Customer Reviews

Gone, But Not Forgotten

5 star:		(27)
4 star:		(17)
3 star:		(9)
2 star:		(13)
1 star:		(28)

 

 

Movies for me have always had a "bigger than life" impact when seen on the big screen for the first time. I wished I have had my initial viewing of this film at the theatre. This flick is definitely one of the better gay romance movies to come out over the past few years that can be appreciated by both gay and straight audiences. If Michael Akers can do this remarkable, credible, and satisifying a project on his limited budget for this film, I can't wait to see what he will do when the "bank vaults are open." The dialogue and scenes do jump awkwardly a bit from time to time, but nothing that detracts or cheapens the overall quality of this film. No, this is not a "Meryl Streep- Oscar-worthy" movie. If it were, the true power of this flick would have been lost.

This likeable cast has a great chemistry together, which added to my enjoyment of the film. What is all the more amazing is that this was the movie debut of all the actors. Aaron Orr (Drew Parker) put forth a wonderful and credible effort of making me laugh, making me cry, and bonding me to his character as few actors have over the past few years. My big surprise was the supporting role of Ariadne Shaffer as Catherine Reeves. I thought I was in a "time warp" watching Kathleen Turner 20 years ago! Matthew Montgomery (Mark Reeves) put in a great effort of creating the sensitive, confused amnesia victim and expressing to the audience Mark's coming to terms with his sexuality and who he really loves. Bravo Aaron, Ariadne, and Matthew! We will be all the better seeing these upcoming actors in future projects over the next few years.

The chemistry and bond between Drew and Mark was very evident throughout their scenes together and the main reason this film doesn't disappoint. The love scene between the two main characters goes beyond the typical Hollywood "sanitized" scenes, but is tastefully and affectionately done.

Michael Akers' first film is a recommend "must-see" for all romantics out there. It is not a surprise this film was the official selection at almost a dozen or so showings around the 2003 festival circut. With the just the right balance of humor, happy, hope, sad, and serious, this film gets better and more satisifying to me upon each viewing. Good cast, good dialogue, and great cinematography... get a date, turn down the lights, cuddle, and enjoy! This film has an addicting quality to it that will make you want to watch it again and again.

Yes, it is evident that this is a low budget movie. But sometimes low budget simply means that the honesty and the true meaning of the story get to be front and center. That is the case with Gone But Not Forgotten.

The acting is simple and natural...meaning, the actors don't over do it. Real people aren't actors and these actors portray the characters as real people, not Hollywood idols. But this is not to say the acting in not powerful, because it is. Matthew Montgomery's scene with Aaron Orr in the livingroom where Mark's character asks Drew to tell him about the rescue is riveting. Montgomery's acting skills are right on the money.

There is a soap opera-like quality to the storyline and trust me that's not a bad thing. But one can't argue with the accomplishments of this movie. The lovemaking scene is incredible in its sensativity and its honest credibility. This is a perfect depiction of love in my opinion.

Gone, But Not Forgotten is one of those films that is better than the sum of its parts. When one reads about the elements of the story, it sounds like a daytime soap and as I said, that's not a bad thing. However, some may end up believing this movie isn't a great movie, but it is. Its one of those truly rare movies that speaks directly to one's heart.

This may have been a low-budget film, but the cast and the acting are superb. There are new faces: Aaron Orr, Matthew Montgomery, and some more familiar faces: Bryna Weiss, Joel Bryant, Brenda Lasker, Ariadne Shaffer. The acting from all is brilliant and their portrayal of their characters is absolutely believable. There's none of the attitude and arrogance that so often marks and mars the performance of Hollywood's chosen few.

I was especially impressed with Aaron Orr who was absolutely natural and never missed a beat in his role as one of the two central characters. Matthew Montgomery seemed a bit forced early on, but came into his own and gave a sterling performance overall. Watch the film once, then watch it again and look more closely at the eyes of the two as they interact.

The rest of the cast play their roles with flair, and give a depth to their characters that becomes more apparent with each viewing (this is a move you will want to watch again and again).

The film goes places that Hollywood has apparently forgotten how to go. Whether you're gay, straight, or anything in between (even Druids will find something to be enthused about in this movie ;-), you'll find yourself emotionally involved with the characters and wishing the film didn't have to end. If you've got one spark of romance in your soul, this movie will set it to blazing (to paraphrase Granny Clampett speaking about her Spring Tonic).

Michael Akers and Sandon Berg can be proud to have created one of the finest movies that, in my humble opinion, has ever been made.

Watch it, and prepare to be entertained, kept on the edge of your seat, compelled to identify with at least one character in the film, and most importantly, to smile. If your faith in humanity has been eroded by watching the world unfold around you in recent years, you'll come away from this film with the conviction that there may be some hope after all.

The musical score is worth the price of the movie, by itself. Especially, the beautiful and haunting Staring Straight Into The Sun, by the very talented Jared Young. I've had the song stuck in my head for days.

Enjoy!

I bought this movie a few weeks back and totally loved it. Yes, the film is independant and cheaply-made, but the important part is that the cast and crew don't let any of that get in the way of simply telling a good story.

As another reviewer noted, "Gone but Not Forgotten" is not edgy or gritty, there's no pretention here (like you find in a lot of independant films), the movie isn't trying to be something, it's just telling a simple, honest tale. And it's brilliant. This is the kind of story that Hollywood would make for about $300,000,000. But it's done so much better here, because it's just so honest and heart-warming.

The characters are all rounded and developed, the two leads are great together and make a cute couple. Matthew Montgomery does a great job as Marc, but Aaron Orr really impressed me with the character of Drew, just a great guy. And I was particularly impressed by the character of Nancy, who gives us a positive portrayal of the Church. As a religious person myself, this was refreshing and wonderful to see.

