have a feel for the characters' feelings or somewhat of a connection. It seems as if some scenes didn't have emotion with them.
Overall, the film is great with actors, story and the lighting. However, I am still lost of what the connection of bees in the film. Like I did not see connection at all?
silence of the bees
brittsgirl11 December 2009
Malinda Hall December 11, 2009 Drama 70 Silence of the bee's assignment the film pulls you into the picture. It does this by the content of the father and daughter relationship being in turmoil. This is probably due to the fact that the dad drinks and the daughter is trying to find her way even at her age. I know for a fact that this is normal in an alcoholic home. The reason I know is I have lived with enough alcoholics also wit drug addicted people to know that is how it is.
The director Andrew Traisterwas an actor in several films before he was a director and he was also a producer, and a miscellaneous crew member in one film. The character Jim Beaver was raised by a church minister in Irving, TX. And is an actor on television The character Parker Lam is an aging Journalist. If you want to know more about the characters go to the website IMDb.com
The films weaknesses of was that of the alcoholic father and how he treated his daughter. Also the daughter had a weakness of writing and how it made her feel. She also could not stand up to her dad. The strength of this film also was the father daughter relationship even though it was a weakness together they made it through and that makes it a strength.This is an awesome 17 min short film, the best I have seen ever
The director Andrew Traisterwas an actor in several films before he was a director and he was also a producer, and a miscellaneous crew member in one film. The character Jim Beaver was raised by a church minister in Irving, TX. And is an actor on television The character Parker Lam is an aging Journalist. If you want to know more about the characters go to the website IMDb.com
The films weaknesses of was that of the alcoholic father and how he treated his daughter. Also the daughter had a weakness of writing and how it made her feel. She also could not stand up to her dad. The strength of this film also was the father daughter relationship even though it was a weakness together they made it through and that makes it a strength.This is an awesome 17 min short film, the best I have seen ever
Thoughts
krystalyna4154 December 2011
Warning: Spoilers
The Silence of Bees started off OK with the showing of the time setting, but I didn't think the lighting of the sun setting and the next close up shot of the leaves and a bee went together. The shot with the bee looked much brighter than it should have.
Sharon Garnier plays a perfect Alex because she has the right uptight look and conflicting emotions between Alex's father, Parker, played by Jim Beaver, who also played his character well. The father-daughter relationship seemed very real. In the beginning, Alex seems like she no longer cares to be living with her father and responds to her father's questions in a tight way, but towards the end, she begins to feel more appreciated and loved by her father.
Because this was a very short film (17 minutes), I felt it left me with many unanswered questions, but I also believe there was enough depth to the two characters that made the film watchable and not boring.
Sharon Garnier plays a perfect Alex because she has the right uptight look and conflicting emotions between Alex's father, Parker, played by Jim Beaver, who also played his character well. The father-daughter relationship seemed very real. In the beginning, Alex seems like she no longer cares to be living with her father and responds to her father's questions in a tight way, but towards the end, she begins to feel more appreciated and loved by her father.
Because this was a very short film (17 minutes), I felt it left me with many unanswered questions, but I also believe there was enough depth to the two characters that made the film watchable and not boring.
The Silence of Bees
jessicamduke15 May 2011
The Silence of Bees was a short film by Joanna Perry-Folino. It is about an aging father and his unstable relationship with his daughter who has her own new life elsewhere. After reading the screenplay, the film proved to be extremely different than I imagined. I felt the actors' emotions weren't believable. The actors were trying to hard in my opinion. Also the setting didn't fit quite right for me, although there were good lighting techniques and camera angles. The music chosen was a little too corny for me and gave a false note to the film. This film had a very strong screenplay, but I think it could have been made way differently. Overall I thought it was interesting and pretty good.
The Silence of Bees is a great short film that can really capture the hearts of its viewers.
elenjoieee9 December 2012
The Silence of Bees is a great short film that can really capture the hearts of its viewers. The story of the film is about a bond between a father and his daughter. The two seem to try to be pushing each other away. Jim Beaver, Parker Lam, openly shows how much he wants to be with his daughter. On the other hand, Sharon Garnier, Alex McKenzie refuses to show her feelings to her father openly.
