Customer Reviews

Winter of Frozen Dreams

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

 

 

Before anyone gets too upset, yes I do understand the issues and trials it takes to make an independent film, especially on such a sad topic as a black widow killer. But this was a mess. One more quick thing, I notice people keep talking about her as a serial killer, but I though that took three murders, but anyway.

Barbara Hoffman gets played decently by Thora Birch and Keith Carradine comes in to save the film (and the day) as the lead detective that helped bring this case to a close. Realizing this takes place in the 1970s, I wish they would have at least removed the 2000-era commercial truck, removed the 1990s props, or at least told the dead bodies to stop breathing for one take (I kept yelling at the screen saying he isn't dead...run!)

The misplaced editing style of time jumping was poorly done, the sound was a train wreck, and my favorite actor of the film in Dean Winters had a minor role. But the cavalry was Mr. Carradine, and he is a joy to watch. If you skip the entire movie and just watch the special features interview with him, you will have not wasted a cent. The other features are mediocre, including a shorter behind the scenes, a "Behind the Headlines" snippet and an "About the Author" that both would make for a good intro to an American Justice episode, but little else.

I felt disappointed when it was over, and so much more could have been done, but there were constraints and limits.

It's really unfortunate that Winter of Frozen Dreams will be, for the most part, overlooked. Most either seem to dismiss it as being fodder for the Lifetime Movie Network or are simply disappointed in its lack of nudity (much of the plot deals with prostitution). For what it is though (which is a very modestly-budgeted, straight to DVD release) this is a surprisingly good film. The filmmakers took an easily exploitable subject and managed not to sensationalize it which wouldve been the easy thing to do. Birch, along with the script, give depth to Barbara Hoffmann that someone might not see based on reading about the crimes she was charged of. There are genuinely tender moments between her and her victims in the movie. Hoffmann probably gave these men some of the happiest moments of their lives. Birch does a good job portaying this and Brendan Sexton as one of the victims is also impressive. If youre a fan of Thora Birch or can appreciate a low-key true-crime story, then you might want to check this one out.

PROS:

*Good cinematography

*Thora Birch's performance

*Keith Carradine

*Dean Winters' slimy pimp

CONS:

*Awkward pacing

*Muddled ending

*Opening reveals the verdict which sabotages suspense

SUMMARY: Average biopic with little suspense or thrills buoyed by Birch's portrayal

The acting in this movie was good. Keith Carradine and Thora Birch are experienced actors and did an admirable job despite a deplorable screenplay. I was in Madison when the "drama" for this play was unfolding. I have read the book. There is so much that could have been done with this story, but the movie never focuses on anything. It is like a movie version of Cliff's Notes." It "covers the bases," but never gets into the character's heads much, especially Birch's character, Barbara Hoffman. That is where the interest of this story lies. But again, all we see is a flat portrayl of a complex character. Again, the fault is in the screenplay and directing, not the acting.

I love Thora Birch (DARK CORNERS, THE HOLE). However, her talents are mostly wasted in WINTER OF FROZEN DREAMS. It starts out fine, w/ a murder and the ensuing cover-up. Unfortunately, things bog down in a big way, leaving Thora w/ little to do as the (rather bizarre) Barbara Hoffman. Keith Carradine's cop-near-retirement character isn't all that exciting, but then no one in this movie is very dynamic! I actually drifted into dreamland a few times, something I NEVER do when Ms. Birch is on screen! Alas, I re-watched it and found that I hadn't missed a thing... P.S.- Don't even get me started on the mega-whimp played by Brendan Sexton III! His character was so spineless I could barely watch him! Ugh...

Movie was O.K.

I knew Barbara.

She was beautiful, smart, and came from a wonderful family.

Read the book.

It was better

Winter Of Frozen Dreams gives an interesting glimpse into the life of Barbara Hoffman. Barbara is an attractive Biochemist, college student who works as a "masseuse" of sorts at night. Eventually she forms a convoluted relationship with one of her older clients who develops feelings for her. One major problem is that this particular client, ends up dead with financial ties to Barbara, which eventually leads to her conviction for murder.

Thora does a fantastic job illustrating the life a woman who has a hard and risky lifestyle, just as she did in her role as a homeless girl in "Homeless To Harvard" the story of gifted student, Liz Murray. Thora has a knack for displaying the pain and brave fearlessness of a woman confronting horrid scenarios on her own, under the judgmental surveillance of government and society. Her character displays dignity under circumstances which are humiliating. You cannot help but side with her character because of this. In the end, the movie makes a strong point for how Barbara Hoffman may have felt when facing this real life situation as a young woman.

This is a memorable movie and story. Thora serves it well, with an intelligent and melancholy character, peaking your interest in you what happens next throughout. I'm glad I had the chance to see it.

Winter of Frozen Dreams

I had the opportunity to see WOFD at an advance screening and thought it was a very well-made film. Thora Birch delivers a terrific performance and I always enjoy Keith Carradine's acting. It's more than a little frightening to remember that this is based on a true story.

Shipping was great, product is what I was expecting. Will shop again with this seller when I need something and they have it.

The trailer for this film is on IMDB.

The film was shot nearby my home in Schenectady NY.

There was no budget for this, they asked extras to bring their own original 70's clothes and hired people who had them.

It by-passed theaters and is going straight to DVD and the Lifetime movie network...

The shoddy work seen in the trailer makes it look like it was actually shot on Super 8 film in the 70's..