Maze

Rating:
Summary: Maze: A fine study on love, loyalty and art
Review: I am a big fan of biopics on the lives of artists, or at least good biopics on the lives of artists ("Pollock", "Vincent and Theo", "Basquiat", and "I Shot Andy Warhol" come to mind). The latest film that could be added to that list is "Maze", a thoughful study of the life of modern abstract artist Lyle Maze from actor/director/co-writer Rob Morrow (I'm not sure if Maze a real person or a fictional character, the film does not make this clear). While the artwork on the display box (with the happy, smiling faces of it's three main stars) may give the impression that this film will be a light-hearted walk in the park, instead the film successfully treads ground between stark drama, and very "human" comedy. Played with genuine emotion by Morrow, Lyle Maze is a painter suffering from both Tourette's Syndrome and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and the havoc that these afflictions can wreak on one's work and personal life are all played out very effectively in the course of this story (I won't give too much away on this front - although the scene where Maze goes out in public on a date is almost painful to watch!). Things get more complicated in Maze's life when he agrees (after a disasterous session with a hired model) to let a close friend's girlfriend pose for him. I am not giving too much away when I tell you that the artist/model relationship soon devolops into a romantic one (this much info is supplied in the synopisis right on the display box!), but it is the thoughtful WAY in which the romance develops that makes the film work, and lends it credibility. Maze's girlfriend-lending pal; a doctor who is so committed to his work that he finds it hard to committ to a real relationship, is played to the hilt by by Craig Sheffer (known for his work in "Bliss" & "A River Runs Through It".) Maze's new model/love interest, Callie, is played by actress Laura Linney (Oscar-nominated for her fine work in "You Can Count On Me"). Once again, as with her oscar-nominated role, Linney hits all the right emotional notes to make us believe the motivations and quirky nuances of her character (although Linney looks a bit different here, sporting her natural red hair color and a less "glamorous" look). While "Maze" has an artist as it's central character (and we do luckily see some footage of Maze during his creative process) this is not really a film ABOUT art per se - it is more of a love story, and a study of the charcters lives, hopes, and motives. Unfortunately, most of the press on this film has been focused NOT on the story or acting, but on the fact that Linney has a quite "revealing" scene about half way through the film. Well, this much is true - this IS an R-Rated film, and the scene occurs for about 3 minutes or so while Callie is posing nude for Maze. This IS a full-frontal nude scene folks, all Laura head-to-toe - so anyone who is buying this movie just to see Ms. Linney's goods on display will NOT be disappointed (and as a heterosexual male myself I must admit that, yes, she looks great here!), but in my opinion the nude scene is really best viewed in the context of the whole film - where it does not seem explotative or even particularly "sexual" (there is in fact another full-frontal scene of an unknown actress within the first 5 minutes of the film, but again, is is played in more of a "matter of fact" way than a titillating one). All in all, I feel that this is a film that will have great appeal to fans of character-driven stories, "arthouse" dramas, or maybe even the fringe of the "romantic comedy" crowd. There are a few predictable turns in the storyline, but then there are also a few surprizes to make up for them! The story moves forward nicely at a brisk 96 minutes, and the characters are all well-cast, even in the minor roles. If I have any criticisms of the film at all, they are very minor ones: for instance, some of the background music seems a bit out of place at times, and not much insight is given into Maze's career as an artist - but these are more like personal preferences that legitimate criticisms. Some critics and reviewers have criticized the film for its "happy ending", but I must say that I heartily disagree! The ending seems quite in line with the way that these particular characters might act in these particular situations - an "upbeat" ending does not always mean an "unbelievable" ending! All in all, if you looking for a good way to spend your viewing time...give "Maze" a chance!

Rating:
Summary: Two people who are going to be friends for a long time
Review: I had the most unusual reaction to watching "Maze" in that I totally accepted the title character, famous painter Lyle Maze (Rob Morrow) and the fact that he had Tourette Syndrome. I am not talking about the effectiveness of Morrow's performance in portraying Tourettes, but rather that I accepted the character and dismissed his condition. Lyle has ticks, makes odd sounds, and is compulsively obsessive about the tongue of his shoes and other things. He also has black curly hair. So what?

I was puzzled why I would end up with this sort of reaction to the film and then it dawned on me that it was because of the character of Callie (Laura Linney). She is the girl friend of Lyle's best friend, Mike (Craig Sheffer), a doctor who likes to go off to the four corners of the earth and help save the world. More importantly, she totally accepts Lyle. At one point she tells him she does not even notice his ticks, but I think we are aware of that from the start of the film. Even if Lyle was not a great artist, working on his next big show, Callie would not treat him any differently. She shows no more concern over his Tourettes than she does over standing there totally nude posing for Lyle in his studio.

