“Color of a Brisk and Leaping Day” is a movie for art house aficionados and lovers of independent films. Directed by Christopher Munch, this black & white piece tells the story of James Lee (Peter Alexander), a post-WWII Chinese American with a rather obsessive affinity for trains. While on a vacation, he learns about his ancestors and the work they performed building the Yosemite Valley Railroad. Saddened by the state of disrepair and near bankruptcy of the once great railroad line, he takes it upon himself to find a way to purchase it and turn the business around. I was first drawn to this film because of its art house status. I love independent films, not so much for the sake of their independence, but more so for the ‘sifting through the dirt’, as it were, looking for those little nuggets of gold. As a rule, most independent films aren’t that great, but every now an then you come across good… and sometimes even, great ones. I wish I could say that “Color of a Brisk and Leaping Day” fell into the category of great, but the best I can give it is a really, really good.

The rather slow storyline and acceptable acting are a part of what knocks it down a few points. I can enjoy a great story when it is told slowly, so the pace itself isn’t the problem, its’ just that not much happens during the film’s 85 minute running time, brisk or otherwise. However, what the film does have going for it is some of the most spectacularly beautiful cinematography that I have seen in quite some time. This in itself is quite an achievement, when you take into consideration that it was shot in black & white (a notoriously difficult medium) and all of scenic views were real, and not the creation of some computer guy typing away on his Macintosh. It’s no wonder that the film won an award at Sundance for Best Cinematography, it was well-earned.

I was also intrigued by some of the casting choices, mostly that of Henry Gibson and Michael Stipe. Gibson’s biggest claim to fame was his stint on “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-in” where he would often deliver hysterical poetry. In the years following the cancellation of the series, he would show up in small roles in various films and TV projects, much to my delight. Michael Stipe was a more interesting choice, simply because he is not even an actor. As the lead singer of R.E.M., he has made somewhat of a name for himself due to the group’s high volume of top ten hits and occasional controversial lyrics. Here, both play employees of the railroad who are enlisted to help in Lee’s quest to rebuild the line.

What’s interesting about “Color of a Brisk and Leaping Day” is that in spite of its somewhat weak central plot, there are tons of subtexts running through the narrative. Some are more apparent than others, but you’ll find yourself confronted with undertones of racism and homosexuality. I’m not really sure what these little nuances do for the overall story, but they do spice it up a bit.

Though the film was shot in 1996, it’s finally finding its way onto the DVD market this week, complete with a few short extra features. While you’ll find the requisite filmmakers bio and trailer, there is also an additional short film about actual Yosemite Valley Railroad which will definitely appeal to train enthusiasts and fans of model trains. There are also some scenic outtakes included which are almost as impressive as some of those included in the film. Some of these shots are absolutely breathtaking.

Directed by: Christopher Munch
Starring: Peter Alexander, Jeri Arredondo, Henry Gibson, Michael Stipe
Extras: Short Film – “Yosemite Valley Railroad Revisited”, Scenic Outtakes, Original Theatrical Trailer, Filmmaker Biography
Studio: New Video
Release Date: 11/30/2004
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
Website

We'll give Color of a Brisk and Leaping Day a C+.