The Intermediate
Duration: 22min 04sec
Views: 21 694
Submitted: 12 years ago
Submitted by:
Description:
A nightclub. Curtis Place, the hotspot in town. Kitty. A dancer, young, beautiful, high spirited, innocent. Cora. A singer, at the height of her career, warm hearted and respected. Paul. The good soul of the club, a gentleman. Friendship. Trust. Conflicting emotions. A price to pay. Even though I uploaded in insanely high quality, conversion took away a lot of detail and the sound seems to be ever so slightly out of synch with lip movement... at least I see it. Highest res version is available at Norrie's site! http://www.tmo-hi-res.com/TMOinGloriousHighResolution/sisch/TheIntermediate.html WINNER OF THE ALFRED HITCHCOCK COMPETITION HELD BY SGPORSCHE!!
«Oh wow! Beautiful.
Bravo.
»
«watch my new video http://www.tmunderground.com/watch/e037de06e544a52eb361/007-Operation-Nightfire»
«I can't believe how I missed this one! Very good story. The black & white was a very good touch and really created the mood.»
«What you managed to make with this computer game is incredible. It really stands out as a real short film. The writing is solid, and all the performances are spot on. »
«One of the greatest tm-films ever, one of the best machinima I`ve ever seen, one of... Well. just very catchy story and doubtless, best camerawork ever. Brilliant of TMU, 5 stars»
«Ein ganz tolles Werk. Bist nominiert beim 3. Vision Globe Award als bester fremdsprachiger Film
»
«Sisch, this movie was the most finely crafted movie I've seen, this was superb. I almost had to stop watching because I felt too much empathy. The script was written so well...! What can I say? The ACTING was mental! Your choice of shots & framing was so adept I thought I was watching professional direction. I really liked the atmosphere you created on stage, with the subtle g;low and the spotlights, and your singing... whew! Superb, smooth, a delight to the ears.
A standing ovation from me.»
«This review is for the hi-res version of this film.
***** stars
In this romantic drama we meet Cora, a singer, and her young dancer friend Kitty. And then there's Paul, Cora's friend, and Josh (who we never see but hear a lot about).
Kitty is enamored with Josh, but Paul is enamored with Kitty and we learn quite soon that Cora is secretly enamored with Paul and yet Cora and Kitty are best friends. Something's got to give, and does ...
Shot as if from around the 50s in black and white, the film has much to recommend it in its atmospheric jazzy soundtrack and sound design; the first song in front of an eager audience really captures that Jazz club feel. The singing is very good by the lead actress on each occasion.
All three characters in the film are played very well, especially the two females who have demanding roles that cover a wide range of emotions. The contrast between these two characters couldn't be starker - one wears her emotions on her sleeve, the other is very reserved and secretive. This allows for some very interesting hidden dynamics to be revealed as the film plays out.
Camerawork and editing are of a very high standard - good use of slow motion at key moments near the end of the movie too. During the singing scenes, a wide variety of shots help keep things fresh.
Overall, an excellent film with very good performances.
»
«I feel truly ashamed that i haven't reviewed this earlier , what a movie , no , what a piece of fine cinematic movie making , i will proud that you are part of this community. everything in this film was perfect, the VO's , the writing , the direction , the visuals , my god , the visuals!.
Very well done »
«I had a tear in my eye for that poor girl... The story touched me, it really did.
Very well written and wonderfully directed. The music stirred the emotions and the performances were believable and draw the audience in. Riott as Kitty was heartbreaking.
Howie.»
«I give this 4 stars. Overall it flowed very smoothly, and generally succeeds in every technical aspect of filmmaking. I also liked the black and white effects because it somehow reminded me of my favorite black&white film, Schindler's List. This could've gotten 5 stars, but it just wasnt....explosive enough to keep the viewer constantly interested (long dialogue scenes got boring).»
«a splendid sophisticated and superbly well made drama....
great on all fronts,everything works so well.....
very impressive....i liked it alot
roses at the door was a nice touch....»
«You monster Sisch, You Monster!... I have finally had the chance to watch this, I promised and promised and kept failing to watch it but now I have finally had the chance too.....
And wow... This was simply brilliant, a very upsetting ending as well, I don't normally get quite drawn into a movie like this did with me, It made you feel for the characters...
The music was brilliant as usual and the set dressing was beautiful...
The script was well written and well... everything was brilliant, I just think you are evil, you sent Kitty to her death, you monster, you monster!...
The wait was worth it and I am sure that this will be the winner of The Alfred Hitchcock Competition...This was just brilliant on every level, this is one of your best pieces and If Mr Alfred Hitchcock watched this, I am sure that he would be proud...
