Ten Stories Tall (David Garrett, 2010): USA

Reviewed by Rowan-George Smith. Viewed at the S.B. Museum of Art, Santa Barbara Film Festival.

Tovah Feldshuh leads the notably talented ensemble cast in David Garrett’s Ten Stories Tall.  His directorial debut feature film follows the lives of two close-knit New York families who share the loss of a mother and, a dear friend.

Anna dies and life goes on for her children, Jackie (Ally Sheedy) and Charlie (Josh Hamilton.  Grace (Tovah Feldshuh), Anna’s dear friend controls her funeral and makes a startling revelation that no-one saw coming.  Grace’s supportive daughter, Josephine (Jennifer Regan), a recovering alcoholic, is on the path of figuring out her life and exploring love.  Charlie receives unexpected news that drastically alters his outlook on life and challenges the relationship with his girlfriend Susan (Sherri Saum).  Jackie desperately searches for answers, later she comes to terms with her mother’s secret and makes peace with Grace.

It was difficult to get into this film at the start.  Grace is grieving for Anna.  Then, cut to the funeral, the pace is slow and the scene, naturally depressing, and too long.  The only thing keeping the viewers from tuning out already is the brilliantly flawless performance of Tovah Feldshuh as the control freak, divorcee, hot/cold mother, Grace Parker.  And, the scene gave a preview of Ally Sheedy’s priceless comedic moments with her entrances/exits, one-liners, in the role of Jackie, the grieving daughter of Anna.  The funeral scene also sets up a preview of the well-developed dysfunctional characters in the film, and, at times, I thought I was watching the Walker family in an episode of Brothers & Sisters.  Another memorable scene where Sheedy shines is later in the film, at her brother Charlie’s gallery show.  As I recall, I believe Jackie abruptly enters a scene here, says, “Hi” and bolts, her delivery was classic.  Sheedy’s comedic timing, the characters walk and demeanor were priceless in this moment, and others, the director brilliantly captured her.  Sheedy is great with the dramatics and impressive with humor too.  An uneven performance from soap-star Sherri Saum as Susan, Charlie’s girlfriend, however, this young actress has great potential – she’s one to watch for.  Her love scene with Josh Hamilton, as Charlie was beautifully acted and very intense and not for obvious reasons.  However, Hamilton was banal in the role, he ought to have made observations of Peter Krause’s work in Six Feet Under.  Jennifer Regan as Josephine Parker, was solid in her performance, great chemistry with her screen mother, Feldshuh and actor Jim Gaffigan as Simon in the small role as a gallery shop owner.  Overall, great casting from New York casting director, Adrienne Stern.

David Garrett made an exceptional film about love, loss and life, and his sensitivity, strength, and personal struggles are evident in this moving piece.  The scenes are dynamic, filled with complexity, and felt totally organic and honest.  The film is ninety-seven minutes.  Art is selection and arrangement, and once Garrett masters the craft of cutting out ho-hum material, he’s definitely got a great future as a filmmaker.  Garrett is on his way.