Undermind

Amazon.com

Undermind is a well-written, trippy drama in which two versions of the same man exchange places in parallel realities. Sam Trammell (Beat) plays spineless corporate lawyer Derrick Hall, suffocating under the legacy of his late, highly respected father and the overbearing presence of his mother (Celia Weston) in every part of his life, including his engagement to the understanding Olivia (Susan May Pratt). After a night of drinking, Derrick wakes up as Zane Waye, a singer-songwriter caught up in the criminal life of his brother (Erik Jensen) but also living in the shadow of a beloved father, in this case a murdered cop. While Derrick figures out how to get along as Zane, the latter gets his bearings in Derrick's well-heeled world. Writer-director Nevil Dwek cleverly demonstrates how each man seems better equipped for the other's life, and he has fun shuffling the identities of other characters between the two dimensions. Smart and absorbing. --Tom Keogh

Description

Derrick, a corporate lawyer with a large trust fund, and Zane, a criminal, live in opposite social spheres. Although they never meet, their lives are more connected than either one of them could ever imagine.

Customer Reviews:

Confusing, Brilliant, Disturbing, Engaging - and FUN!.......2005-06-30

Undermind is a find! Within 10 minutes of the movie I found myself alternately utterly confused and exhilarated wondering if I was smart enough to watch it. Working from his own brilliant script, first time director Nevil Dwek has created a world where parallel universes meet and violently collide. The tale revolves around young Derrick Hall, a corporate lawyer who is far too young to be this world weary and morose. A little understanding of Derrick's family history reveals a recently departed, highly successful father who had little time, patience or trust of his son and a pompous, dictatorial mother who acts as human choke collar, squelching both life and joy out of every earthly moment.

In the blink of an eye, Derrick's entire world is intercepted and exchanged with that of punky, greasy locked, Zane Waye - but he "knows" he's Derrick. Suddenly, nothing makes sense and the two men must search for ways to get back to their respective lives. Each is confronted with situations demanding resourcefulness as each is forced to think outside of his normal pattern. Zane's world is a troubling, dominated by his evil (and idiotic) brother, Ian. It's a world of violence, murder, suspect alliances, drug deals, stuttering porn wannabes, prostitutes and deception.

Along the way the difficult murder case of a well respected cop - who happens to be the Brothers Waye's father, is solved, Derrick and Zane find their ways home and the world is set right. The entire cast (even small supporting roles) shine throughout, but top nod easily goes to Sam Trammel who carries the movie as both Derrick and Zane, so convincingly I at times wondered if two different actors were playing the roles.

Director Dwek creates two distinct worlds for our central characters: Derrick's is warm, rich full of browns and velvety textured, while Zane's is stark, black and white with hints of tinting. Eventually (and inevitably) the worlds collide and combine into one.

With such a complex and confusing tale, a completely satisfying ending resolving all loose ends is nearly impossible and here is (for me) the only weak link in a movie without any others. I'm not, however, certain that a better ending could reasonably be achieved. I still give the movie 5 stars because despite the ending (which is fine - just not at the same level as what precedes it) as this is one of the smartest and most entertaining things I've seen in ages. I want to see lots more from Dwek and this cast!

Genius!!!!!!.......2005-03-04

Nevil Dweck presents us with originality and a fine eye for detail, this movie is pure enjoyment.

Great Indie Flick!!!!!.......2004-12-10

I'm always looking for interesting, well made Indie films that challenge the mind. Well this is the best one of the year. Undermind is a extremely well made, edgy, and interesting film. It challenges all audiences and proves that there are great, exciting young filmakers around. I throughly recommend this film.

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