Movie Review: After Fall, Winter
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[media-credit name="courtesy of Eric Schaeffer" align="alignleft" width="202"]
[/media-credit]Question: When’s the last time you fell in love? Did it happen when your emotions were so low about yourself that you totally forgot you were depressed?
“Love is so hard to find; truth is harder to admit; and expectations are always too high.” Those are some of the thoughts I think about when I think of love. Movies have probably formed my opinion about how, why and what falling in love is like more than real life; but books, poetry and even art also convey those moments in our lives when the person you are looking directly at makes you feel so damn good you lose yourself in a veil of happiness – even if it is short lived. After Fall, Winter was a prime example of this and it made me love the film.
Sometimes movies like to take love stories and beat it over your head with overly sappy sayings that mean nothing at all. For example, “Love doesn’t mean having to say you’re sorry.” What does that actually mean anyway? Sounds like hogwash to me. But I just finished watching the independent film by Eric Schaeffer and discovered an extremely intimate, truthful, not-so-pretty at times, endearing and painfully dark tale about love that left me quite moved.
As I write this review, only a few moments after finishing the film, I almost find it hard to catch my breath. The corner of my lips are pointing downwards now because for nearly the majority of the film I caught myself in a grin, especially at the scenes between the two lead characters, Sophie & Michael, as they slowly allowed the other one in. However, when I got to the end, I felt slapped hard with intense emotions that I wasn’t completely expecting.
Maybe I should back up a bit. It’s not my normal thing to give you background or a summary of the film, but I feel compelled to mention a few details of After Fall, Winter. The story follows two people who are deeply unhappy, unsatisfied and dealing with the pain in their lives that detaches them from thinking happiness isn’t worthy for them anymore. I won’t say why these two are like this or how they deal with it – as that was part of the surprise of the film for me. Even though it was different, disconcerting (in parts) and sad, After Fall, Winter was one of the best films I have seen in some time.
Eric Schaeffer wrote, directed, produced and starred in After Fall, Winter. I did not recognize him when I started watching it, but now that I have seen his film I am very curious to learn more about this talented filmmaker. Being a jack-of-all-trades in the film industry cannot be easy, but Eric Schaeffer pulled it off beautifully. And, personally, I think some of the writing, specifically the talks between the two lead characters, was absolutely brilliant. Hollywood, take note!
Sophie, played by Lizzie Brochere, was also someone I didn’t recognize. She is French and a lot of her scenes are subtitled but when she spoke English I almost couldn’t hear an accent. She was lovely. Her portrayal of someone lost, unhappy and alone was pure and authentic. Again, Hollywood, take note!
After Fall, Winter is why I love independent films. There is more freedom to the storytelling. This film takes you into several areas of life, some that aren’t pretty to look at, while others are beautiful like the beginning of falling in love. Nothing in the world feels as good as that, does it?
My favorite part: Had to be the scene on the one of the Parisian bridges when Michael was being a gentleman. So sweet.
My least favorite part: A confession that was made. Left me very sad.
Directed (produced and written) byEric Schaeffer, Film Buff, 2012.
Starring: Eric Schaeffer, Lizzie Brocheré, Heather Aitken, Rebecca Jameson, Jimmy King.
Genre: Drama
Rating: R
Length: 130 minutes
Review: 9 out of 10
Movie Review: After Fall, Winter,
Movie reviews that won’t spoil the story with the critique. Movies are my passion and I want to share my opinion on the movies I see to give you more insight on what to see next.
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Tags: After Fall Winter, dark, depression, drama, Eric Schaeffer, falling in love, Independent Film, intense emotions, intimate passion, letting someone in, Lizzie Brochere, love stories in the movies, paris, Paris bridge, S & M
I will be watching this one as the trailer looked pretty good, even though I ordered it on itunes and the copy didn’t work, but the first 15 minutes of what I did see made me want to see the rest, so itunes sucks. I saw Schaeffer’s TV series Starved about people with eating disorders and it was darkly humorous, not sure why it was cancelled after seven episodes as it was really good compared to what’s out there now, the entire series is available on youtube. Have to wait on the dvd for this one I think.
That happened to me when I tried watching Ed Burns’ latest film which could only be seen VOD. Until ITunes masters this I will probably avoid watching films that way. Enjoy After Fall, Winter when you can.
Thanks for the heads up on Eric Schaeffer’s other things. Will check them out.
Love means never having to say you’re sorry — I didn’t get that, either. In fact, I thought Ali McGraw’s character was a bit of witch. Ugh! After reading your review, this movie intrigues me. I’m afraid, though. I like happy endings. If I send you a private message will you tell me if it does? I’m serious. I can’t handle heartbreak. Makes me want to set fire to the curtains.
Yeah, I saw on Oprah that Ali McGraw hated that line and never understood what it meant either..haha
Okay, YOU want ME to tell you the END!? Are you mad, woman? But since you asked so nicely -- go ahead and send me a message, I’ll let you know.
Katy, anyone involved in this film would be thrilled with your review. It is impassioned and beautifully written. I know that it is now on my list, thanks to your great write-up.
Thanks, Cher. This was a real treat and why I lOVE indie films SO MUCH!! Hope you enjoy it
Oh! I am definitely intrigued now! *adds it to her list* Lovely written as well, Katy ^_^
Thank you, TJ. How long is that list now?
Looong, but I am watching more movies now! Taking necessary breaks from illustrating and PC
“..but I am watching more movies now!” -- AWESOME!
I am dying to see this movie!! Something about a very short clip I saw spoke to me. I am a big believer in love not being real if it’s fleeting, and I wonder if this film will test that theory.
Enjoy the film, Jen. Yes, I saw the preview and I knew I wanted to see it as well. And I am so glad I did.
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