CIRCULATION (2007)
Directed by RYAN HARPER
Review by MARTIN BOUCHER


Released by Cinema Epoch
Running Time: 88 minutes
Rating: NR
Color format: Color
Audio/Subtitles: Dolby Digital Stereo 2.0 and Surround 5.1.
Region Code: 0, NTSC
Aspect Ratio: Widescreen
16:9 Enhanced: Yes
Special Features: Interview with Filmmaker; Still Gallery; Slideshow; Storyboards; Auditions
Trailer Online: Yes

Strange film is that CIRCULATION one. Not only is it poetically strenuous but deriving its bleak subtext is also quite challenging. Evidently, the director has a thing for insects and Mexico where the film is entirely shot. Many sequences involve color filtered creepy crawlers superposed on pivotal and beautiful south of the border images, like the intro one where the star’s voice over (an American, no doubt) expresses his state of immortality (real or not, we’re never really sure) since 1989 while cruising the Baja desert in a beat-up old truck. When we finally see him onscreen—amid other insect-related moments—he is picking up a nearly-kidnapped, bruised up Mexican woman (a believable Yvonne DeLaRosa) heading for the beach to meet her lover. From then on, everything seems relatively hokie dokie for the two of them despite a language barrier.

Confusion soon sets in, however, as they both witness some strange goings-on, such as an abandoned hotel that isn’t supposed to be abandoned, dead relatives suddenly alive and kicking or, get this, squatted human beings vomiting on corpses lying on the desert ground. All in between superimposed shots of—you’ve guessed it—more filtered moving insects. As if we’re supposed to get the connection. Since CIRCULATION is obviously a thinking man’s film we try our best. After numerous failed attempts we finally get down to something tangible as the movie rolls along. So not to give everything away, let’s just say it all comes down to nature and the afterlife. When getting this, the film does take on a new level of appreciation, albeit the somewhat puzzling beginning.

Not that CIRCULATION first half is a lost cause scenario. Whether we get its drift or a little less so, newcomer Ryan Harper always keeps a sleek production values forefront, boasting strong performances beyond its lyrical, atmospheric, smooth-paced plot. Viewers will get a kick watching this woman’s intricate but well-executed journey deepening into Twilight Zone-like territory. Those looking for something uncommercial will probably enjoy CIRCULATION best since it never differs from marching to the beat of its own drum. It just needs to be seen with an open mind… along with a controlled aversion toward bug referential sequences.

The extras are slim but noteworthy, especially the director text file interview which is must-read for a clearer understanding of the film. Included are a couple of tolerable audition takes involving leading man Sherman Koltz, and a storyboard piece that is always interesting when compared to the actual filmed scenes. A still gallery and a slideshow (set to a finely tuned Latin American score by Michael Mouracade) round up those bonus features that hardly do justice to this small but unique film that has—along with its clear sound and picture quality—a bigger staying power in its overall delivery.