
Inspired by a true story, 'Transatlantic Coffee' is a tale of boy meets girl, boy falls in love with girl ...only the boy is a 41 year old clown, the girl, a teenage stripper from London. Alex is battling bleak circumstances within his version of a hostile world. However, his outlook evolves with the emergence of the young, sharp and adventurous, Mandie. The oddball duo embrace each other for who they are, until Alex's secret trauma bubbles to the surface, leaving for a clima... (Full plot summary below)
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Inspired by a true story, 'Transatlantic Coffee' is a tale of boy meets girl, boy falls in love with girl ...only the boy is a 41 year old clown, the girl, a teenage stripper from London. Alex is battling bleak circumstances within his version of a hostile world. However, his outlook evolves with the emergence of the young, sharp and adventurous, Mandie. The oddball duo embrace each other for who they are, until Alex's secret trauma bubbles to the surface, leaving for a climax that should not be missed.
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| User ReviewGeorge HI have yet to come even close to fully appreciating the sheer artistry and complexity of Erik Peter Carlson's stunning and flat-out, in-your-face drama, "Transatlantic Coffee". "Transatlantic Coffee" is a perfectly concrete example of how the relative absence of special effects, explosions, etc. can still help create an engaging, and thoroughly unique viewing experience. Overflowing with subtle intensity and seamless camera-work, this is a frightening roller-coaster ride of a film. "Transatlantic Coffee" is by no means short on resonance - but rather leaves a heavy feeling of exuberance and fascination with the material that lasts long after it's finished. At the same time, though, people who aren't as open-minded to more obscure, abstract films like this would be, I think, surprised. This is not as complicated or bewildering a film as I had expected. If one can be able to focus intently on the story, the result is rewarding, and doesn't provide for much head-scratching. Its style seems rather modern, rather hip. To shy away from this film simply because of its disturbing content is to be completely shallow and ignorant. The way it handles the material is a whole lot more interesting than you'd probably think. |
| User ReviewGreg SIt'll keep you engaged. It'll keep you wondering. You'll feel awkward, but its insightful raw-ness will you keep you planted in your seat. The dialogues will make you smile. The music and the scenes will lure you in. The ending...completely satisfying: not I just had good lunch satisfying, but I just had the best climax of my life satisfying. |
| User ReviewAndrew PFrom the first few seconds into the opening sequence of Transatlantic Coffee, I was hooked. The beautiful shots, the soulful melody of Alix Paige and expert use of lighting all blend together perfectly in setting the tone for this wonderful New York original. We notice straight away that the man sat in a carefree New York City blues bar is troubled. His edgy disposition accompanied by jarring images of distant or recent memories flash on and off screen against the tempo of the music, portrays a man burdened with repressed thoughts that are invading his mind. As the opening sequence ends with a very high pitched drawn out noise, a speeding train races past a block of apartments, sharply bringing us back to Alex's morose reality. The film begins quite slowly, establishing Alex (Kevin Pinassi) as a depressive, drunken man whose choice of employment, (providing entertainment as a clown), contrasts with his disdain for life and sullen nature. His longing desire to find someone that will allow him to escape from the constant loneliness he has submitted himself to, is where his story begins. Over the course of this film, we're given the opportunity to tread in the footsteps of this lonely man's quest to feel love again. Set just a month after 9/11, Alex's story serves as a metaphor for the trauma New York citizens dealt with after the attack. The city itself; grey and in stasis, Alex also seems somewhat out of touch from reality. His hostility towards life, towards his family and his only friend are a result of his disconnection from society. Early into the film we discover Alex has met a teenage girl from London online and has asked her to stay with him in The Big Apple. Mandie (Rachel Marie Lewis) is a high spirited stripper with a lust for living life to the fullest; a juxtaposing element to Alex's depressive lifestyle. Nevertheless, the couple spend several weeks together, bonding over different aspects of each other's personalities, and things begin to look up for Alex. The film however, constantly reminds us of how conflicting the individuals are. A very poignant scene shows Alex and Mandie sat awkwardly