Well Done Sisch and thank you for making this movie!
Thanks
TFoster»
«I'm ashamed its taken me this long to watch this, but i'm so glad that i finally made the time. what a remarkable film on so many levels. Technically one of your best to date, but story wise this was Hollywood gold. A wonderful movie, beautifully scored with some great musical performances by yourself. VA cast were exemplary and the editing was second to none. Brave Sisch, bravo indeed.
cheers»
«I have always been impressed with your style of movies ! Eloquent !»
«I just enjoyed another viewing of "The Intermediate" and it does get even better every time, if you can believe that. The sound design in this is so carefully crafted, it's at a pro level.
The mix is impecable, rich with detail and well balanced, well-chosen sounds, voices, music, ambiance. I can't say enough about the audio.
Also,the visuals, are incredible... the scene choice, the way you freeze your actors for effect, your incredible camera and scene work..you avoid the cliche body language somehow, the lighting..the stage.. that stage is alive!
i have to comment on the tight cast in this, Sisch you fit this role perfectly and I've said before, Riott's "Miss Kitty" is inimmitable. When it comes together like this it has me reaching for the DVD to burn it to. As usual...
Rock on Sisch, you excel at what you do technically plus you are a true artist.
Nice combo.
bravo
gp
»
«That was lovely. It’s a simple story to think about it, but the way the movie engage the viewer makes it something very different. Loved the music and the way you edited it into the film. The set, set dressing and props are so fresh and new that, together with engrossing storytelling and solid camera and sound, they really made me feel as if I’m not watching something made with TM. I loved the face of actors too. They fit their characters very well.»
«In many ways, I have to agree with Bob. There were some additional things that I picked up about the film that in discussing it with him we noticed made for an even deeper character of Cora then we even saw individually. To say more would be giving spoilers; but, she is truly a deep character with many levels.»
«What a wonderful noir movie. So beautifully crafted. So tender. A classic European tragedy. I really teared up for this film. Thank you sisch. I loved your singing, especially the French number. Riott's voice makes me smile, but this time my heart was breaking. »
«This truly captured the look, feel, and sound of classic Hollywood. What initially struck me was all the attention to detail; it was just awe-inspiring--the smoke-filled stage, the set-dressing, and ambient sounds, it really took us into Cora's world. The music was absolutely divine! I can't picture a film by you without you singing now! BY the way, have you considered selling autographed CD's of your singing? I'd be the first in line!»
«Very good sisch!
Good work!»
«This is a fabulously authentic movie with the look and feel of one the classics of the 1940s.
The writing, music, and acting are all exceptional and all add to the aforementioned authenticity. Even if I wanted to, I can't find fault with any of it.
Not only is Sisch a fine filmmaker, she is also an excellent singer and this film proves it.
I'd like to give Riott a special mention, please. Her performance here is absolutely immense, so endearing, so charismatic. She deserves an award.
'The Intermediate' is a wonderful film. Please spare twenty or so minutes of your time and watch it. You won't be disappointed.»
«A beutiful movie. It was long, but somehow it felt very short. Riott is great as well as Sisch,the script is amazingly well written and the outside editing pays of nicely. Great Work!»
«What a classy movie!
»
An exceptional performance from riott! She came across as naive, honest and with a vulnerability that even a script as good as this could not have portrayed on it's own.
The music was top notch, and Sisch's singing was wonderful. I would love to hear her sing Lilly Marlane.
«This is a film in the grand tradition of the great love stories of Hollywood. Pure movie magic! Such incredible attention to every detail from the sets to the magnificent sound work. A full on movie, movie! It thirlled me to the bone to see this wonderful heartfelt moving story.
A great screenplay is a good foundation for a great movie and lucky for us that it is indeed a marvelous film. I fell in love with Riott's performance. A tour de force of giddy joy and inconsolable sorrow. Goofparade was heart breaking in his role as the man who loved Kitty to no avail. And then there is Sisch. What can I say but that she gave an award winning performance in this film. A signature role, a starmaking performance that is a must see. The singing was so wonderful and when she sang Autumn Leaves (One of my favorite songs!) I was near to tears.
Wonderful work by everyone who contributed to this film. An all time favorite for me.
Bravo! »
«Great film, A Must See!
Great storytelling, direction, editing and acting, went hand in hand with the fantastic music and visuals that captured the look of that era.
It is impossible for Sisch to make a bad film, I haven't seen one yet.»
«Well Sisch what am I gonna say?
