Channels (2008)
A writer/producer is about to make a big career jump and has a lot of activity going on in his life. But, emotionally, he's dead. Through a fantastical event, he meets someone. They fall in love. She wants to defy logic and hop on the passing train of time with him. He lets his mind rationalize and hesitates. She is gone and he finds himself in a desperate race to get her back. Will the magic that brought them together be strong enough to reunite them, or is it too long?
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CHANNELS makes you realize that the time to act is now. Before it is too late. Within the context of a love story, we are made to laugh, to enjoy and to cry as we begin to realize how precious it is to seize the moment.I read that the budget was something like 200,000.00. I can only imagine that, if the movie was made for 60 million, how it could have been a box office success and even an Oscar contender.Writer-director-actor, Nat Christian's film works on so different levels - as a love story; as a philosophical introspective; and as a comedy. Most importantly as one person's true realization that time has passed. The cast works beautifully under Christian's direction. So does the music (Rossano Galante) and the camera work (Michael Hardwick).As an actor, Christian is one of those very rare talents who is incredibly fascinating to watch, only using honest, subtle, nuances. Hopefully he'll act in more features. John Kassir as a selfish agent is very funny. Kim Oja is sincere and real, and beautiful. Taylor Negron is also very real both in the serious scenes as well as the comedic ones. Ed Asner and Joan Van Ark make special appearances and contribute great talents to the movie. Is the film right for everyone? Probably not. But if you like romance and would like to think about things after the movie, CHANNELS may be right for you.
Channels arrives with a somber mood, and a cynical attitude, but then does a fantastic job of creating a romantic atmosphere in which we can believe in.Actor, Nat Christian, gives a powerful, truthful and passionate performance as Black, a man so emotionally not alive, that when he comes home after a very busy day at work (he's a producer on a film shoot), he needs to just sit back and channel surf. His cynicism is delivered straightforward and not for show. He then starts to loosen up when he meets Katherine, played by the adorable Kim Oja. Christian, a masterful actor, doesn't immediately do a complete turnaround, but he does more of a gradual awakening, wonderfully playing these different moods. There is a lot of kissing and romance between Christian and Oja and the two of them burn up the screen (And there is no nudity). I've seen Nat Christian on TV when he started out doing soaps, and he was always engaging to watch.Kim Oja was a very pleasant surprise as a comedienne. Taylor Negron gives a vulnerable performance. John Kassir is perfect as a cynical talent agent. Ed Asner rules. Joan Van Ark is also great and should be doing more movies.Christian equals his acting talents as the director of Channels. Storytelling is the operative word. Done with artistry and sureness, he takes us to another place and we are there.The music by Rossanno Galante was enchanting. The cinematography by Michael Hardwick was alluring as well as the set design. There is a song written by Daryl Orenge and Nat Christian, that is quite catchy.Wonderful!
CHANNELS affirms that love is a force to which the laws of space and time do not apply. The screenplay brings our characters together and holds on to them, while subtly exploring what is "real", or what makes something real, or rather how we define what is "real."Nat Christian performs the triple task of writing, directing and acting with great virtuosity. As an actor, he is compelling to watch, always honest. Kim Oja shows a feisty side along with a sweetness that would melt anyone's heart. In a cameo appearance, Joan Van Ark sobers you up with her fine acting ability. The multi-talented Ed Asner can only be real. The scenes with him and Christian are funny and tense. Rounding out the main cast, Taylor Negron and John Kassir are consummate actors.Director, Christian, handles his actors masterfully, giving them a healthy amount of screen time. They all deliver real performances. As a storyteller, Christian captivates us from point A to point Z. Not just going there, but taking us there. The production design was utterly romantic. The score by Rossanno Gallante was moving.I'll probably watch this movie once a year (maybe once every two years).
CHANNELS feels like the best of the old-fashioned films. But is was made recently and it is wonderfully crafted and sophisticated. A passionate, charming, witty, romantic story about a love transcending space and time. In the finely written screenplay by writer/director Nat Christian, the lead character, "Black", also played by Christian, is a busy producer on the rise. But he really doesn't have a spark in his life. He meets "Katherine", played by the beautiful Kim Oja, and together their chemistry keeps you glued to the screen.Christian, a mesmerizing talent, gives the character of Black charm and cynicism, and is deliciously romantic when he meets Oja. He is fun and tragic at the same time. One immediately connects with his character. Oja, displays great skill in playing comedy, coupled with moving scenes of reflective sadness. The two of them captivate the screen.The whole cast - John Kassir, Taylor Negron, Joan Van Ark and the wonderful Edward Asner - plays every role with precision.The beautiful photography by Michael Hardwick never gets in the way of the characters. Visual FX sequences by Duane Condor add mood. Rossanno Galante's score is sweeping. I was quite moved. Lots to think about in this unusual love story. Maybe even a little bit of quantum physics!