The story of the film is very emotional and touching. However, it felt more of a trailer to me due to the length. It felt as if the story is just beginning to unfold when it ended. The cinematography adds to the emotional effect of this film. And the same scenario applies to the acting. However, only Jim Beaver's really made me feel emotional and touched. His acting felt very realistic while Sharon Garnier's acting felt very scripted. Despite this, the connection between the two felt like a connection that you would actually feel between a real father and daughter.
The story of the film is very emotional and touching. However, it felt more of a trailer to me due to the length. It felt as if the story is just beginning to unfold when it ended. The cinematography adds to the emotional effect of this film. And the same scenario applies to the acting. However, only Jim Beaver's really made me feel emotional and touched. His acting felt very realistic while Sharon Garnier's acting felt very scripted. Despite this, the connection between the two felt like a connection that you would actually feel between a real father and daughter.
Short on time, long on emotion
nine_deuce_five29 November 2009
The Silence of Bees is an excellent example of how dialogue and chemistry between actors create a compelling story in a short amount of time and without the aid of gimmicks, such as special effects, by putting the focus squarely on the conflict that is taking place. The film does an excellent job of examining the dynamics of a strained father-daughter relationship and the actions both parties take to try to improve things between them.
Because this film is 17 minutes in length, the movie doesn't have too much time to tell the it's story so it gets right to it. The film uses the small amount of time it has effectively, as we immediately find out just why Parker and Alex have a complicated union. This immediately struck me as very real, since the discussion the two characters were having sounds like many talks a frustrated child has had with a stubborn parent. Both characters want the other to understand why they made the choices they have made, and they want them to be content and accepting of their choices. This is where their conflict arises.
As the two characters argue, one can't help but think of the relationship they have with their own parent or parents. People of all cultures throughout all times can relate to the struggle for respect and love that is bred from the relationship between parent and child, giving the film a universal appeal.
Both actors do a great job of playing their characters. Beaver completely nails the role of the jaded, veteran writer, a man who holds fast to his beliefs. Garnier is not to be outdone as the loving but somewhat resentful daughter who wants nothing more than to have her father's love but also wants to not be questioned for her choices in life.
During the course of their conversation, Alex gets annoyed at her failed attempts to get through to Parker, and eventually announces she will be leaving the next day. Parker senses that he may be letting something slip away, so he takes a few moments to reconsider his approach. As he makes some suggestions for her future, Alex comes to realize that she has an enormous amount of respect for Parker, and although their relationship is not the typical model of a healthy father-daughter relationship, they have a certain connection that cannot be tempered or broken.
The only drawback to the film are the use of shots that don't change very often and limited camera angles. While this is not artistically desirable, it's reasonable to assume that using a certain number of shots puts more of the focus on the plot and conflict. In fact, the use of only a few different shots gives the film a more realistic quality.
By the time the film is over, you will be reminded of how the bond that exists between two people holds up through time and challenging situations. Hopefully, it will make you reexamine the relationships in your own life and think of how your actions affect them. This is short, simple film that contains a powerful message.
Because this film is 17 minutes in length, the movie doesn't have too much time to tell the it's story so it gets right to it. The film uses the small amount of time it has effectively, as we immediately find out just why Parker and Alex have a complicated union. This immediately struck me as very real, since the discussion the two characters were having sounds like many talks a frustrated child has had with a stubborn parent. Both characters want the other to understand why they made the choices they have made, and they want them to be content and accepting of their choices. This is where their conflict arises.
As the two characters argue, one can't help but think of the relationship they have with their own parent or parents. People of all cultures throughout all times can relate to the struggle for respect and love that is bred from the relationship between parent and child, giving the film a universal appeal.
Both actors do a great job of playing their characters. Beaver completely nails the role of the jaded, veteran writer, a man who holds fast to his beliefs. Garnier is not to be outdone as the loving but somewhat resentful daughter who wants nothing more than to have her father's love but also wants to not be questioned for her choices in life.
During the course of their conversation, Alex gets annoyed at her failed attempts to get through to Parker, and eventually announces she will be leaving the next day. Parker senses that he may be letting something slip away, so he takes a few moments to reconsider his approach. As he makes some suggestions for her future, Alex comes to realize that she has an enormous amount of respect for Parker, and although their relationship is not the typical model of a healthy father-daughter relationship, they have a certain connection that cannot be tempered or broken.