Callie agrees to model for Lyle and tells him that she is pregnant; that night she is going to tell Mike. However, Mike beats her to the punch and announces he is going to Brundi for Doctors Without Borders for seven months. She gets ticked and decides not to tell him about the baby. Lyle, who already knew about the Mike's plans, becomes concerned about Callie. The story (by Morrow and Bradley White) if fairly predictable in terms of whether or not Callie will decide to have the baby and what is going to happen between the couple now that Lyle is taking an active interest in her welfare. Callie is going to have some hard choices to make down the road and there is no way of telling which way it is going to go. .

Morrow co-write the film and directs it as well as stars in it, but this is Linney's movie. This is rather fitting because the actress received some grief in some corners for having bared it all for this particular project. But Callie's nudity is as natural in these circumstances as Lyle's Tourettes. Besides, we do get an opportunity to see how her figure is turned into art (unfortunately I did not write down the name of the artist who did everyting we see in "Maze," however, it is the first credit that appears at the end of the film and rightfully so). More importantly, it because ultimately I find myself take Callie's view on the world and not Lyle's, even with its hand held camera affects trying to give us visual insight into the way he sees that world, that I ended up veiwing "Maze" the strange way that I did.

Rating:
Summary: Two people who are going to be friends for a long time
Review: I had the most unusual reaction to watching "Maze" in that I totally accepted the title character, famous painter Lyle Maze (Rob Morrow) and the fact that he had Tourette Syndrome. I am not talking about the effectiveness of Morrow's performance in portraying Tourettes, but rather that I accepted the character and dismissed his condition. Lyle has ticks, makes odd sounds, and is compulsively obsessive about the tongue of his shoes and other things. He also has black curly hair. So what?

I was puzzled why I would end up with this sort of reaction to the film and then it dawned on me that it was because of the character of Callie (Laura Linney). She is the girl friend of Lyle's best friend, Mike (Craig Sheffer), a doctor who likes to go off to the four corners of the earth and help save the world. More importantly, she totally accepts Lyle. At one point she tells him she does not even notice his ticks, but I think we are aware of that from the start of the film. Even if Lyle was not a great artist, working on his next big show, Callie would not treat him any differently. She shows no more concern over his Tourettes than she does over standing there totally nude posing for Lyle in his studio.

Callie agrees to model for Lyle and tells him that she is pregnant; that night she is going to tell Mike. However, Mike beats her to the punch and announces he is going to Brundi for Doctors Without Borders for seven months. She gets ticked and decides not to tell him about the baby. Lyle, who already knew about the Mike's plans, becomes concerned about Callie. The story (by Morrow and Bradley White) if fairly predictable in terms of whether or not Callie will decide to have the baby and what is going to happen between the couple now that Lyle is taking an active interest in her welfare. Callie is going to have some hard choices to make down the road and there is no way of telling which way it is going to go. .

Morrow co-write the film and directs it as well as stars in it, but this is Linney's movie. This is rather fitting because the actress received some grief in some corners for having bared it all for this particular project. But Callie's nudity is as natural in these circumstances as Lyle's Tourettes. Besides, we do get an opportunity to see how her figure is turned into art (unfortunately I did not write down the name of the artist who did everyting we see in "Maze," however, it is the first credit that appears at the end of the film and rightfully so). More importantly, it because ultimately I find myself take Callie's view on the world and not Lyle's, even with its hand held camera affects trying to give us visual insight into the way he sees that world, that I ended up veiwing "Maze" the strange way that I did.

Rating:
Summary: A movie with alot of heart and style
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. I highly recommend it. It was interesting and touching. Rob Morrow did a great job acting the role as a person with OCD and Tourette's syndrome. The movie, while touching, was not overly sentimental. I am always very happy when I run across a movie with heart and style. The soundtrack was also a great addition to the movie. Once again, I highly recommend this show and I hope that Rob Morrow will continue to write, direct and act in other movies.

Rating:
Summary: Heartfelt.
Review: It is really no wonder why this film has not been embraced by the masses. While it has good acting and solid direction, there is simply too much realism here for a large audience to appreciate. The masses want conventional Hollywood slop and big explosions, not an unconventional character study of a man with Tourette Syndrome. From the very beginning I was unsure whether or not I would like this movie. The lead character played by Rob Morrow, who also co-scripted the screenplay and directed, is a twitching oddity with obsessive compulsion disorder, and at first it was a little unnerving and unsettling to watch his bizarre antics. But as the film rolls along it becomes obvious that underneath this character's crazed facade there lies a genuine human being with emotional depth. For a large portion of the film the story is basically about two people, lonely for different reasons and friends besides, holding on to one another for company and moral support. Of course, the inevitable happens as they slowly come to understand each other and care about their combination of unique personalities. Laura Linney gives another good performance here as a woman struggling to hold herself back from where her heart is leading her out of a past obligation to a former love. However, the ending is a fairly predictable happy one. Given the realistic context of the film it was a letdown that realism was chucked aside for an ending that most audience members want to see: the conventional "happy" Hollywood ending, complete with a smiling infant. But the rest of the film is noteworthy and gave me a new appreciation for the talents of director/writer/actor Rob Morrow.

