Point & Shoot (2004)
I really liked this film. It’s kind of a softcore pornography flick, what with all the models getting naked and stuff. It was shot in a documentary format by director and star Shawn Regruto.
The story is basically about Shawn and his relationship with his model girlfriend, Athena Currey. Shawn is a New York-based photographer who documents the evolution of their relationship as well as their interactions with other fellow urbanites.
So let’s try and wrap our heads around this: Dude’s a photographer. He dates a fashion model. He takes pictures of her all day long. Do I really have to explain why this film resonates so deeply with me?
There’s really no point in discussing the acting. It’s reality-filmmaking. Everyone goes by their real names. The two other models I’ve heard of are Carmen Kass and Mini Anden. So, clearly not much acting going on. Nevertheless, Point & Shoot was as entertaining as it was scintillating, sort of in the sense of Ethan Hawke’s Before Sunrise (dialogue-driven).
This was Shawn Regruto’s directorial debut. He’s got cinematography credit for a few other films since then. I think I’ll check them out.
“Point & Shoot” misses the mark, but not before getting off a couple of rounds that the viewer can hear whizzing past his ear.
The film’s lack of content is balanced by its tiny glimpse of narcissism. Upon first viewing – all the casual viewer will require – the absence of pace suggests simple, bad filmmaking; however, a second examination offers insight into what ails some of those who would be tastemakers in contemporary America.
Setting aside the recurrent expectation that Mr. Regruto have a point, what remains is a tiny cautionary tale – a sad, happy accident.
Alas, one doubts if those who might benefit most from a viewing will see “Point & Shoot”. Its audience is more likely composed of slackers, voyeurs, and wannabe auteurs.
I counted three moments of considerable poignancy, which caused a longing to reassure and comfort certain of the players. This is not to suggest that anyone seen in “Point & Shoot” is likeable. Those who seek particularly vile film characters will appreciate the host of the film’s final party. In the hands of a Scorsese, he would be the star of this film. (Think “Mean Streets”.)
In the overall, an intense and protracted term of self-evaluation might benefit Mr. Regruto, after which he will be better able to assess his talent for this genre.
Rick
August 8, 2008 at 10:47 am
Wow….. very nice blog,very much informative! anywhere before anything like this unreadable, thanks for posting the article.
Models Portal
October 12, 2008 at 10:58 am
this film is one of a kind. it dives into the world of a NYcity kids with extravagant lives. the delivery of the flick is mad unique point blank. ive never seen anthing like it. -drug scholar
GBUNDO
March 31, 2009 at 10:07 pm