Written by: Michael Den Boer on August 6th, 2007
Release Date: USA, 2007
Production Company: Cacchiotti Productions
Approximate running time: 81 minutes
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 Anamorphic Widescreen
Language: English
Director:
Ben E. SolenbergerWriter: Ben E. Solenberger
Cinematography: Jason Baustin
Cast: Richard Bennett, Tom Howard, Keith Provost, Warren Watson, Kendra North, Paul Bailey, Jaymes Camery, David L. Buckler, Scott Shaffer, Andy Kiser, Chris Kennedy, Marcus Dunn, Joseph D. Durbin, Nama Findley, Jessica Coakley, Tamara Ford, Ted Taylor, Delvin Brooks, Kevin Mayberry, Nick Nerangis, Rich Adams
Synopsis: A corrupt business man with ties to the criminal underworld recalls the all the pain and sorrow that he has brought those around him. He has decided to retire and let his son run the family business. Will things go off without a hitch or will someone from his past alter his final wishes?
The Life I lived is a crime caper about a man who through shady deals becomes the most feared man in town. The plot shown in a series of mostly flashbacks recounts his rise to the top and his downward spiral which is brought on by his deeds from his past. The film is slickly put together as the pacing and editing is just right. The photography is pretty standard as look of the film visually feels more documentary then cinematic. The violence in the film never looks cheap or staged and it looks very convincing overall.
The acting is good with most of the actors keeping their performances even leveled and not losing themselves unnecessarily in their prospective roles. The dialog at times is long winded and doesn’t feel life like enough. I like how most of the characters are fleshed out enough to give some background on who they are and why they are where they are now. One of the films weaknesses is that none of the bad guys are frightening or convincing enough that they are indeed bay men to be reckoned.
Ultimately The Life I Lived is a strong early effort from filmmaker who shows a tremendous amount of promise and his skill as a story telling will only strengthen in his future projects.
Note: Currently this film is not available on DVD and the copy I was sent for my review was an advanced copy. The DVD comes with these extras trailers for “The Life I Lived” and “Cowboy Killer”, a behind the scenes photo gallery which plays like a featurette (27 minutes), Auditions for the film (12 minutes) and an audio commentary for the film.