I watched this gem 2 days ago shortly after it´s release and I was stunned by it´s beautiful writing, cinematography and of cause the acting acting, all 3 of you play their character to perfection!! For the last 2 days I taught about what am i gonna say in my review to make it as much of a joy to you as the film was for me, but I guess that´s not necesarry anymore just read trough all the reviews you´ve got so far. Everyone is (once again) amazed about your abilities, you are after all a very talented young lady.
Bravo Sisch!»
«beautiful slow paced destruction
you once again amaze with your story telling»
«well snap son...what a movie.
another super awesome job sisch...the visuals were nutty as hell. Dunno how the hell you did half the stuff you did. The sound effects were amazing too...and synced perfectly with the stuff goin on onscreen.
Your singing is awesome too....you made a great soundtrack that really fit the movie.
goofparade-still should be in every movie ever made
sisch-you did an awesome job too...got an amazing voice man
riott-wow. I think that scene where you was-a crying in stuff was the deepest thing I've seen from a TMU movie...great acting...really had me feeling shitty for ya. You pulled it off so well.
Wicked-sweet-cool job from everyone. »
«Sisch is the Bette Davis of TMO / TMU.»
«Wow, what a film. You create this wonderful jazzy background mood and combine them with characters that speaks right from their heart. And what I see is your tight connection to your own heart and I just love every moment of it. One of the most inspirational movies ever created with this tool. That you should be proud of.
Ace of Spades sums up»
«Sigh. The music and sound work is so good here its like your just screwin with us. Story moved languidly towards that one moment. Excellent performance by Riott...top 3 best female performances Ive heard in a TM flick. All the social scenes were alive and wonderful. The blurred and shadowy effects and silver/gray colors worked very well and all the sets were immaculate (not to mention the camera play within them). The ending was handled very very well and made the movie for me. Amazing work on all levels. Critiques? There were one or two scenes where I think you have pushed the animations as far as you can but the sound work and effects push past them and actually make them look inferior (if that makes any sense at all)..the crowd clapping scene comes to mind. eh. Muovalus! »
«Fantastic.... That was an awesomely great movie.
So much work, so many little things.. Everything was top notch.
Your amazing Sisch. GP & Riott did exceptional jobs too.
Well done!»
«Ah, brilliant, Sisch, brought a tear to my eye, you nailed it.
All the VOs were stunning except Riott, she stoled the movie, Goofparade again brilliant on VOs and same goes to you.
I loved the music, you always pick the right ones to put in your movie and I'm pleased.
The mods were also great, some goos scenes, sets and camerawork, I loved everything.
I will definitely definitely DEFINITELY be looking forward to your next project.
Film on. 5 stars.»
«Great work, Sisch - as usual, steadily improving with every piece. They just keep getting better and better and better.
I have to say that this is the best Riott I have ever heard. It takes massive guts to do a role like this, with the emotion and tears involved, and Riott- you did a GREAT job.
Cora is a
And Sisch, you can sing to me any time.»
«You know the biggest problem with Sisch's stuff?
You run out of superlatives! So I'm just going to go with the standard ones, sue me
I just loved this. I am in awe of the way Sisch uses effects - never for the sake of it, always to progress the story. Some of the scenes left me gasping, the patio table, the flowers, and the one where walks passed Paul in the club was breathtaking - so much said with no dialogue.
GP's Paul was understated to perfection. Riott's Kitty was kooky, naive, innocent, then heartbreaking. Sisch's Cora gloriously duplicitous.
And the ending; with the sad sounds of Autumn Leaves was truly, truly moving.
Films like this make TMU a very, very special place.»
«Breathtaking Sisch...just breathtaking...
Great script, great story and FANTASTICLY shot and VO'd. Amazing work by the cast...and the singing...where do i get this album...
Wow, you really know how to tell a complicated and deep story and your mastery of sound is an example to all, the entire film is a leap from a bygone era...outstanding film making Sisch..just outstanding.»
«Wow! I have to watch this again .. right now!»
«Sisch sizzles! So many things about this flick... The spotlights, the infra-red look, the way you pulled focus on shots for dramatic effect and not just because you could... And Riott! Awww. What a stellar performance, girl! I am in admiration of you two ladies. Goofparade, as usual, was in great form. His basso vo was subtle, yet very effective. This trio of dramatic talent has definately benefitted from all the experimental practice over the recent months. I am awstruck.»
«HOLY SHMOLY that was fantastic!
Very entertaining movie Sisch!
It's getting late here,and I was feeling a bit tired when I started watching,but it was so good that I woke right up hahaha!
