Did anyone catch “Beauty Beneath the Dirt” at the Shadowbox or Lyric?
The writer behind local movie review blog “Dusty on Movies” caught a screening of the Appalachian Trail documentary “Beauty Beneath the Dirt,” which stopped in at The Shadowbox Cinema and The Lyric Theatre, and liked it a lot. Does anyone else out there who saw it agree or disagree?
“Dusty on Movies” also offers interesting perspectives on locally-produced films “Blue Ridge” (a thumb’s up, with reservations) and “Lake Effects” (a firm thumb’s down.)
June 29, 2012 - 4:30 PM
I saw ‘Beauty Beneath the Dirt’ at The Shadowbox. A fascinating study of personalities mixed with natural beauty. The Shadowbox offers an intimate setting to view films.
It’s my unbiased opinion that dustyonmovies.com is the greatest movie website in the eastern Montgomery County area. Thanks for the shout out Mike!
Of course I saw “Beauty Beneath the Dirt” at Shadowbox – my favorite place to view independent and unique films, among other things. Brandon Imp did a fantastic job in presenting his documentary. The film is an interesting study in psychology and sociology. There are beautiful shots of landscape, the kindness of strangers and the relationships we hold, or throw away. There are ugly moments of self realization, betrayal, exhaustion. Carrying the viewer from portions of the trail to portions of the trail are animated maps. I found myself hoping the traveling mapline would stop at a place I’m familiar with, somewhere on the very local portions of the trail. I found myself wanting closure and beginnings in the relationships shared on the screen. Imp answered questions after the film and gave negative answers to those desires of mine. But he also shared the personal revelations that he and his sister realized. It was a fulfilling evening spent. Missed it? Check out their webpage: http://beautybeneaththedirt.com.
I saw “Blue Ridge” at another favorite spot of mine, The Grandin Theatre. There’s nothing like being in the main screen room to watch a film. I had a personal interest in this movie as one of the actors is dear to me, but I was curious and excited to see it besides. With a limited budget and local filming, I wanted to see what had been and what could be done. It felt familiar somehow. Coal Miner’s Daughter came to mind, especially with the lead female character’s mannerisms. Parts of the film confused me, parts made me sad, and parts were a little shocking. As a whole, the movie made me think a little, react, talk…in that way it was successful. Plus I got to view it with that actor and bask in his enjoyment. It is good to see a local filmmaker find some success.
I’d like to say I liked Lake Effects. This film too held the connection of a friend, but in a different way. She was behind the scenes. I’d like to say I went to the viewing at Westlake, but I didn’t. I’d like to say I watched it several times on the Hallmark Channel; but I didn’t. The truth is, I tried to watch it, but didn’t sit through it. It isn’t fair for me to pass judgment on something I didn’t finish watching. So, I will judge what I did see. I saw someone whom I had admired, Jane Seymore, fail to grasp the Franklin County accent, fail to grasp a southern accent even. I’ve only lived here 16 years and I think I sound more official than she did. This disappointed me so much I couldn’t watch the film. That may be shallow of me; this may be my own shortcoming. But, if you cannot convince me you are authentic, even a little bit, if you cannot suck me into the film, I’m probably not going to make myself watch it.
Thanks for the detailed comment, Heather! I’d love to see more like it.
And Dusty, you’re welcome.