The only drawback to the film are the use of shots that don't change very often and limited camera angles. While this is not artistically desirable, it's reasonable to assume that using a certain number of shots puts more of the focus on the plot and conflict. In fact, the use of only a few different shots gives the film a more realistic quality.
By the time the film is over, you will be reminded of how the bond that exists between two people holds up through time and challenging situations. Hopefully, it will make you reexamine the relationships in your own life and think of how your actions affect them. This is short, simple film that contains a powerful message.
Excellent!
joshuaevenson8 May 2009
Warning: Spoilers
Joshua Evenson, 5-8-08
The opening scene was a study in natural beauty, with a tropical sunrise, spectacular ocean shots, and wildlife. The scene, filled with sunshine, starts the movie out on a high note, a hopeful tone. Indeed, this sunny/hopeful tone continues with shots of the two main characters, Parker and Alex, having their day in the tropics. However, the lighting is dimmed to a night lit by the fire of torches when the two characters finally begin to converse. The music well reflects the same kind of switch from day to night, beginning with beautiful and soft string music that is replaced by more foreboding piano tones that persist largely through the conversation between Parker and Alex. The music maintains this interesting juxtaposition of light strings and foreboding piano, perhaps as a metaphor for the dual nature of the relationship between the characters. While their relationship may seem strained on the surface, underneath there is a real and deep sense of love for one another. The camera work was both well done and tragic. Well done in the sense that the camera was able to capture much of the tropical backdrop, while maintaining enough insert shots of the characters' faces to track the full gambit of emotions that play across the characters. I also use the word tragic to describe the camera work, as the independent movie budget prevented the movie from exploring more of the beautiful tropical surroundings and placing the characters in more than one setting.
Jim Beaver does a wonderful job portraying the gruff, overly critical yet thoroughly loving father. He is as old and careworn as his typewriter, seemingly subsisting off of cigars, rum, and self-loathing over the poor choices he has made in his life. While taking a break from typing his next novel, he continually picks at Alex's life with his intelligent, prying mind; making sure to let him know with sharp sarcastic innuendoes that he is unhappy with her choice of nursing over writing as a career. Despite all of this, we still get such a sense of love for his daughter through his actions that we cannot help but like Parker. Perhaps it is that his prying into Alex's life is characterized by a desire to see her happy, and that his innuendoes are often accompanied by praise for her ability and for her intelligence. Indeed, after some time it becomes apparent that the gruff facade of Parker's is just that, a show that he puts on to cover up his fear of being hurt and his fear of alienating his daughter as he has the others in his past. Sharon Garnier, as Alex McKenzie, is no less deep a character. While she consistently rebuffs her father's attempts to force her back into writing, ostensibly because she likes nursing more but more likely because she fears the very large footsteps her talented father has left to fill, it is apparent that she would like, deep down, to do more with her life. That being said, while Jim Beaver made the deeper character of Parker shine through the facade that his dialogue sets up, Sharon Garnier does not seem to add as much to her character as he does. Indeed, the complexity of Alex could probably be attributed more to the writing and directing in the film, rather than to Sharon's adaptation of the character. That being said, these were minor issues with what is overall a film very worth watching.
The opening scene was a study in natural beauty, with a tropical sunrise, spectacular ocean shots, and wildlife. The scene, filled with sunshine, starts the movie out on a high note, a hopeful tone. Indeed, this sunny/hopeful tone continues with shots of the two main characters, Parker and Alex, having their day in the tropics. However, the lighting is dimmed to a night lit by the fire of torches when the two characters finally begin to converse. The music well reflects the same kind of switch from day to night, beginning with beautiful and soft string music that is replaced by more foreboding piano tones that persist largely through the conversation between Parker and Alex. The music maintains this interesting juxtaposition of light strings and foreboding piano, perhaps as a metaphor for the dual nature of the relationship between the characters. While their relationship may seem strained on the surface, underneath there is a real and deep sense of love for one another. The camera work was both well done and tragic. Well done in the sense that the camera was able to capture much of the tropical backdrop, while maintaining enough insert shots of the characters' faces to track the full gambit of emotions that play across the characters. I also use the word tragic to describe the camera work, as the independent movie budget prevented the movie from exploring more of the beautiful tropical surroundings and placing the characters in more than one setting.
