The Circle (2005)

Too much of everything

Most undeservingly overhyped movie of all time??

Dreadfully Boring

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

This film was recommended to me by an old friend who knows and loves movies. He said -- this is something special. He was right. The film is a real masterpiece. Everything in it, the story, the direction, the acting is first class. And very entertaining, too! But what makes it really special is, of course, that it has no montage -- it was shot without edits. Amazing! The French DVD gives a good transfer, but the subtitles are not always in sync with the images. Not a big problem if you understand English, of course. Oh and another thing -- Scott Cohen is very sexy and interesting. I love this film and recommend it to anyone who loves cinema.

Angela Bettis stars as a troubled young wife of a man being set-up for a hit thanks to "Dad"(David Proval). She convinces the The Contract(Scott Cohen)to not go ahead with the planned hit, but must coerce Dad to take away the order to kill. Her journey is the large part of this film as Bettis walks a hell of a lot in this film shot in one long continuous take from director Yuri Zeltser. The film is snake-bit by hammy overacting theatrics from a game cast who seem to try too hard for realism and melodramatic depth. The cast is also saddled with corny, sometimes embarrassing, dialogue as well. Not to mention, the film is full of weird characterizations creating an oddball experience which may or may not be the intent. Strange movie. The title is essentially referring to a never-ending cycle..or some sort of nightmarish limbo, is you wish.

This film was absolutely fascinating. To pull off an entire movie in one continuous shot seems an unattainable feat, but Yuri Zeltser conquers it masterfully. The amazing part of this story is that I didn't notice it was unedited until I read the back of the DVD case - then I went back through the movie and was astonished by the direction and camera work throughout the one-and-a-half hour film. The fact that it was an action/drama even makes it more astounding because these movies often require the most takes. It is a sharp, intelligent and suspenseful tale that plays out like dream. A dream in which the main character, Angela Bettis can't wake up from and turns out to be a horrible nightmare in the end. David Proval also was impressive in his role as a contract killer with a rough edge, but a soft side that shines through with the help of Angela Bettis' character. This film has earned my recommendation and will surely surprise you as film unravels.

Saw this movie in Cannes, and can't stop thinking about it. What an amazing piece of work! First of all, technically it's astounding -- the film is done in one uninterrupted take, and the visual acrobatics of this Mount Everest of shots are just incredible. I can't even begin to imagine the amount of planning, rehearsals, sweat and tears that went into this "one-shot wonder". Second, the story, the performances, and everything else in this movie is just brilliant. Angela Bettis -- where have you been hiding all my life? An unbelievable actress who grabs you by the throat (and the heart) and never lets go. All in all, this is a heartbreaking, inspiring, visionary movie -- a modern masterpiece.