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film? I saw a great deal of myself in Dito. The anger, regret, anguish and a million other superlatives can come up during the viewing of the picture. Filmmakers can get personal but I have not seen in recent memory such a delicate and private invitation into a individual’s life. Dito Montiel’s life is the ultimate example of baggage accumulated over decades and the inevitable recognition of it and eventual confrontation. The movie is Kids meets The Basketball Diaries told in a Sleepers-like narrative. The 21 Grams like cinematography is captivating and crisp editing makes a wonderful, enjoyable and imperative film to a generation lost in its own indulgence. Unfortunately, the film is far too “small” to be recognized by the Academy. If it were up to me this would be a definite contender in the Adapted Screenplay category and LeBeouf would be joining a very crowded Best Actor race. Downey, Jr. would also enhance his chances in the supporting category along with Fur.
This personal portrait of culture and life exists primarily in the mind and suffering of Dito Montiel who painted this amazing representation. All who see the film will be yearning to recognize their saints….and love.
Movie Grade: A-
Synopsis:
A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints is a coming-of-age drama about a boy growing up in Astoria, N.Y., during the 1980s. As his friends end up dead, on drugs or in prison, he comes to believe he has been saved from their fate by various so-called saints. |