Jim Beaver does a wonderful job portraying the gruff, overly critical yet thoroughly loving father. He is as old and careworn as his typewriter, seemingly subsisting off of cigars, rum, and self-loathing over the poor choices he has made in his life. While taking a break from typing his next novel, he continually picks at Alex's life with his intelligent, prying mind; making sure to let him know with sharp sarcastic innuendoes that he is unhappy with her choice of nursing over writing as a career. Despite all of this, we still get such a sense of love for his daughter through his actions that we cannot help but like Parker. Perhaps it is that his prying into Alex's life is characterized by a desire to see her happy, and that his innuendoes are often accompanied by praise for her ability and for her intelligence. Indeed, after some time it becomes apparent that the gruff facade of Parker's is just that, a show that he puts on to cover up his fear of being hurt and his fear of alienating his daughter as he has the others in his past. Sharon Garnier, as Alex McKenzie, is no less deep a character. While she consistently rebuffs her father's attempts to force her back into writing, ostensibly because she likes nursing more but more likely because she fears the very large footsteps her talented father has left to fill, it is apparent that she would like, deep down, to do more with her life. That being said, while Jim Beaver made the deeper character of Parker shine through the facade that his dialogue sets up, Sharon Garnier does not seem to add as much to her character as he does. Indeed, the complexity of Alex could probably be attributed more to the writing and directing in the film, rather than to Sharon's adaptation of the character. That being said, these were minor issues with what is overall a film very worth watching.
Overall, good movie
jazzyj12284 December 2011
After viewing the film, I was pleasantly surprised by how good it was. The acting was very good, I especially enjoyed the performance done by Sharon Garnier. The scene was put together really nicely and the shots had significance. The two actors dynamic was on point, it did seem as though they were father and daughter who hadn't had the best relationship. It was a little cheesy and seemed to go too fast for a real connection though, the emotion was portrayed well by the actors but it seemed almost like a soap opera shot. The film seemed to move very quickly, and it was hard to make a complete connection with the story and the characters, but seeing that it was a short film I do believe that they did a good job with this problem. The sound effects were nicely placed, the sound of the typewriter was very clear even when the camera was inside and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The sound of the crickets in the background when they were talking was very fitting and added to the mood of the film. Overall, I enjoyed the film and thought that it provoked deep emotions that are connectible to anyone.
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jennx243 November 2008
The Silence of Bees clip, which is an excerpt of a possible film in development, despite the relatively low production values compared to many modern Hollywood is surprisingly high in quality. This can be attributed to not only the care that the production team and actors put into it, but mainly displays the strength of the screenplay. Even though it may take place in some faraway location like Barbados, the themes still manage to hit close to home. The strained relationship between Beaver and Garnier's characters is very realistic and very well portrayed by both actors. Beaver is a writer who can only express his feelings in words to his daughter through his work; however, there is a subtlety about his drunken typing that he was able to accurately portray and the underlying communication that is going on between them. This is only a prologue of the entire work that was unable to and is needed to be filmed. Maybe the film is too cerebral for its subject matter to be able to find a Hollywood audience, which is the real shame. Hollywood doesn't make deep films about family interactions. It makes Greek weddings or family road trips with Ice Cube and the kids. Hopefully this movie does not end up in the back of a filing cabinet with the rest of the great screenplays belong.
Acting
islandboy0233 November 2008
Silence of Bees is a short story about a father and daughter and the relationship that they share. Overall the acting of the film was good in some parts but lacked in others. The man Jim Beaver who plays the father Parker Lam I personally thought acted phenomenal throughout the short film. He really set that mood as the accomplished writer and father figure. When Jim leans back and a swig and starts talking about how the word happy sounds funny it really seemed as if he was drunk. The woman Sharon Garnier who plays the daughter Alex McKenzie I thought acted just as well or even better. Parts such as such as when she begins crying after her father gives her the note was really convincing. The best part of the short film would have to be the little scene when Lam gets so called "stung by the bee" and Sharon runs over to check him out then shares a drink with him. Throughout the film the scenery was perfect for the dialog between Parker and Sharon because of so many different things. One being the lighting with the time of day and also the candles make it seem more realistic. Everything really seemed to come together from beginning to end. Good short film.
