REVIEW: You (2009)
You
Rated: n/a
Runtime: 84 minutes
Starring: Gildart Jackson, Melora Hardin
My rating: 3 stars
Your Rating (Click stars to rate):
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Imagine not seeing your child grow up. Imagine being left to raise that child alone after your partner dies.
For some, this is a reality. For Gildart Jackson, it was the idea for a screenplay. You was borne out of an actual conversation between Jackson and wife, Melora Hardin.
Miranda (Hardin) day dreams about speaking at their infant daughter's wedding. The dream is shattered when Miranda dies in a car accident, leaving Rawdon (Jackson) to raise Quincey alone.
You won't see this movie in theaters next to the blow-'em-up summer blockbusters. That doesn't mean it should be overlooked.
There is a distinct message about love, family, loyalty and despair in You. It's a good one, too, and the successful directorial debut of Hardin.
It doesn't matter what the personal tragedy is, really. Be it a death, a divorce, or, in these times, a job, family doesn't budge. It's your rock – mine, too. I turn to them for support, guidance, and no matter what, they listen.
That's really where You shines. The family interactions are accurate and believable. It's through family that Rawdon finds stability.
The dinner table scenes with Miranda's parents (Diane and Jerry Hardin) and brother work wonderfully. No family wants to see a loved one suffer, so members push tirelessly until you're back on your feet.
The family dynamic is consistent throughout. Each dinner scene serves as a break for the audience. Hardin chose to film those moments in softer lights and warmer colors. It's a place of tranquility and healing. There's nothing like the comfort of home.
Those brief moments with familiar faces, familiar stories down to the same seating arrangements give the audience continuity and help progress the story. Hardin does a great job contrasting the hectic day-to-day existence of Rawdon with the calm, consistent life of the family.
That's how everyone manages pain. I got through most of my childhood dilemmas by going to the movies. Yes, it's an escape, but it was also time with my father. We would generally get lunch before and start long conversations that stopped for the movie and picked up again after. By the end of it, I wasn't thinking about whatever problem I faced.
Hardin understands that concept, and it shows in her direction. Until she gets to the dinner table, I worried the film wasn't going anywhere.
She opts to show what Rawdon experiences through quick cuts between past and present. He's in a panic and can't make sense of it. I think Hardin struggled to convey that to the audience while keeping the storyline understandable. It was difficult, at times, to determine where the plot is in time.
But then that family comes in and the film takes off. It's clear Hardin comes from a solid family unit, and not from a family that experienced the type of tragedy Rawdon does. It's clear where she was sure of herself in presenting the film and where there were likely lengthy late-night discussions about how to film the next-day's scenes.
Those conversations couldn't be too long, though, because You was shot in a blistering 18 days. The script took only three days to complete. It's a wonder at that torrid pace – and at the $250,000 budget Hardin and Jackson personally financed – that You is even decent.
It gets better as it goes because it gets deeper, exploring the psyche surrounding grief. A loved one vanishes, but they don't escape the mind. Miranda appears periodically as an angel in this film. She gives guidance and advice to Rawdon on how to handle Quincey. Their relationship continues to grow even as she is gone.
Talk to a widow, and you'll find the same thing. My grandfather died 20 years ago, but ask my grandmother about him, and she'll likely tear up. She keeps the house how he left it and certain nick-knacks she hated became valued heirlooms.
You captures all of that in a pleasantly presented film that could have easily turned into a sob-fest. Instead, it's serious, but not emotionally paralyzing.
This film is solid for a low-budget independent picture. Hardin's directorial debut displays a promising future. Her voice in drama is strong, despite her recent success as a comedic actress.
She makes some bold choices that will either win or lose the audience early, but if you stick with it, it's rewarding at the end. She avoids the cliches associated with the genre, creating a great art piece with plenty of heart-felt messages. Hardin finds her directorial footing halfway through and turns out a movie that warms the heart.
The family grew on me, and by the end, I was rooting for Rawdon to pull through. You is meant to be watched with your partner. Younger audiences won't really appreciate a film like this until they've either experienced this type of tragedy or seen someone who has.
For most of us, You soars with emotional power. It invigorates and awakens what we've all taken for granted.
You is worth the watch, maybe not a buy, but definitely something you should check out. It's only available online with a number of downloading options. Through iTunes and Amazon, you can purchase a 24-, 48-hour or permanent download to your computer. I recommend the 48-hour download, so you can watch it once and take it in, and a second time to fall in love with it. It's also available as a DVD purchase at YoutheFilm.com.
Independent films try a lot of things unsuccessfully. Hardin avoids that, succeeding with You. Three stars.
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