making small talk to break the ice after weeks and weeks of relying on the social barrier of internet messaging. Alex, not wanting to give much of himself away, is hesitant to talk; Mandie on the other hand, makes herself comfortable as soon as she enters his apartment. As the airy tension between them rises, the music in the background becomes more dominant and Alex begins to describe how he associates music to memories, he feels that âmusic is the one way you can capture a momentâ? â" this, to me, is just the epitome of his character and of the film. Music is very apparent in Transatlantic Coffee; it consistently sets the tone, the atmosphere and the mood of each character and each scene highlighting how Alex sees each moment of his life. Alongside the usage of musical and visual cues, Transatlantic Coffee also utilises the concept of individual perception to explore another predominant theme; that of Alex and Mandie's attraction to one another despite their rather overwhelming differences. Alex, during a memorable moment whilst they stand looking over Manhattan at night, tells Mandie he is colour blind. Mandie responds with âIâ(TM)m so sorry...it must be horrible living in a city like New York and not being able to enjoy the colour and vibrancy of it all" to which Alex states, "Not really, it's all I've ever known", from this brief conversation we get to understand the characters a little better. With Alex's depressive nature and Mandie's colourful outlook on the world, they are "different in their own way". As the film progresses differences melt between the two. Mandie paints a picture for a close friend back home in England, when Alex sees this painting he realises he can see colour. He associates this new profound ability with the love he holds for Mandie and is therefore awakened from his black and white world; this reinforces Alexâ(TM)s need for her to be a part of his life. The sexual tension between the two characters is admitted very early on, however Alex is hesitant to act upon his desires. The film pushes you to feel how real every situation is throughout the story and how the relationship shared between the two, is full of genuine emotion. Every glance, touch and embrace feels so honest and meaningful that all your senses tells you it's real. This is a beautiful independent picture directed and written by Erik Peter Carlson. It focuses on visual energy and atmosphere created by spectacular cinematography, scenic locations, choreography and costume designs. The script highlights how beautiful life can be yet with the help of a well structured narrative; the storyline illustrates the ugliness that sometimes can creep through. The subtle flashbacks from Alex's memories and out of place lines were suggestive to the films conclusion, nevertheless they were almost unnoticeable. An almost flawless motion picture, Transatlantic is an independent wonder, enriched with fantastic colour, unforeseen twists and occasional eroticism. |
| User ReviewEric NHey Erik, didn't catch you at the MFF Party (I looked though). Looking forward to seeing your film again! |
| User ReviewRaquel FThis is a great story, but what I really loved about this movie is the coloring and the framing of the movie. It's the most beautiful film I've seen this year. |
| User ReviewNaima ATransatlantic Coffee takes you on an amazing love adventure between a 41 year old clown named Alex and a teenage stripper named Mandie. Both characters are battling inner demons. Alex sees life through black and white and Alex is as colorful as a rainbow. The director and writer Erik Peter Carlson uses vibrant energy with splashes of color as he takes you on an amazing journey of love, color, inner demons and knocks your socks off at the end that will leave you in awe. Can this love affair work? You have to see it with your own eyes. |
| User ReviewAndrew GYou seldom see movies that are this unpleasant. There are films that are far, far harder to watch... but this is still not one you put on to enjoy yourself - at least in my opinion. As many other viewers, I didn't understand much of the first half. As the movie went on, it proved to be far more worth-while, in my opinion. The writing and direction is excellent in both. The pacing works well... I was never bored, and while it wasn't exactly a "good" time, it moved along as it should, never really too slow or too fast. The characters were incredible... the sheer amount of development... that's talent. Certainly not a film for everyone. It's difficult to say who I'd recommend this to... cynics or realists with a strong threshold for some of the uncomfortable sides of life and behavior, I suppose....however, damn....it left me thinking, and you can't say that about most of the movies we all watch. |
| User ReviewLee MOffbeat and uncompromising to its vision, this indie has balls, but little crossover appeal. |