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Dangerous Crosswinds
Though it was first conceived and written roughly fifteen years ago, New Hampshire independent filmmaker Bill Millios' Dangerous Crosswinds didn't become a reality until the spring of 2004. It's a film that explores the hot-button topic of euthanasia---not unlike Paul Haggis' Million Dollar Baby, for example---though most other similarities should end right there. Dangerous Crosswinds is a small-scale production: shot inside the quiet state of New Hampshire, this independent drama only includes a handful of characters and a fairly simple story. It's certainly not without a few faults, but Dangerous Crosswinds is an interesting film that's really worth looking into.
Our story centers around Harry Toland (Larry Jay Tish), a native of New Hampshire who's just returning home from a successful journalism stint in New York. Though he snagged a Pulitzer Prize along the way, he was later fired for his controversial writings on euthanasia. Settling down with a job at fictitious local newspaper The Hampton Eagle, Toland gets reacquainted with his mentor from college, Alec Holbrook (Don LaBranche), and takes part in the mercy killing of an old friend suffering from advanced Alzheimer's disease. Unfortunately, some rather large holes in the resulting investigation are uncovered soon after, leading Toland to question both his loyalty and ethical position.
Though his character's opinions and actions may not be agreed with by all viewers, Tish (above left) does an excellent job in the lead role. He displays a down-to-earth likeability and a strong screen presence---which is good, considering he's in just about every scene. LaBranche is another standout, while most of the scenes he and Tish share also shine. The music is another standout, featuring a soundtrack performed by members of the New Hampshire Philharmonic and local singer/songwriter Laurel Brauns. For a small-scale independent film, it's got quite a few things going for it.
There are a few roadblocks along the way, though: for every few scenes where the film's homespun atmosphere works to its advantage, there's another that can take the viewer slightly out of the story. Smaller supporting parts are hit-or-miss---including a few employees at The Hampton Eagle---while a handful of the more confrontational scenes don't quite have the energy and force needed to be completely believable. Even so, there's a lot that works very well here, and that's what makes Dangerous Crosswinds worth checking out. Plenty of interesting questions are raised about controversial issues, and the fact that the film has the guts to ask them goes a long way in my book.
More good news arrives on the DVD front: it's a solid effort all around, boasting a good technical presentation and a surprisingly solid amount of bonus features. The low retail price is another pleasant surprise, proving that you don't have to pay a premium for a quality DVD package.
The menus designs (seen above) are simple and appropriate, employing a subtle atmosphere, basic navigation and even a bit of animation. This 88-minute film has been divided into a very generous 34 chapters, while no apparent layer change was detected during playback. The packaging design is also pretty sharp, as this one-disc release is housed in a clear keepcase with attractive double-sided black and white artwork. A helpful chapter listing has been printed on the inside of the case.
There's some very nice attention to detail here, especially given the film's low-budget roots. Starting things off is an feature-length Audio Commentary with director Bill Millios, director of photography Marc Vadeboncouer, assistant director Bill McNally and production manager Jim McCrackin. This is a laid back but detailed commentary, while the participants are quick to compliment the efforts of those involved. Up next is a brief Behind the Scenes featurette (8:32), highlighting many of the cast and crew's lighter moments on the set, followed by a short and sweet Live Performance of Laurel Brauns' "North 93" (featured prominently in the film), which was recorded at The Red Door in Portsmouth (2:43).
Also here is a selection of Cast and Crew Bios and a handy Location Gallery which covers more than a dozen locations in New Hampshire where the film was shot. There's also From the Desk of Sue Barrett, which includes text reproductions of articles from The Hampton Eagle. There's also a short News Clip related to the film (:30), while the bonus features close out with a brief Production Stills Gallery and the original Trailer. Overall, it's a well-rounded batch of extras that complement the film very well. As a bonus for 16x9 television owners, they're all presented in anamorphic widescreen.
It could've been a bit more engaging on a slightly larger scale, but Bill Millios' Dangerous Crosswinds is a fine example of independent filmmaking headed in the right direction. The performances are generally good all around, while the score and soundtrack help move things along nicely. The DVD holds up its end of the bargain, offering a decent technical presentation and a solid assortment of bonus features. Overall, it's a good jumping-on point for those who appreciate independent films: well conceived and executed, Dangerous Crosswinds is a solid disc that's worth hunting down. Recommended.
Randy Miller III is a moderately affable desk jockey and art instructor based in Harrisburg, PA (how's that for diversity?). In his free time, he enjoys slacking off, general debauchery, and writing things in third person.
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