Change Your Image
teri_weiss
Reviews
Rite of the Shaman (2022)
Magical
I had the honor and privilege to work on this project and had no idea how it would turn out after the editing and adding music. At the moment all I can say is...WOW! I read the story/script, heard and tried to understand the theme during the days I worked on set. However, after watching this... I get it.
First off, the editing (to me, a total novice) was beyond brilliant. Hours upon hours of film was used to create what I watched. The editing made the movie. I really don't have words to really explain how I felt watching as scene by scene Kai worked through all he was feeling.
The Shaman scene had chills running rampant and tears streaming from my eyes; but they were good tears and chills. I knew the scene would be there but didn't have a clue how it would work. The symbolism of what Kai's ancestors meant to him was what got me. I don't consider myself very spiritual but I felt it.
I loved the Celtic music and how it interspersed throughout the film to help tell the story of Kai's happy life diving into despair as he takes care of his cancer-ridden mother to being bullied at school. At times the music was very uplifting and filled my soul with peace; at others, sadness and pain.
The cinematography was magical. I watched how each scene was filmed and wondered how it would look. Now I know. Carson's use of the slow-motion action with the fire dance scene and the ending scene is, to me, genius. I just love how everything came together to create magic on the screen.
I would LOVE to see this on the big screen because I know it will have a huge impact on the audience and it deserves the big screen to allow the magic flow.
Polygamy Gone Wrong (2020)
Whoa!
I loved the violin music throughout! It was haunting. The subject of polygamy is an interesting one when you live in Utah/Arizona yet this short brought a different view. Normally one would expect to see just women and children working away on the land or in the home and the "master" nowhere to be found.
This short film took the "traditional" polygamy household and turned it upside down by the women freeing themselves from the "master's slavery".
My favorite part: They are all walking towards the grove/building to worship the Architect in winter's snow and cold. After the "ceremony" we see the earth has begun to waken out of winter's death into the warmth and healing of Spring, just as the women did.
Brava!