Rating:
Summary: Moving in a way that one better not talk about it....
Review: My favourite sequence in "Maze" is when Morrow runs on the streets, silence behind, and like a revelation, Sting's "I was Brought To My Senses" plays...this is one of the most poignant depictions of despair, and despairing love between two people who shouldn't have any romantic feelings for each other, captured on film. The pace with which Maze runs in the scene, and the haunting beginning of the song, which is sung without any musical accompaniment till the fourth line, are in stark contrast, but that is exactly what makes this shot one of the finest moments on celluloid. It befits a film on a subject that is in itself a poignant one.


Rating:
Summary: Insightful Drama, Good Performances
Review: There are many people-- too many, in fact,-- who live their entire lives on the "outside looking in," to one degree or another, because the "normal" ones among us-- the ones who govern the great majority, or even the ones who just have a hand in formulating the criteria by which the parameters of our great "Society" are established-- deem it to be so, and have the wherewithal to effect their ends. Indeed, there are those who probably prefer an "outsider" status, rather than succumbing to the tenets of what is essentially the wide spread hypocrisy so prevalent throughout our world today. But it would be nice to at least give them that choice, which unfortunately, despite all the "politically correct" posturing that goes on and on around us daily, we do not. Yet, ironically, often it is these denizens from beyond the mainstream that so enrich our lives with their thoughts, art, and by their mere presence amongst us. "Maze," written, directed by and starring Rob Morrow, is the story of one of these: An artist, whom we discover early on is also a very caring person, who is nevertheless relegated to that outer rim because he suffers from Tourette's Syndrome. He's different; he doesn't fit in; he's an embarrassment. He's also a very accomplished artist who puts his pants on one leg at a time, just like the rest of us. And-- like the rest of us-- he has very basic wants and needs, all the things that give definition to what he really is: Human. Just like the rest of us.

Lyle Maze (Morrow) is an established artist on the verge of a critical and financial breakthrough, but he lives a solitary existence, spending most of his time holed up in his loft, alone. He has one good friend, Mike (Craig Sheffer), but stays to himself, attempting to avoid the ridicule and embarrassment, or just the unwanted attention elicited by the uncontrollable "tics" generated by the Tourettes. Mike is a doctor and prescribes medication that may help, but Lyle fears it may stifle his creativity, as well, so he refuses to take it. it affects his work though, too, as his sudden outbursts are too disconcerting for even those with whom he must work, as when a model he has hired to pose for him walks out, unnerved by his seemingly erratic behavior.

Then Mike makes a decision that ultimately becomes the catalyst for what becomes a significant emotional event in Lyle's life. Mike, following an altruistic bent, signs on with a medical group and commits himself to months of work in a third world country. It's an admirable pursuit, but to follow this particular dream, he must leave behind the woman he loves, Callie (Laura Linney). And though Mike doesn't realize it, it is a very fragile time for Callie, and for their relationship. As Mike prepares to leave, Callie, aware of Lyle's predicament with models, volunteers to pose for him. Things become complicated, however, when Lyle suddenly begins to realize that he has feelings for Callie-- feelings he should not have in light of the fact that Mike is his best (only) friend. Lyle is conscientious and sensitive to the issue, but as is always the case in matters of the heart, all bets are off. And so, to his problems with Tourettes, Lyle must now add the inner conflict and guilt born of his (as yet unexpressed) feelings for Callie, as he seeks to resolve yet another of the curves that life seems determined to throw at him.

This movie marks the feature film debut of Morrow as a writer (along with Bradley White)/director, and it's one of those little gems that it's so gratifying to discover after sifting through all of the "fools gold" that Hollywood continues to pollute the stream with. Morrow successfully taps into that vein of need that runs through the human condition, places it in a proper setting, measures the finger of his audience and sizes it accordingly. And like a hand crafted item made with precision and an eye for detail, the result is a small, but invaluable treasure. Morrow (probably best known for his work in the TV series "Northern Exposure") has an acute grasp of human nature, and his insights provide the basis for a thought provoking, emotionally involving sojourn through the landscape of the human condition. Indeed, it is the humanity he finds in his characters that makes this film sing. It is a sensitive presentation devoid of any overt sentimentality that would have rendered it maudlin; with a seemingly innate sense of the emotional boundaries within which he must stay to be effective, Morrow keeps his finger on the pulse of the story, makes the necessary adjustments and keeps the heartbeat steady. And it works.

