Movie Magic

Tonight, Caitlin and I went to a screening of David Teague's new film "Love Suicides." Based on an 18th century play by Chikamatsu Monzaemon, the movie is a silent film shot on black-and-white Super 8. David's been working on it for the last four years, and it shows.

While the story itself is well-staged -- and the sets are quite inventive and impressive -- what struck me the most was how the movie feels out of time and place. You almost can't tell that it's modern. You almost can't tell that it's American. The actors do a great job portraying their characters in an impressionistic silent film style, and the title cards go far to enable the illusion.

But the highlight might be the score by Richard Marriott. Originally part of the Club Foot Orchestra in the Bay Area, Marriott -- and many of his compatriots -- now live in New York. The score blends Asian themes and traditional songs with contemporary classical music -- and includes musicians such as Ned Rothenberg.

Good work, David. I hope great things come of this film. It's an important and impressive piece of work.