Twin Falls Idaho
rated R 110 minutes starring Michael Polish, Mark Polish, and Michele Hicks directed by Michael Polish
A Video Review by Frankie Paiva
Twin Falls Idaho is certainly deserving of its private section at the video store. There has never been a movie quite like this one. It is a drama, but a unique one that will only settle right with a certain audience. Nothing is more unusual or extraordinary than the two stars who created this film. Blake (Mark Polish) and Francis (Michael Polish) are conjoined twins. Since conjoined (or Siamese) babies rarely live long, it is amazing that Blake and Francis have made it to their mid-twenties. They live a life where they must depend on each other for everything. The mere sight of them sends most people running and screaming into their world of normalcy and ignorance. Penny (Michele Hicks) is a prostitute that at first runs away when meeting Blake and Francis. Soon her conscience catches up with her, and she begins caring for the two. There is a growing attraction between Blake and Penny, and the two soon fall in love. Francis, however, despises Penny. The tragedy continues as Francis's situation worsens. One twin usually provides the life support for another, and Blake has always given his brother a strong heart. Despite this, Francis is getting weaker and weaker. This leaves Blake with a decision. He could die with his brother as he promised, or participate in separation surgery and spend the rest of his life with the woman he loves.
That is certainly a dramatic plot if I have ever seen one. One inconsiderate, stereotypical gay character aside, there is a drought of needed comedy. Nothing was there to lighten things up in the slightest. At first the haunting musical score and dreary plot are endurable. Michael and Mark Polish are dexterous as filmmakers and actors. Each has a remarkable range of emotions, and show true skill. I cannot wait to see what they do next. Newcomer Michele Hicks turns in a great performance as well. Her Penny is always believable and mostly pure. The visual style of the movie fits well with the subject matter. The camera seems permanently tinted with dark blues, greens, and black. These colors also fill most of the images onscreen and set the somber mood. The script, written by the brothers, falters. Its first half is agreeable, after that point it gets increasingly gloomy. It keeps going downhill until it becomes what is essentially a well-acted soap opera. This is very bleak stuff. Add an ending that lacks closure, and you have a movie with an inferior second half that outweighs its superior first half.
Before viewing this slow and disheartening movie, try taking a dose of Prozac mixed with caffeine. This statement should not indicate this is a bad film, just one that conjures up assorted feelings depending on the mood of the viewer. Twin Falls Idaho is unique in so many ways. It is also very depressing, and reminds us to be thankful for the simplest things we take for granted. The movie is a mixed bag. Some should move on, while it is recommendable for others.
C+
Frankie Paiva SwpStke@aol.com http://homestead.com/cinemaparadise/mainpage.html
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