An enchanting look into the father-daughter relationship struggling to understand their different paths in life
sette-e_939 December 2012
The short film The Silence of Bees is an enchanting look into the father-daughter relationship struggling to understand each other at different places in their lives. I found the intimate and isolated setting of Barbados to be very fitting for both Parker Lam and Alex McKenzie to reflect on their differences and past experiences. Jim Beaver gave a great performance of a father accepting his deficiency in life and trying to be enough for his daughter. He wants his love for writing to inspire his daughter, played by Sharon Garnier, to follow what he feels is her true passion as well. We explore the idea of purpose and true meaning of life through their witty interactions. Ultimately, by the end their unspoken respect and understanding for one another is revealed. Although I found Beaver's performance more believable than Garnier's I thoroughly enjoyed the setting and storyline of the film, which resonated with many trying to find purpose in their lives.
The Silence of Bees - a great independent film
jilllynnpeterson3 April 2009
The Silence of Bees is a brilliant short independent film which captivates your inner soul. The musical score and the acting done by Jim Beaver and Sharon Garnier were just astonishing. Both actors pull you into the story line. As I was watching the film, it reminded me of the strong bond that I have with my own father, and how no matter what happens in life, nothing can break the ties between father and daughter. This films deserves nothing but praise for its acting, cinematography, screen writing, and production. It is truly a breath of fresh air. The film is 17 minutes, and during this short time, it truly gives you a heart warming feeling. A true gem !
Well written
k-116663 December 2016
After watching the short film I think the greatest parts were from the writing and from Jim Beaver. I think it was well written. Jim was exactly how I imagined Parker being. I think he was the greatest strength from film. I think it might have been because of Sharon Garnier but I didn't feel the connection between Parker and Alex. I could feel that Sharon was acting but as for Jim I really felt that he was really in his role.I do think this film really showcased what it
is like for a father daughter with a troubled relationship
I wasn't a fan of the lighting but I thought the directing was really great.
is like for a father daughter with a troubled relationship
I wasn't a fan of the lighting but I thought the directing was really great.
The Silence of Bees is a short film that is about a daughter father
morenita_646915 May 2011
The Silence of Bees is a short film that is about a daughter father relationship. The short film really is just about a daughter and father talking to each other in their back yard. Maybe trying to bond more with each other.The father who is around his 60's is an alcoholic writer who lives in an island away from everything. His daughter Alex who is staying with him tells him she is about to go back to Flint Michigan he tells her to stay and then they talk about how she should go back to writing instead of working as a nurse. She tells him that she is happy just the way she is and that she does not need to go back to writing. Really that is all there is to it. This is a very short film to depict anything else. You really can't get much out of it if its only a couple minutes long. Overall I think it was an okay film. The setting and cinematography used makes the audience feel like they are in a cozy and comfortable place.
The Silence of Bees
Kellz03014 December 2014
Warning: Spoilers
"He loved her the best he could. He hoped it had been enough to see her through. He knew it probably wasn't." –Parker Lam The Silence of Bees is a short film, written and produced by Joanna Folino, which shows the strained relationship of a father and daughter, whose struggles surround the fact that he wishes for her to continue writing, like him, but she is a nurse, proud that she is making a difference, no matter how small.
Jim Beaver plays the part of Parker Lam, the father and once successful writer, who would like to see his daughter find her happiness writing, like him. Sharon Garnier plays Parker's strong willed daughter, Alex, who is happy being a nurse, or is she? Both actors are strong in their roles and portray a convincing pair, struggling for acceptance from each other. The Silence of Bees is a heartfelt film about a father and daughter who truly love each other, they just have a hard time saying it.
Jim Beaver plays the part of Parker Lam, the father and once successful writer, who would like to see his daughter find her happiness writing, like him. Sharon Garnier plays Parker's strong willed daughter, Alex, who is happy being a nurse, or is she? Both actors are strong in their roles and portray a convincing pair, struggling for acceptance from each other. The Silence of Bees is a heartfelt film about a father and daughter who truly love each other, they just have a hard time saying it.
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