The story was obviously excellent(I expected no less from you),but what I want to comment on is all the little details.I LOVE to see all the little things done to perfection,and you did that here flawlessly...from the sounds changing tones because the scene switches to an adjecent room,to the subtle way you finished a song by slowly echoing it to indicate the passage of time...
Not only the sounds,but the effects...such as a faded background character to make the camera seem focused on the foreground character,and the overlapping/walking characters etc etc...
Well,needless to say I think you did a wonderful job.
Very professional...
And I dare not forget to mention the songs and especially your singing...very nice:-)
Oh and the voicework was top-notch by everyone...excellent:-D
»
«Amazing movie.
wow everything about this movie was amazing camera work was very very good your singing the acting editing it was just the best.»
«I have watched this several times now - and if anybody has a chance to download the high res copy -Do IT!! It looks amazing. The french song you sing at the end always gives me shivers. Infact, the whole soundtrack blends so well in this movie..when I first watched it..I thought Wow Sisch really does kick ass singing. The special effects were stunning to say the least. I particularlly liked the lighting. I still can't figure out how you did some of the scenes but my favorite one was when cora and kitty were outside sitting at the patio table while it was raining. Picturesque
Goof did wonderful as well. I'm always amazed how he can sound so different in each role that he takes on. He's got great acting range.
There's a lot I could say about this film..but it would take me several days to write it all out..but in the end, I enjoyed it so much. Thanks for letting me be a part of it. »
«A truly phenomenal film, Sisch. Every element - visuals, sound, songs, acting, script, editing, art deco style titles - works perfectly. Congratulations to you and your cast: Riott, GoofParade and you yourself give sterling performances. »
«
Riott007 gives an outstanding performance as a hopeful, naive young dancer while Sisch and Goofparade back her with flawless supporting roles.
Artistic in its visual style and directed with a soft touch allowing the story to unfold in an unforced and natural way. This film is a rose without thorns.
»
«What a movie! Lush, evocative, the craftsmanship on this is off the charts.
The first conversation in the booth of the diner: having people in the booth next to the main characters, then having them get up and leave, AND having your choice of shots reflect this- that's the kind of attention to detail that makes the world in the movie feel alive.
Bravo!»
«Highly Engaging and Gorgeously Cinematic.
The Intermediate is Sisch doing what she does best; create Masterpieces. The immersive plot, fantastic writing, and beautiful score accompanied by Sisch's lovely voice; (and of course the highly stylized black & white look and out of focus/soft focus shots) immediately make this film one of my favorites.
-tre»
«Wowowowow! This was very nice! The singing, acting, mods, and camera work were all top-notch! I was impressed. All of the voice work was amazing! I have to mention Riott here especially. Her part was very well acted, she captured the emotion perfectly! I loved the plot! The story was so dramatic... and the ending was so sad.
I really don't have any complaints! Keep up the good work!
»
«To put it quite simply, 'The Intermediate' just oozes class and elegance in immersion and storytelling.
From the opening second right through to the final moments, you delivered a consistent and high quality vision that was just a pure joy to watch and listen to.
All characters pulled off marvellous performances with some truly touching moments. Special nods to Riott007, who delivered a heartbreaking awe-inspiring performance along with you and the articulated GP.
Technically, this film ranks high up among the best and you have once again dazzled us with your limitless talents. Creativity was in an abundance with an outstanding musical score and performance.
I absolutely adored the attention to detail, which filled your world with an unmistakable dimension. To see you demonstrate perspective detail with sound and vision is something I highly admire and respect.
You are an incredible pioneer with a distinctive and unique talent and I for one am truly grateful that the community has a director like you
TMU has a new class of film, and this is it.
Nuke Well in Elegance»
«A truly amazing film, from writing to cinematography to music (especially the songs Sisch sings) and finally, to the outstanding performances of the three actors....haunting and beautiful.
Nobody does it like Sisch.»
«uber: speechless.
Nuff said.»
«Quality and poetry rolled into one sublime movie experience.... I can't say anything else; writing, camera work, performances, editing.... fantastic, simply fantastic. It was well worth the problems you had uploading it and the wait we had to endure to have the opportunity to sit and watch; no -experience- this. It's obvious that every scene was shot and edited with deep commitment to the spirit of the film. The only regret I have is that I can't give it more than 5 stars...»
«Complicated and artful on multiple levels. Worth the wait and by far one of the best movies I've seen. Riott007 shines in this powerful performance. The music, camera use, original sets, everything comes together flawlessly and in a way that appears effortless. A prime example of the supreme talent coming from this director/writer/ actress / producer / singer, leaving us to wonder only, is there anything she CAN'T do?»