High Falls Tagged Articles at Cinematical

Back in January, I alerted you all to a short film that was going to screen at Sundance. The short in question, High Falls, stars real-life wonder-couple Maggie Gyllenhaal and Peter Sarsgaard. Now, this isn't Lodge Kerrigan's film (In God's Hands) where the two actors met -- that negative bit the dust. This little feature was filmed while Gyllenhaal was rotundly pregnant. Now, all those months ago, Maggie was talking about what it was like to film the short about a married couple who tell their secrets to a mutual friend, rather than each other. She said if they plan to take on any work again in the future, they have to "make sure that the making of the movie will be good for us, because I'm not sure that the making of High Falls was."

While it sounds ominous and dark for the flick, the short is actually one of the brightest and best that I've seen. It's no stunning art achievement, although the shots are beautiful. It's no spectacular story, although the plot is great. It's just damned funny and well-played to the point that it seems natural and voyeuristic. The pair play a couple who have both done something they know will upset the other. I could tell you what it these deeds are, but to go in blind makes it all the better. Each tells their mutual friend (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) their secrets, and he practically bursts under the pressure. Although it's beautifully shot and laid out, the short feels like one of those hidden camera shows -- in all its quirky, comedic glory, you can buy the scenario. While it might have been a struggle for Ms. Gyllenhaal, it was well worth it for us audiences-at-large. Between this and his stint on SNL (the Sarsgaard SARS Guard) I think I'm ready to see anything he's in that's even remotely funny. If you've checked High Falls out, I'd love to hear what you think. If you haven't, take any opportunity to see it!

One day, two people meet. They fall in love and delight in the perks of romance. With Cupid's large arrow implanted deeply in their sides, the woman gets pregnant and the duo gets engaged. Emotions rise as pregnancy wreaks havoc on the soon-to-be-mom's hormones. What do the couple, who happen to be Maggie Gyllenhaal and Peter Sarsgaard, do? They sign on to star in a short film together -- one about a dysfunctional, unhappy couple. Perhaps this wasn't the best move for the still-fresh pair. Actors and actresses succomb to the powers of the on-screen romance with sexy co-stars all the time, so it isn't a jump to assume that the opposite is also true.

High Falls, which will be screened at Sundance, delves into the workings of a married couple who divulge secrets to their shared best friend, and not each other. The friend then, not surprisingly, watches the couple fail to connect. Gyllenhaal and Sarsgaard spent four days mired in this false relationship, while she was pregnant and he was "playing a big jerk." Perhaps this wouldn't matter if your partner and co-star was someone like Freddie Prinze Jr. or another equally goofy, well-natured actor, but Sarsgaard is known for his dark edge. The man can make hair raise and muscles tighten with a mere look. In the future, Ms. Gyllenhaal hopes to "make sure that the making of the movie will be good for us, because I'm not sure that the making of High Falls was..." No surprise there, Sherrybaby.