Particles of Truth (2003) Reviews

• The Good and the Bad

  SheBear2004-09-22

  First the bad news: Particles of Truth is a real mope fest of self-pitying characters, each trying to out- dysfunction the other. The main character, Lily (writer, producer, director & star Jennifer Elster) is an emotional mess because she was the product of a screwed up family (surprise!). She is an unappealing and unsympathetic character and that is the crux of the problem with the film. Another problem is that none of this suffering is, in any way, new or interesting. We've seen all these gritty, pathetic people before. To make matters worse, some of the dialogue is cringingly pretentious. Now the good news: Queer as Folk's Gale Harold is great as Morrison, a reclusive germ-fearing writer. He is the strongest, most likable and most realistic character in the bunch. He and Lily develop a tenuous relationship that scares her to the point of puking in his antiseptic bathroom. Despite Morrison's fears, he admits to Lily that he cares about her and proves it by venturing into the subway to find her (a germophobe's nightmare). He also manages to pull himself together to attend her art show. There is real chemistry between Lily and Morrison and there is something endearing about watching these two people, who find it so hard to function in the world, manage to come together. The soundtrack is great too. Oh, and Gale Harold looks better in a shower cap than any man has a right to.

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• Particles of Truth is a real movie, with true characters and authentic resolution.

  Looney07252003-07-07

  In late June, I was fortunate enough to attend the IFP Los Angeles Film Festival. I saw many films at the festival, however only one film had promise, purpose and power. "Particles of Truth" is a cinematically poetic film, which delves into humanity's weakest yet most prevalent characteristics: self-doubt and insecurity. Rarely can a film simultaneously evoke opposing emotions of joy and depression. Nevertheless, "Particles of Truth" successfully masters this formula. Director and co-star, Jennifer Elster allowed me to search my inner self. The characters are so deep and personable; I truly felt a connection to each of their fears, flaws and hopes. I highly recommend this film to anyone who is disgusted with Hollywood's phony and artificial portrayal of life. "Particles of Truth" is a real movie, with true characters and authentic resolution.

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• No truth, just a rough draft

  bm_dryer2005-09-08

  This film was given to me by a friend for two reasons: 1)she loves Gale Harold as a result of his role on "Queer as Folk" and 2)like the protagonist Lilli Black, I paint. Consequently, I wanted to like this movie, I tried to like this movie... but all I could get into was the soundtrack. I wish I could've read the music credits at the end; maybe I need a bigger TV. The good news: There are threads of a good (movie) story that exist in this film. The camera work is great, the atmosphere compelling, the music evocative. Larry Pine and Leslie Lyles (as the Wileys, Gale Harold's parents) turn in the most honest performances. I was disappointed at the lack of depth in their storyline; there was a real start of something there. The bad news is simple: this film tries. There is a very contrived quality that overshadows the whole film because the audience (at least this one) recognizes that the director is trying to get us to feel something. The story was full of meaning and angst, with a very unfulfilling explanation of its origins. The viewer is not allowed to come to any conclusions on their own because the whole of the movie is leading them from symbol to indicator to cliché; in short, everything people resent about bad poetry. With all due respect, this film (for me) is a perfect argument for keeping directors on one side of the camera. Yes, it works for a select few to act and direct, but those individuals (usually) have a clear idea of who the film should be about, and foresight enough to let someone else be the star. Maybe the director made the film she set out to make. It's just possible, however, that a singular focus on directing the film would've revealed the movie's true strength: the characters who made the protagonists who they were, not the angst they forced on the world as a result. The last twenty years of pop culture have given us our fill of angst and blame, but that wounded family dynamic will hit home almost every time. It needs to be honest, though, or it turns into a poor excuse for a life-long tantrum. And nobody wants to watch a movie about that.

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• The themes of loneliness and alienation are sharp and painful

  CarolB7602005-01-31

  I have never been a great fan of indie movies, but Particals of Truth has changed that for me. This movie showed on so many levels, the many kinds of loneliness that are all around us. The theme of alienation was painful to watch and yet it brought the characters to me. I could feel that loneliness moving like hot lava from one character to the next. Jennifer is a great talent and I consider it a privilege to have her share her experiences in her writing and direction. Gale Harold took a character that could be considered too eccentric for a indie feature, and made him so human, I could have reached out and touched him. There is in me a part of every character in Particles of Truth. It doesn't get much better than this.

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• Particles of Truth leaves you thinking...for days.

  vgarcia4762005-02-05

  I have seen Particles of Truth when it previewed at the Tribecca Film Festival two years ago and when it appeared on the Sundance Channel this past December. Impeccably casted, suburb acting, excellent soundtrack and not one minute of boredom is how I came up with a 10 rating for Particles. I don't know how anyone could leave the theater without seeing themselves in at least one of the main characters. And just when things became to unbearable sad, Ms. Elster was able to sprinkle in just enough humor to lighten things up. The worse part about Particles is that it had to end. Hopefully Ms. Elster will be putting out some more Indies in the near future.

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