Marissa's Musings: PIFF's "Cold Weather" is Here!
Marissa Sullivan reviews one of the most talked about films at this year's Portland International Film Festival. Although Aaron Katz shot Cold Weather in and around Portland, the film has created a buzz far beyond the borders of Oregon. Here is Marissa's take on the film:
Cold Weather is a story about a guy, Doug (Cris Lankenau), with little ambition and not much luck who majored in forensic science before dropping out of college. He isn't interested in solving crimes a la CSI. Rather he loves Sherlock Holmes. Serendipity smiles upon Doug when his co-worker at an ice factory Carlos (Raúl Castillo), introduces him to a case...well...sort of: Doug’s ex-girlfriend Rachel (Robyn Rikoon) is in trouble. Doug, Carlos and Doug's sister, Gail (Trieste Kelly Dunn), gather clues and manage to TCB (take care of business) pretty easily. Even so, there is a good deal of suspense in Cold Weather. The film made me truly nervous - I'm a suspense wimp.
The soundtrack by Keegan DeWitt, added to my all around wimpiness. And the shots of Portland, set up by cinematographer Andrew Reed, had me falling in love with this city all over again. What can I say? As a newcomer to this place (I've only lived here five months) I can’t get over its beauty. He really captured the dampness of the Oregon Coast, the immensity of Multnomah Falls and radness that is Eastside Portland.
But here’s where writer director Aaron Katz really gets you. This movie isn’t about any of that really. This movie, like all of them associated with the mumble-genre, is about relationships. It opens to a family dinner where the parents of Doug and Gail are asking them how living together is working out. They answer civilly though Gail stops for a second and finally responds, "never mind." The answer gives a lot of insight to their relationship. Though not incredibly close they share a bond only someone who has know you forever can. They’re polite despite the fact they’re making fun of each other and loving while never quite being honest with the other. They’re getting to know each other again. I can relate to this relationship as well as the one Doug has with his ex Rachel. He cares about her despite no longer being in love with her. And will protect her no matter what.
Cold Weather plays at PIFF 6:30 pm Friday, Feb. 25 and 8 pm Saturday, Feb 26. Director Aaron Katz will be in house for a Q and A after the film on both nights. It then moves to Cinema 21, February 27-March 3rd: Nightly 7 pm, 8:55 and Sunday 2:30 and 4:30 pm.
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Last Updated (Friday, 25 February 2011 16:35)
