I was very fortunate today to see an early screening of Heartless at the American Film Market (AFM) in Santa Monica, CA. I went into the film thinking it would be a horror film, but found it to be more of a psychological thriller with moments of horror.

I can honestly say this film absolutely blew me away! The story is brilliant and the acting superb. You will all be glad to know that again, Jim’s character (Jamie Morgan) appears in virtually every scene. Jim’s obvious empathetic grasp of Jamie’s insecurities as well as innocence is mesmerizing, and he gives the audience his full range of emotions throughout the film – which his fans will especially appreciate.

From the moment he first appears on screen, you just know that Jamie is a troubled soul. Jim’s moving yet subtle performance as a disfigured and self conscious young man is totally convincing and elicits all the empathy this character warrants. When tragedy occurs, we see Jim's talents shine through as an emotionally distraught and unbalanced individual caught up in something he not only doesn't understand, but cannot control. Especially poignant is when a physical metamorphosis into beauty takes place. Jamie’s nuanced transformation retains his persistent, underlying insecurity, never straying far from who he truly is on the inside, thus allowing us to accept, or question, what truly makes us human or a monster. The other characters in the film seem to simply support the storyline, and none of them alone has too much screen time. It’s truly Jim who carries this film. However, I did find Joseph Mawle’s performance as “Papa B” to be especially creepy.

With unending edge of your seat tension, my adrenaline was pumping the entire time and there were a few unexpected moments that made me jump. The story is unique and engaging, the cinematography artistically stunning, the effects dramatically appropriate for the dark subject matter, and it has a wonderful soundtrack that allows us to hear Jim's beautiful voice again throughout.

All in all, I believe that (with proper distribution) audiences will embrace this film, and Heartless will finally bring Jim the much overdue recognition of his talents and the unadulterated adulation he so deserves.

I can’t wait to see it again!

What a Superb Review, Liz !
Thank you for your insights!
Super Cool.... Now I'll I have to do is wait oh... a year to see it myself...hahahh !

GREAT REVIEW LIZ! so glad you had this opportunity and that you enjoyed the movie! I´m very happy for you...and for us, that you have the chance to shere this here! LOOOOOVVEED WHAT YOU WROTE!

How wonderful Liz! I know you'd never heap praise on something that isn't worthy, even for Jim's sake, so your enthusiasm is overwhelming! I had my own adrenaline issues yesterday just hoping you would like it. Now I just have to wait it out here in middle-America Ohio, hoping I get to see it locally.

It WILL happen. The stars will align and we will all get to see it in the theater as intended. Karma owes us bigtime from FDMW.

Three cheers to all involved. Big hugs to you Liz! I so want to Vulcan mind meld you I swear!

Beatleowl wrote:

Big hugs to you Liz! I so want to Vulcan mind meld you I swear!

You are TOO FUNNY... It def would be an amazing talent and imagine how much more we could learn about Jim if we ever get the chance to meet him!

You are a totally Honest Lady, Liz... and thats one of your traits I cherish the most!
With the last review for TWB... I was so dissapointed. But, you are Frank Chick w/ Taste!And you gave us your honest opinion... Soooo,
I held my Breath a Bit before I read your review on Heartless...
I was praying Heartless would be as Great as we all thought it would be! And our prayers were answered... HALLELUJAH! Can I Get an Amen... Sistas!
Anyways I had to get that out... ( my 1st post was a bit dull...hey.. I was sleepy zzzz)
Anyways... I am stoked that you got to go... Very Cool. .. Any interesting folks from the film in attendance ????

AMEN Sistah!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm am thrilled beyond reason at Liz's review!!! I know this film, if it gets decent U.S. distribution, will be an amazing hit and a cult classic!!!!

I love, love, love that Jim is so versatile and can move from genre to genre, character to character, giving such fantastic performances. He's the REAL thing and in a way its humbling to watch someone so talented come into their own. *geez* I'm making myself get choked up.

Thanks again Liz for all you do for JSOC!!! Love you to pieces girl!!! FG

P.S. In case you guys were wondering why I haven't been around that much over the last couple days --- I'm visiting Philadelphia for a nursing convention. Here's a pic of me in front of the Liberty Bell today. It's FREEZING here in Philly, but very beautiful. I'm having an awesome time with the better half too!!! Love to all.

Welcome back FG! Friday was a rollercoaster ride indeed. So many cool things going on! When Liz popped up on my callerID, I told my hubby, This is it! Its LIZ!! Then all the blood rushed out of my head

She may be 'dizzy', but she's no bullshitter.

OMFG was I relieved.

Yes... I wondered what up... Where is the Figgy! Now we know....Hey did you crack that Bell Thingy Behind you... you better tell somebody about it...

Yes... All Hail , The Lizmeister ! She is the Shitz... I Love you all... Wow.. that X has kicked in... anyways... I need to go Smell Paint Fumes.... And Dream of a Day that I too will be able to see Heartless in a American Theater Near you !

BTW... I am Painting my Bathroom.... Not just enjoying Paint Vapors... That was last week...

Liz, so envious that you had the opportinity to attending the viewing. Your report is awesome. We were all convinced that Hearless would be a wonderful success and your comments are very reassuring. I can't believe that this film wouldn't be picked up in the US! So glad to hear that Jim was in the majority of shots. I can't even imagine how much time he spent working on developing Jamie's personality.

Note: I remember 2 years ago, after viewing ATU for the first time, searching the internet for any information on Jim. All that was there was little info on ATU and very, very little on Jim. Very slowly we learned more about him. But it wasn't until our talented slooths joined in, that we got so many updates. Now, on this site, we have so many updates from the same talented researchers, almost daily. You guys are doing such a great job with keeping us on top of all of the latest news through your special contacts.

I love all of you.