REVIEWS FOR INDEPENDENT FILM, LOW BUDGET FILM, SHORT FILM & WEB SERIES
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I'll be the first to admit that experimental films are really hard for me to rate. They're meant to be just that. Experimental - and a direct opposite of what a film is supposed to be. Generally, not your typical looking productions by any means. For myself, considering the nature of "Perspective: Abused Mind" from writer, director Yassin Gabriel, I literally had to go with my gut. This movie was a little confusing - not a lot, but enough. It also left me feeling slightly dizzy and awkward. Not from the content mind you, rather the visuals. Gabriel presents what is essentially a run-and-gun first person perspective kind of film. Much like your favorite modern video game. The majority of the story is told by letting us see things through her eyes, the leading lady, as well as hearing her thoughts and fears. The story itself revolves on the aftermath of a rape victim. The mental scars such an incident procures. It's a sad introduction - or reminder - that past events are never far from the minds of the victims. A story of how these traumas can manifest themselves, and continue to destroy lives long past the calendar date that they happened. In the case of "Perspective: Abused Mind" these traumas not only destroy the victim, but also the people around her. Yassin Gabriel has presented a reflection piece. Something to consider and hope you never have to experience.
With everything that was said up above, things really did hinge on the visual aspects of this film. I'm not a fan of hand-held footage to say the least. So, considering that the nature of the presentation here is from a first person standpoint... it was a hard sell right out of the gate. Making things harder was the fact this is a sub-titled film. I spent my time in a frenzy, trying to see what was happening onscreen, and quickly darting my eyes down to read what was being said. I tend to wonder if I didn't need the sub-titles - would this have been easier to follow? Doing both was just a workout. Something a person should never have to do watching a film. And yet... there was also a mesmerizing quality to this piece. My eyes didn't want to miss any of the jittery action taking place on my screen. The entire title felt almost dreamlike - or nightmarish - depending on how you look at things. The hypnotic way this film was presented helped a lot when compiling my personal rating. However, I also had to keep in mind some story elements that just felt off to me. First? Why was a gun brought into the home of a person, who clearly is suffering from severe mental strains? More to the point... why was it left behind? You could argue it was an accident... but that's one hell of an accident considering. This was on my mind right from the start. And remains.
In the end, this was a decent trip into a fractured mind. Considering the hand-held nature of this film, for me personally to give it a two and a half stars - is a major compliment. The concept is good, just presented in a way that makes it tough to follow. Yet it's ability to keep your eyes glued to the screen is a definite plus. In the end? A Job well done and a solid two and a half stars. |
