Love (William Eubank, 2011): USA

Reviewed by Alex Descano. Viewed at the Santa Barbara Film Festival 2011.

Sometimes there are movies that exceed the normal standards of filmmaking and stand as true works of art. Director William Eubank proves this in his groundbreaking film, Love. A feature film made to present the music of American rock band, Angels & Airwaves, Love pushes the limits of modern day filmmaking and portrays Eubank’s incredible artistic ability.

Before entering the screening of the film, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. As I waited in a line that stretched all the way around Santa Barbara’s historic Arlington Theatre, I thought the film must be something spectacular. My assumption was soon reassured when a mysterious bus arrived in front of the theatre and white smoke poured out of the doors as people dressed in spaceman suits came running out. The majestic music of Angels & Airwaves resonated in the crowd as the event began.

After witnessing this strange spectacle, I was confused as to what the film was about. I was completely ignorant to its premise and had only gone to see it as a suggestion of the festival director, Roger Durling. Despite my little knowledge of the film, I was completely mesmerized when watching it.

This film took the meaning of avant garde and portrayed it both musically and cinematically. As far as I know, this is the first feature film to take on the challenge of creating of visual story soley based off music. The cinematography of the film was absolutely beautiful. What makes it so impressive too is the fact that it was done entirely by Eubank, four years ago when he was just beginning his career as a director.

According to Eubank, the band originally approached him to make a series of music videos for their album and he concocted the idea of creating a complete film. The band funded the whole movie themselves and Eubank, along with producer, Thomas DeLonge, and the film’s star, Gunner Wright, worked on a tight budget for all four years. In fact, during the Q&A after the film, Eubank explained that the set of the film was built in the backyard of his parents’ home in the Santa Ynez Mountains, where the crew stayed while filming.

Eubank’s biggest feat while producing the film must have been the challenge of creating a storyline to convey the band’s music. He did a phenomenal job. Along with the cinematography, the plot of an isolated astronaut running parallel to the life a civil war soldier who was forced to leave his regime, was rather captivating.

Although the plot was not too developed, it was enough to engage the audience. And as with any work of art, the film can truly be open to interpretation. There were never any specific points made in the film and Eubank made sure to leave room for speculation.

Perhaps Angels & Airwaves’ Love may be a bit ahead of its time, but its an amazing film nonetheless. If you can open your mind to new possibilities and ideas, I would definitely recommend going to see this film.