As Lyle, Morrow gives an extremely affecting performance; his "tics" are done to perfection, to the point of an irritating realism that so effectively gives you that sense of what it must be like to suffer such a malady, as well as offering some real insight into how it affects those who encounter someone with Tourettes, and how difficult it can be to respond appropriately. Morrow's portrayal generates understanding and sympathy for the sufferer, while at the same time offers some vindication to those who simply cannot cope with it. As a filmmaker, Morrow is to be complimented for offering up such a sensitive subject for the consideration of his audience, doing it objectively and without passing judgment on their response.

Laura Linney is terrific, too, as Callie, giving a performance that evokes the empathy of the viewer with her portrayal of a woman at an emotional crossroads in her life, who though beset with inner conflict finds the strength to overcome her troubles and decide for herself the direction her life will take. It's the kind of memorable performance which, along with Morrow's, makes "Maze" an entertaining and satisfying cinematic experience. It's the magic of the movies.

Rating:
Summary: very good
Review: This film is very good. It really doesn't try to be very fast or furious, but instead really dedicates its content to some real life issues for once. Well, its real good and can be sad but also funny too sometimes even. Ok? Oh I know too its interesting.

Rating:
Summary: Two brothers and Laura Linney - one brother with Tourettes
Review: This movie is a stand-out for several reasons, although I'll warn you straight out that it isn't an easy film to watch much of the time.
I doubt you'll find many films which feature a person with Tourette's syndrome and obsessive-compulsive disorder. This one does and that may make some viewers uncomfortable, especially as they watch this man, an artist, grappling with everyday things we all take for granted, but having great difficulty. When he goes grocery shopping, his noises and odd movements upset people. When he feels compelled to touch someone's sleeve, with no bad intentions in mind, he gets yelled at.
True, the actor doesn't really have Tourettes but he is convincing in the role. If this sounds unappealing to you, I urge you to reconsider. I found it a bit distracting at first but quickly became engaged by the story.
Secondly, the movie focuses on art and artists and how difficult it can be to make one's way in the world as an artist who also struggles with a major disorder - Tourettes.
To add complications to the plot, there is also Laura Linney, who is in love with the artist's brother, a man who doesn't have Tourettes but DOES have a desire to save the world and who often leaves for months at a time. Needless to say, this leaves Linney in the lurch, especialy since she is newly pregnant and hasn't yet told her lover,
She is left with the other brother and this is where the film becomes truly interesting. He cares deeply for her and she learns to see beyond the numerous tics, strange sounds and other behavior he displays. As she spends more time with him, she poses for him (the only time I can recall seeing Linney nude on-screen), reveals her fears about the pregnancy. They start to fall in love...but I won't reveal more.
A minor gem of a movie with real heart.

Rating:
Summary: Two brothers and Laura Linney - one brother with Tourettes
Review: This movie is a stand-out for several reasons, although I'll warn you straight out that it isn't an easy film to watch much of the time.
I doubt you'll find many films which feature a person with Tourette's syndrome and obsessive-compulsive disorder. This one does and that may make some viewers uncomfortable, especially as they watch this man, an artist, grappling with everyday things we all take for granted, but having great difficulty. When he goes grocery shopping, his noises and odd movements upset people. When he feels compelled to touch someone's sleeve, with no bad intentions in mind, he gets yelled at.
True, the actor doesn't really have Tourettes but he is convincing in the role. If this sounds unappealing to you, I urge you to reconsider. I found it a bit distracting at first but quickly became engaged by the story.
Secondly, the movie focuses on art and artists and how difficult it can be to make one's way in the world as an artist who also struggles with a major disorder - Tourettes.
To add complications to the plot, there is also Laura Linney, who is in love with the artist's brother, a man who doesn't have Tourettes but DOES have a desire to save the world and who often leaves for months at a time. Needless to say, this leaves Linney in the lurch, especialy since she is newly pregnant and hasn't yet told her lover,
She is left with the other brother and this is where the film becomes truly interesting. He cares deeply for her and she learns to see beyond the numerous tics, strange sounds and other behavior he displays. As she spends more time with him, she poses for him (the only time I can recall seeing Linney nude on-screen), reveals her fears about the pregnancy. They start to fall in love...but I won't reveal more.
A minor gem of a movie with real heart.