The storyline is engaging, the characters likeable and interesting, and at the end of the day it's just a great film that makes you feel better for watching it. Basically I can't recommend 'Gone but Not Forgotten' enough.

I loved this movie. I grew up in a rural area much like where this movie takes place and would have loved a positive depiction of gay love like this movie when I was an angst-ridden pubescent closeted gay teen. This movie is so heart-warming and hopeful. I read a couple bad reviews of this, but I was intrigued by the story and by the cover and I'm so glad I listened to my instincts and not a couple of smug reviewers. I'm not sure what people don't understand about the words 'low budget'. I think it is clear the director faced the challenges of a low budget, but he delivered a simple, sweet, honest love story with a couple of really cute guys, what more could you ask for? Not to mention there is a fantastically artful love scene!! I highly recommend checking this hot sweet gay indie.

This is a sweet, independent film. At times it shows its low-budget nature, but it has a pretty good and touching story line. It does try a bit too hard in places, but the acting is good (except for one woman) and the affection/sex between the two men is moving. It's not esp. erotic or anything, but it rings true and is tender--all too rare in films these days! NB: lthough there is some mystery in the film, I would NOT call it "riveting" as the box describes it. I thought it was reminiscent of (albeit not as strong as) Big Eden in its best parts. I'd like to see more story lines like this. We've had enough of the psychologically twisted LGB storylines (e.g., most of Strand Releasing).

As a supporter of gay, independent filmaking, yes, this film does have it detractors. Yes, as some reviews here on Amazon.com have stated, it's made on a shoe-string budget, the secondary characters are not fully developed and some of the dialogue is as cheesy as all get out. But do not let you scare you away, I didn't give this movie 4 stars for just the pretty boys in it.

What this movie does have and have in spades in *heart.* From each frame, from each song, you can tell the writer/director, Michael Akers lovingly crafted this movie together with his producing partner, Sandon Berg.

If I were going to put my hard-earned money down and take a chance on an indie film, I take my chances with this one. Why? Because the two leads (Aaron Orr and Matthew Montgomery). They quietly sizzle together. And that's what this movie is about to me, their chemistry, it's natural, not forced, not over-acted.

The plot isn't new, but still who doesn't love a good amnesiac story in a romance movie? Mark (Montgomery) is found after a fall suffering from amnesia and rescued by Drew (Orr), a Park Ranger. Drew feels an instant connection to Mark, but Mark isn't sure of his own confused feelings. But their friendship as they grow to know each other develops into something more intense and that's when Mark's past comes back to shatter their new found happiness.

Yes, the plotline of this film could come out of any Harlequin Romance novel, however, what this film has that a Harlequin Romance novel doesn't is a talented cast and a superbly directed script. For a 'low-budget' indie film, I think this one is quite engaging and compelling.

I am a straight woman who watched this movie mostly for educational purposes. I found it to be not only an intelligent film with universal themes that touch a cross section of people, but also a film that shows that love expresses itself the same way whether it is between a man and a woman or two men (or two women). The rhythms and the cadences of love don't change according to gender. Love is love across the board. It was a beautiful discovery for me. And on top of all that, it was hot!

This is a great movie that came out of nowhere. Made on a shoestring by first time filmmakers and an inexperienced cast, this indie feature hit the festival circuit to sold out shows. After 11 film festivals, both US and international, the movie comes to DVD.

"Gone, But Not Forgotten" tells the story of forest ranger Drew Parker and a man he rescues who is suffering from amnesia. As the man recovers, the two fall in love. However, when his old life comes back to reclaim him, he must decide who he is, and who he really loves.

Audiences have enjoyed this indie flick, voting it Festival Favorite in Austin and Philadelphia's gay film festivals. The movie was also the Closing Night Film in Long Island.

DVD FEATURES: Director Michael Akers commentary with actor Matthew Montgomery and Producer Sandon Berg. Trailer. Outtakes.
94 minutes, color, stereo, region 1.

OFFICIAL SITE: www.gonebutnotforgotten-themovie.com

Gone, But Not Forgotten is a gay romantic film that is good for a first try. We see Drew a forest ranger who rescues Mark from jumping off a cliff. When in the hospital they ask him his name and he can't remember. Obviously he is suffering from amnesia. From the beginning we see that Drew is very attractive to Mark.(The body language says it all and innuendoes) When Mark seems to be getting better Drew offers to take him home and try to help him remember by taking him canoeing, cooking with him little helpful things. During the film we see little flash backs of his experience on the cliff. (Nothing important until the love scene and when he gets his memory back)come on you knew it was gonna happen O-O. While sitting on the couch one night Mark and Drew have an important conversation about what really happened this is after they've been having sex. Drew tells him that Mark said "Tell her im sorry." After a fight in the car Drew find that Mark is missing. Returning to the hospital we find out that Mark has a wife and went back home. From watching how she acts around him there is something wrong. We see him looking confused and she has to explain things to him.(She doesnt seem to be very happy about it either) Certain things have changes as well they use to both drink martinies but now Mark seems to hate them. As the story unfolds Mark asks the clincher question "Are we always like this" meaning are we always this unhappy. From that question we find out what really happened. Marks wife had him followed and he has been meeting MEN at hotels and having sex with them. His memory finally returns and he makes the decision to go back to Drew. What a happy ending hurray. This movie is a little boring in some parts but like i said before it is good for a first try. The acting is well the say bad but the story is a genuine one. This isnt a collectors item but for anyone who is interested in gay films should try to see this movie just for the experience. The love scene in the movie isnt extreme like a hot porn which is a good thing if you want to watch something sweet and cute. Of course there is cheesy music in the background during the scene but it wouldnt be a gay film if it didnt.