DANDELION (2004)

Directed By: Mark Milgard 
Written By: Mark Milgard, Robb Williamson & R.D. Murphy 
Cinematography By: Tim Orr 
Editor: Amy E. Duddleston 


Cast: Taryn Manning, Vincent Kartheiser, Arliss Howard, Mare Winningham, Blake Heron, Michelle Forbes, Marshall Bell 

In a small town of rolling fields and endless skies, isolated 16 year old Mason lives in a world where families exist in fragmented silence and love seems to have gone missing. Then Mason meets Danny, a sensitive and troubled girl, and their tender bond is soon tested after a fatal accident and a series of complications takes Mason away for something he didn't do. Upon his return, the two find what they're looking for - but with tragic consequences.


Let me start off by saying this is not a bad movie. It probably deserves a better grade then what I am giving it.

This films heart is in the right place. I will give it credit for trying something a little different then most Indies coming out, but It feels like a situation of been there done that. But also done better. Like this was a second draft that never got rewritten.

It's deep material where things are said with less dialogue and more mood, behavior and facial expressions.

It's reminiscent of Terrence Malik and David Gordon Green films in it's treatment of small town life and using the landscape. Not so much as scenery but as a character all it's own. Capturing the beauty of plain unspoiled land. Alas this is one of the problems. The film seems to have no sense of community. There only seem to be 9 - 20 people either around or in this town. 6 is the number of main and supporting characters. The rest are more like extras.

Now this film is not for everyone. It’s a depressingly slow love story. A story of first love in a small town and all the complications involved.

The thing that makes the movie surpass certain expectations are the original characters. That for some reason seem like stock characters, but with a little twist.

The leads are phenomenal Vincent Karthesier who is always a joy to watch. Taryn manning finally in a lead role and not playing white trash brings a believable fragile character to life. Ayre gross is always a joy to see and brings so many levels to what could have been a throwaway role. He needs someone to rediscover him and write more roles for him because he deserves it. He could attempt to be a more low budget William H. Macy This is an all encompassing romantic tale of the fragility and nature of youth.

GRADE: C+