Red Dirt
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Movie Reviews of Red Dirt
Movie Review: Astonishing film, stunning locations
Summary: 5 Stars
From the opening scene of Griffith and Emily is the lush green vegetation up against a tree to the incredible theme music during the rolling of the credits; I knew this was going to be one fine film. And at the end, I felt I was right.
So subtle in atmosphere, with raindrops rolling off of the leaves of aquatic plants in a swamp, vivid descriptions of the heat and humidity, real or imagined, were awesome. We see a depiction of slow southern life where love between cousins, while seemingly accepted, is still questioned. One gets the sense that Griffith and Emily are together because they are the only male and female of similar age anywhere around.
The story plays out like so many do--people stuck in their existence without the means or motivation to change or move on. But one has to question whether moving on is the right thing to do or not. People just have to have a reason to question their circumstances.
For Griffith, the appearance of Lee opens up an entirely new world. Lee has an interest in seeing Griffith explore the world. And as the friendship develops, Lee becomes the person who naturally would want to take Griffith on that journey. But there are huge obstacles to overcome. Who will care for Summer?
In the end, Griffith who wanted so much to leave decides to stay. Why? Many reasons. The best reason being he discovered he had the power to leave, which had always been absent.
At the end, one could say that only Emily moved on, but that would not be true. Griffith found love and friendship and the power to move on in the future. Summer made strides to be more independent and less afraid of the world around her.
I finish the film with the hope that Lee sends post cards and letters from out west and Griffith with join him.
Movie Review: Outstanding, Touching Film
Summary: 5 Stars
I have watched this film twice and found it far more impressive the second time. It feels initially like a Deep South melodrama with common stereotypes, but it isn't at all. I do not find this picture "gothic," although it certainly seems that way for the first hour or so, due to the limited number of characters and their isolation on a farm, broken only by trips to a single store in a town that we never see. By the end, however, everyone makes sense in realistic and romantic terms. Each character emerges as an individual; there are no villains. Although the setting is rural and the characters are not sophisticated, they are clearly living in the present.
The film is beautifully acted by the four major players, who are excellent. True, the accents vary more than they should, but that isn't significant. The cinematography is so lovely, it reminds me of "Days of Heaven" (not to mention the cicadas). As in "Days of Heaven," the constant sense of beauty, sadness and defeat, emphasized by an unusual musical score dominated by cellos, prepares the audience for the ending.
"Red Dirt" is about love, not about sex. The embrace and kiss between the two male characters is so gentle and heartfelt (and Walton Goggins's acting is so extraordinarily tender) that this passage could not have been better. The same is true of the moment when the niece and the aunt say goodbye.
In the film as a whole, the emotions are achingly real and transparently expressed. All of the characters are seen to struggle with their feelings and then to make the necessary choices, and the empathy between them is wonderful. The film is profoundly moving.
It is a real shame this film did not receive a wider distribution. These actors deserve to be seen more often.
Movie Review: Labels
Summary: 5 Stars
I read the many responses to the movie "Red Dirt". I loved the movie. I am speaking as a Southerner living in Kentucky.
The South has a way of life that hangs upon an individual and never lets one move without much agression and passion to "jumpstart" the will and senses.
I have been Griffith and Lee in the past. Many men have experienced both sides of this equation.
I hate that society must put labels on people. We must have our designated labels so all must know who and what we are and what behavior we may be prone to. This must be "identified" and labeled to forewarn others of precautions that must be taken.
I am tired of labels. Why can't a man love a man for the sake of loving him. Why must the gay label be applied? I have had close intimacy with men in my life that were very close friends. We kissed, held each other close. The gay label must be applied here for the sake of society.
Griffith found himself in a predicament. He loved Lee, and Lee loved him. I did not see this as gay. In the movie it did not become a sexual relationship.
If you want a movie that has an intense emotional level, this is the one. If you want a movie with skin, go elsewhere. This movie speaks on a deeper level of caring for one's family and coinciding with caring for individual need's. I would advise anyone to see this movie. It is a gem that is not well known.
I have been gay in the past, but now am straight and married. Much of what I wanted was "labeled" gay , and was not. Watch the movie! Recommend it ! Men can be intense and in love without sex! What a concept!
Movie Review: Life's Little Compromises
Summary: 5 Stars
"Red Dirt" is an excellent story about life - no matter how convoluted it can seem. If you go into watching this film expecting a nice, tidy love story, you'll be sorely disappointed.
"Red Dirt" revolves around Griffith, a Southern born and bred young man, raised by crazy Aunt Summer ever since being orphaned some time ago. Griffith is now taking care of his aunt and his only friend is his cousin, Emily, who is also his lover. Griffith longs for something to take him away from his backwoods existence. That something comes in the form of Lee, a care-free, free-spirited drifter.
Of course, there's the requisite bemoaning of Griffith's future, his reluctance/refusal to want to take care of his aunt, the breakup of cousin/lover to chase after new friend. But there is a lot more to the story than that. Now, as long as you don't go into "Red Dirt" expecting everything to turn out hunky-dory, you'll be alright.
"Red Dirt" is a story about life, and life's not always fair. (Take it from a gay man who's life has just as many twists and turns as Griffith's has.) Having realized this by movie's end, the chosen ending is quite understandable. Would any other ending have been fair to the characters involved? "Red Dirt" is quite a good story dealing with the fact that despite our most deepest wants or needs, compromises and sacrifices are the tools in the game of life. "Red Dirt" is an excellent film.
Movie Review: A Southern Gem
Summary: 5 Stars
Being a Southerner I am a sucker for a good drama based in the South. Red Dirt did not diasppoint! From the opening frame I was hooked. At times the pace is as slow as the Southern lifestyle but it is important to the style of this drama. If you are looking for a flashy gay flesh fest then this movie is not for you...It is pure romance. The first kiss shared between the two male leads will leave you breathless. If you are a true romantic, you won't want to miss this fantastic film. Every character in this film is spot on with their performances; you truly care about each one of the defined and refined characters due to some fantastic acting. I expected to root for the gay guys to be together in the end, but as the film progressed I realized every flawed soul of this film touched my heart and stole my compassion. I can't express how touched I am by this film. It will haunt my heart and mind for many days and weeks to come...Don't miss it. Don't rent it; you will want to purchase this product and watch it over and over. If you ever stop believing in love just pop in this dvd to reaffirm its existance and the possible magic a normal day can bring!!! "Did the morning come too early, was the night not long enough? Does a tear of desperation fall on everything you touch... Maybe leaving's not the only way to go!"-To quote my favorite musical Big River!!