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Diamond Men
The Movie
Every so often everyone needs to take a break from the same old action, comedy, shoot-em-up, thriller movies we're all used to seeing, and watch a really good movie with substance. And by substance I don't mean a sappy melodramatic love story, but a movie that feels real, and is subtle in the method it tells its narrative. Diamond Men shines so brightly precisely because it's not your typical Hollywood movie. It's simple, understated, and makes you feel like a better person afterwards.
Diamond Men is an independent film written and directed by newcomer Daniel M. Cohen. Now the general plot is nothing we haven't seen before. It's a story about opposites who teach each other how to be better people. But because the story is told so well, and the acting is so dead on, you feel like you're watching a movie with a new, fresh plot idea. The movie is loosely based on the life experiences of Cohen's father, who was a traveling salesman. You can even pick up similarities and dialogue from the play "Death of a Salesman." But this movie is not a rehash; it's something new. And it works not just because it's told well, but because ultimately it's about people, relationships, growing up, and moving on.
Robert Forster plays Eddie Miller, a diamond salesman who is on the verge of loosing his job after suffering a heart attack. He soon gets paired with Bobbie Walker,(Donnie Wahlberb) to train him to be his replacement. Bobbie is young and brash, and rubs Edward the wrong way in everything he does. But the two form an unexpected relationship and learn that life doesn't always have to play out the way you think it should. Forster molds perfectly into his character and gives perhaps the best performance of his career. You truly believe with his every move that he is a steady, stable, and successful salesman that has spent the last 30 years perfecting his talent. Forster's ability to show no emotion yet effortlessly tell his life story is a sight to behold. Wahlberg's performance was also a pleasant surprise. Not only was he able to make you believe he was his character, but he proved he also has a first-rate sense of comedic timing.
Diamond Men is an excellent movie. And though this DVD offers little in the way of extra supplements, the movie itself more then makes up for it. It's a quiet film, but you shouldn't be quiet in telling others about it.
The DVD
Video: Diamond Men is presented in what looks like 1.75:1 widescreen. The picture has a very grainy and rough look to it, as if it were filmed in the 70s. Some shots look cleaner than others from the different lenses they used for filming. Because of the dull look of the film, the colors are not particularly bright, but I believe this was the intent of the director. The overall look of the movie fits with the story so well, I'd have a hard time believing it was an accident.
Audio: Diamond Men comes only with a Dolby Digital Surround audio track. And actually, the absence of a 5.1 track is not missed because the entire movie is driven by dialogue, not action. The movie sounds just fine and accomplishes its job perfectly.
Extras: Here you'll find director commentary and three deleted scenes. So, not much in the way of extras, but having the commentary is a welcome addition for a small independent release like this.
Final Thoughts
Diamond Men is a brilliant sleeper. It deserves much more press and attention then it has received. It shows us how real life is, and how real people would react to real situations. It's a simple movie, but be assured that the acting and directing are anything but. Robert Forster gives probably one of the best performances of his career, and Donnie Wahlberg shows that he has what it takes to make it in the movies. If you're interested in seeing a movie that's different, and offers a change of pace, then Diamond Men is for you. Highly Recommended