Customer Reviews

Quiet City & Dance Party, USA

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Aaron Katz and all the other filmmakers who have been lumped together as "mumblecore" don't even like that word, especially since their films couldn't be more different from one another. Katz's QUIET CITY and DANCE PARTY, USA are lyrical, smart, beautifully shot, expressionistic, naturalistic dramas about believably real people. These two films are NOT the superficial, 20-something hipster-fests like they're misrepresented to be. (Maybe some are, but not either of these two films!) Just check out some of the DVD reviews I've read from critics who say it far better than me:

"Through the course of this two-disc set, Aaron Katz can be seen to mature as a writer/director right before the eyes. The talent suggested by Dance Party, USA is confirmed by Quiet City. Katz is most assuredly one of the best emerging voices in American independent cinema. This splendidly produced and reasonably priced 2-disc set is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED."
- Chris Neilson, DVD TALK

"Katz's aesthetic is, on one hand, Ozu by way of high-def (lots of lovely haiku cutaways to New York City skylines and textures), and on the other, decelerated realism (twentysomethings chatting aimlessly and guardedly). It's easy to mock in the overview, but Katz has an eye for the in-between moments, and a satisfyingly subtle agenda for his films' overall arcs."
- Michael Atkinson, IFC NEWS

"Like other movies in the mumblecore sub-genre, Quiet City concerns itself with characters in their early 20s whose longing for intimate connection and self-definition far surpasses their ability to articulate it. But Katz distinguishes himself by embodying their anxieties rather than merely observing them. Shots of traffic lights changing in perfect harmony or an airplane cutting through a burnt orange sky resonate with a depth of feeling the movie's protagonists can only express in the furtive spaces between words. The second release from New York-based Benten Films, the Quiet City DVD boasts a surfeit of extras: multiple commentaries, short films, and, on a second disc, Katz's embryonic first feature, Dance Party USA."
- Sam Adams, LA TIMES

Better watched the second time through. An amazing performance by Cole Pensinger carried the film. I'm sure we'll see more of him. I liked it so much, I bought a second copy for a friend.

Caught this at the IFC theater in NYC last year after seeing a preview for it at another 'mumblecore' film and absolutely fell in love with it. Pre-ordered it the first chance I got. Mumblecore is a genre that can go terribly wrong and seem super-contrived, even corny, much like hearing your own voice on a recording and cringing a little bit. This is not the case here; 'Quiet City' is a total triumph. It is subtle, poetic, dream-like and beautiful. You walk away from it feeling as though you've personally experienced this whole thing. That is the perfect way to describe it. You will watch it again and again, it leaves a very lasting impression. Cris is adorable and there's no way you won't have at least a little crush on him after you see this once...

xoxo

I would not be writing this review if I thought that the other reviewers were accurate in their characterization of "Dance Party USA." Last night I wasted 66 minutes watching the mind-numbing movie, and I submit this review as a gesture of altruism -- if one person is dissuaded from renting or (God forbid!) buying this film, I shall have my reward in heaven. Trivial plot, inarticulate characters, mediocre photography.... no redeeming features except a short playing-time. -- If this is the future of independent American film-making, count me out. I'll watch "Touch of Evil" or "Gilda" again instead.