Word: film
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Dates: during 1960-1969
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FRIENDS, which was written, produced, and directed by former M.I.T. student Filippe Herba, is well worth seeing because it says a great deal about the good and bad points of student films. Students who get into films come from primarily two backgrounds-drama and visual studies-and a student's experience frequently determines the approach he will use in his film. Friend's shows the director's clear talent as a photographer, but emphasizes the visual aspects of the film at the expense of its theatrical aspects. The weak script is almost used as an excuse for using the camera...
...film proves that students can shoot a good hour-long, black and white, one-reeler and can shoot one with relatively little expense. The lighting is used effectively throughout the film and is especially impressive in the day-to-night transitions. The angles used are carefully thought out and yet are not so artsy that they intrude upon the viewer's appreciation of the film. This taste for successful angles is coupled with a consistent awareness of composition. Attention to composition is especially apparent in shots of groups of two and three people...
This technical and visual success is hampered by the director's failure to direct the acting adequately. The film's drama lacks any real vitality. The dialogue is particularly weak and is given a sterile interpretation...
...dialogue is unfortunately incomprehensible in some parts when it competes with the unduly loud musical background. On the other hand, much of the music is well chosen and often, as with one piece by Thelonius Monk, coordinates perfectly with the mood evolved in the film...
...quick-paced ending of the film comes unexpectedly, since it follows two inordinately slow scenes of the protagonist walking in Boston and riding in a car. The length of these scenes leads the viewer to expect the film to taper...