One of the things I enjoy most about reviewing movies and DVDs is that I often get the opportunity to see films that others don't. These generally fall into the range of the 'independent film' and for better or worse, watching them is rarely a bore. What surprises most people, at least from what I can tell from casual conversation, is just how many independent films are produced every year… heck… every DAY. There are more aspiring filmmakers out there than it is possible to keep track of. So as you might imagine, in watching them, you take the bad with the good. But like the great Hollywood machine, which churns out tons of horrible movies, there are the gems that stand out. Sometimes you find a film shot on a shoestring budget and looks it, but the story totally draws you in. Other times, it is the opposite… great cinematography, but lousy script. It's when you find a project that offers both that the fun really kicks in. When that happens, I begin to hope that I might be watching the work of a future star director.

Recently a movie came to my attention called simply, “Ink.” My understanding was that it was a visually stimulating independent film that broke boundaries with its style, innovation and originality. Now, I realize you can’t believe everything you hear, because the very idea of getting an independent film noticed hinges on using buzz words like these to grab the spotlight. Still, I opted to bite… because every now and then I am pleased to find that diamond in the rough. Such was the case with “Ink.”

Written, directed, produced and even scored by Jamin Winans, “Ink” reveals a world beyond our world. A world within our dreams, where forces are hard at work on both sides of good and evil. A world where the soul of a little girl can be stolen in the night… But there are those who can move from this plane of existence into theirs, allowing a father to fight for the salvation of his child... and ultimately his own. To say anymore about the plot of “Ink” would be a disservice as the revelations that are opened to you and the understanding that you experience are an integral part of the enjoyment of this wonderful film.

The fact that Winans had his hand in so many aspects of “Ink” was almost a turn-off going in, as a good many filmmakers mistakenly believe they are the only ones talented enough to create their project. They may be excellent cinematographers, but wouldn’t write or edit their way out of a paper bag. In rare cases, such as this one, the filmmaker is actually correct. “Ink” is so spectacularly written and filmed, and the story so complex, that to have too many chefs in the kitchen might have spoiled the pot. I could not imagine having to explain any part of “Ink” to anyone who couldn’t fully understand Winan’s specific vision.

In terms of story, when you start watching “Ink” you may not know exactly what is going on. But as the scenes play out, you begin to understand exactly what is going on, and many of these revelatory moments are so eye-opening that you almost cannot believe you didn’t ‘get-it’ it sooner. Then as the story becomes even clearer, you find yourself swept completely into John and Emma’s plight. The screenplay is quite simply that good. Punctuating this screenplay however, are terrific performances by a cast of unknowns. Chris Kelly (John) as the little girl’s father is mesmerizing in the sheer strength of his performance. Here is an actor who knows how to use every subtle nuance of his expression and body language to hit you with an emotional sledgehammer. Then you have the remarkable Quinn Hunchar (Emma) in what I believe is her first acting role and you have an unbeatable acting team. She is very young, but her delivery is spot on perfect. (Dakota Fanning… watch out!!)

So when you peel back a great screenplay and powerful acting, you are left with the overall look of the film. Generally, based on the low budgets that most independent filmmakers are forced to work with, this is where you have to be the most forgiving. But again… not in this case. Winans use of lighting and shadows is unmatched by any other low budget film /I have ever seen. He is able to create not only this world, but the world beyond in a wholly believable style. It is both beautiful and ugly, and I dare any big budget film to match it with such surreal realism. His choices of color serve to differentiate the various planes of existence from each other and his choices are perfect to the tone of the film. I was also blown away by the editing, which was masterfully done. I couldn’t pick out a single cut that didn’t work (while being amazed by the ones that worked very well).

Originally “Ink” played to only a handful of festival audiences, but is now available both on DVD and Bluray. I recently watched the DVD (though after seeing the incredible visuals I wish I had requested a Bluray!!!) The DVD offers up a commentary by Winans, which really opened up the movie even more. He goes into great detail of the challenges inherent in trying to make a movie of this caliber with little funding. There is also a behind the scenes featurette, an interview with Chris Kelly and Quinn Hunchar and a deleted scene. If you go to the website (listed below), you can also order yourselves t-shirts, posters and soundtracks (I think I’m going to get one of the t-shirts!)
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I’m very excited not only about having had the opportunity to watch “Ink”, but the possibility of seeing future work from this highly talented and imaginative filmmaker.

Directed by: Jamin Winans
Starring: Chris Kelly, Quinn Hunchar, Jessica Duffy, Jeremy Make, Jennifer Batter, Eme Ikwaukor, Shelby Malone
Extras: Behind the Scenes Featurette; Director Commentary; Interview with Chris and Quinn; Deleted Scene
Specifications: 16x9, Stereo
Studio: Double Edge Films
Release Date: 11/10/2009
MPAA Rating: NR
http://www.doubleedgefilms.com

We'll give Ink an A.