DETERMINISM: Movie Review
Posted by: "Prinz" Lee Romero Posted: 12-21-2010
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Determinism is a heavy flick I needed to screen more than once in order to give it a fair review. Having worked with one of the film’s cast members (Ryan Lewis) over the summer, and discussing the film, I was lucky to obtain a copy, and view it during some down time. One thing that stood out right off the bat was the gritty darkness used in approaching a film depicting a cryptic tale which follows Alec (Sanjit Majundar), a troubled soul attending Burroughs University in a town housing a campus full of convoluted secrets pertaining to a world which metaphorically defines life feeding on life.
Having been disowned by his parents while simultaneously failing miserably in school, Alec finds himself balancing a life full of negative energy and keeps some kind of stability by opening up to a camera while vocally expressing day-to-day thoughts on the downward spiral his life’s turned out to become. With no other option other than high-tailing it out of a Pennsylvania town known as “Narakaville,” Alec embraces thoughts of quick cash in order to escape, but that would only mean one thing – enduring some of life’s most dangerous experiences while mingling with those involved in a game of kill or be killed.
Driven by ulterior motives, Alec approaches and recruits Tristan (Ryan Lewis), an old time friend trying to do the right thing due to a dark past, however, reassess what’s been laid on the table, joining Alec on a journey full of burglary, gun-play, stolen merchandise, and a nerve wrecking run from hoods which intertwine with every single act at the hands of Alec and Tristan.
While dancing to tunes of deceit, Alec’s ever so plotted master plan becomes a web of complications as everyone he’s partnered with either winds up dead, or presents him with unexpected turns to which tightens the noose around his neck.
The art of independent film is clearly depicted within Determinism as a whole. Its writing, direction, editing, pacing, and music tie in pretty well – enhancing the film’s might from start to finish. Although the story may seem complicated at first glance – why I needed to view this film a second (2nd) time – if devotion at a 100% capacity is laid, no doubt this will be a film that’ll stay with you for hours or even days! I recall the first time I saw it, I thought about it for a few days, and appreciated everything The Majumdar brothers (Sanjit and Ranju) provided when producing this film.
Taking an overdone genre, and giving it a twist was a major plus in this film. Although there were moments where I raised my eye-brows and perhaps resonated a question or two, I loved how they moved from the usual inner-city typical approach and instead of NYC, Philly or Chicago, took their mindset even deeper within a confined – dare I say concentration camp – college campus. Without doubt I’m sure actions within the film are going on now in our universities, and aiming at all ethnicities and races. Much love to the brothers as well for having utilized a diverse ensemble cast. They may be “unknowns,” but each actor, from protagonist to antagonist, and in-between served their characters to the fullest. Displaying their objective individually, they were all met as the film moves on. Like in any film there were a few characters I felt didn’t belong and wouldn’t have been a loss for the film’s core, however, I was able to oversee it and move on.
There’s an awesome scene right at the beginning of the film where every major character is introduced with a brief bio – presenting who they are, what they do and where they live helps out a lot in understanding them as they make their way into the story.
The Majumdar brothers had their fingers dipped in every batter which entailed Determinism, and much to their credit aside from writing, directing, acting, and producing is the score in which goes along with the film as a whole. I’m a sucker for film scores, and if there’s one I wish I could obtain would be this one – especially during moments which presented convoluted situations pertaining to emotions or actions. It simmers well when having cut scenes which have their build up, and spills over with a boiling point to no return!
Overall, Determinism is a film full of dark crevasses – once discovered, it leads to uncontrolled senses of intrigue. The bulk of this film traces an odd friendship between Alec and Tristan, which gradually elevates them into a team of severe criminal involvement – each guilty by association, however, what’s saddening is how what transpires in this film was simply an act towards the greater good. Friendship, survival, and redemption never came at such high cost, however, when playing the game, anything and everything goes and should be expected.
In closing, like the Hughes brothers, I can totally see the Majumdar brothers succeeding within a game of transferring edgy storytelling from script to screen – I’m looking forward to more!
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GRADE: B
GENRE: Action/Adventure, Drama and Crime/Gangster
ROARS: 4 out of 5
CAST: Sanjit Majumdar, Ryan Lewis, Geoffrey Ohen, Alan van Pelt, Darcel Grant, Phillip Narsh, Ismael Iniguez, Mike Preyer, Josh Mallroy, Richard A. McDowell
DIRECTOR: Ranju & Sanjit Majumdar
OFFICIAL WEBSITE: DETERMINISM The Movie
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