Dot the I (2003)

How sad is this?

I cannot think of one single thing that I would change about this film. The acting is incomparable, the directing deft, and the writing poignantly brilliant.

Tells a fascinating and unsettling true story, and does so well, without pretending to have all the answers.

Actress is magnificent and exudes a hypnotic screen presence in this affecting drama.

Writer-director Parkhill overcooks the pot in this heavily-plotted thriller about a young Spanish woman fleeing an abusive relationship only to find herself caught up with the most abusive creatures known to the ages: film-makers.Natalia Verbeke exudes hot Latin temperament as the put-upon Carmen, a flamenco dancer with a bit of a temper who seems to be settling for a safe but passionless marriage with the rich but sincere Barnaby. Along comes Kit, a sultry but slightly kooky Gael García Bernal, to show Carmen what real passion is, and complications ensue, though Carmen is deluded regarding their particular hue.It all twists and turns rather incredulously after that, which is fair enough, but the twists are also rather telegraphed, which is unforgivable. The inclusion of comic tropes Tom and Theo gives it a lighter edge than it might otherwise deserve, as if Parkhill is not taking events too seriously himself. That is a shame, because had the film opted to go much darker, it would have worked better. The palette is full of lurid colours, as if to compensate for the pasty video footage inter-cut into the main narrative. Again, subliminally Parkhill seems to be apologising for his film.What rescues this from its formulaic nonsensical plot is the performances of the leads. In particular, James D'Arcy shows a penchant for bipolar antagonists that is quite chilling at times. Talking straight to the video camera about killing himself, he is utterly convincing. It is a shame the script undoes his fine work later on.Mildy engrossing, utterly forgettable afterwards, this is formulaic fluff and nonsense that is worth viewing as a casting exercise for the three lead actors who put in stand-up shifts.

Director and screenplay writer Matthew Parkhill tells us that one has to dot the I in the word love in Spanish when there isn't such need for anyone to do so since the word doesn't contain the letter! Well, if one believes that, then there is nothing wrong with this film that seems to get a favorable reaction from the people that have watched it if one goes by the votes of ten and nine given in this forum.We never heard about such thing as the bride-to-be must pick out a handsome stranger to kiss during her shower, in France, or in any other country. Evidently, if Carmen liked what she saw in Kit, then why bother to marry Barnaby? It appears the Englishman was not great in the sex department, something that the hot Brazilian was able to fulfill without any problem.The first minutes of the film are fine. Then, it meanders with no definitive direction as we are asked to stretch our imagination beyond the limit. The three principals show no chemistry. What's more the situation is somewhat absurd and goes from a romantic comedy into a film noir which doesn't make much sense.The only problem we experienced was one of credibility. Gabriel Garcia Bernal working in English doesn't seem as sharp as in his previous Mexican appearances. Natalia Verbeke shows stiffness as a flamenco dancer. James DArcy goes into a complete transformation from a man consumed by love for the beautiful Carmen into someone else.

First of all, the script was perfect, Actings were charming. it was really i need to say it was a movie to watch your eyes locked on screen.. Maybe because i love surprises in story, it really made me feel pleased. this movie gave me what i want from a scenario. i also love Gael Garcia too much. I watch him in Love's a bitch, and bad education. i think he is a wonderful actor. thanks to everyone who has a part, making this film.i recommend this great art of work to everybody. it really needed to be seen.a great piece of art.

The film is based on three premises which do not allow for a "willing suspension of disbelief." Touted as the "Memento" of 2003, it doesn't come near. Nevertheless, it's amusing--if amusing is appropriately applied to a noir film--amusing enough to enjoy if you suppress your expectations.Here are the three fatal flaws: Warning, spoilers: 1.In a restaurant full of possible choices there's no way that the Portuguese actor might be predictably chosen for the bride-to-be's last kiss of her single life. And if he wasn't, Bareterlby's plan collapses.2. Since Carmen actually married the rich Bartelby, she could have sued this him he was worth in a divorce action, causing B's clever but ill-conceived plan to boomerang.3.Bartelby obtains by fraud Carmen's signature consent on a contract to release the film by presenting the document as just another bureaucratic document required for their marriage, a fraud he later admits on film. Seems likely that the contract she signed would be voided in a lawsuit.