Movie Review – Catfish

by Donald Hanson • September 19, 2010 • Entertainment, Movie Reviews • Comments (0) • 1732

My friend called me yesterday and asked me if I wanted to go see a movie called Catfish with him. He said the movie “is a documentary type movie filmed like the Blair Witch Project” and it is only playing in 12 theaters in the whole country, including Edgewater, NJ. We got another friend together, & headed over to the theater. When we got there, I noticed 2 things. One is that the poster for the film was very cryptic : it says : “Don’t let anyone tell you what it is”. Second : There was a sheet of paper on the poster stating “There will be a Q & A session after the showing with the makers of the film”. As we entered the theater, we were handed a survey form and pencil, similar to when you see a screening of a film to be released in the future.

It is very interesting to sit down and watch a movie that you know absolutely nothing about. I think it’s a great way to see movies, and is the perfect way to see Catfish. As the movie unfolds, you experience it in much the same way as the people in the film. This works very well since the movie is about uncovering a mystery. There is a great suspense to this film that comes from not knowing what is going to happen next. What happens and the directions that the story takes completely suprised me. All I will say about the film is what is revealed in the trailer : A guy meets some people & develops relationships with them on facebook. If you go to the site, the trailer will show a little bit more information.

Here is the official description from the website : In late 2007, filmmakers Ariel Schulman and Henry Joost sensed a story unfolding as they began to film the life of Ariel’s brother, Nev. They had no idea that their project would lead to the most exhilarating and unsettling months of their lives. A reality thriller that is a shocking product of our times, Catfish is a riveting story of love, deception and grace within a labyrinth of online intrigue.

After the film, the directors, who were also in the movie, came out in front of the audience to take questions and comments. It is a surreal experience watching a movie and then seeing some of the same people in real life walk out and talk to you. It was a really nice added bonus to seeing the movie. After the discussion, they gave out posters autographed by the directors, Rel Schulman & Henry Joost. We also had a chance to talk with them one on one. They were genuinely interested in what the audience thought and how we felt afterwords. One last thing : There is an awesome t-shirt in the movie that will be of special interest to photographers. I want that t-shirt.

http://www.iamrogue.com/catfish