Leofwine_draca
FIRST SNOW is a relatively low budget vehicle for star Guy Pearce, attempting to plough the same sort of furrow as his superlative MEMENTO. The simplistic storyline sees the star given news of his impending death by a trailer-park psychic, at which point his life begins to unravel as he attempts to do all he can to avert impending disaster.The story in this one is straightforward enough, but it's more of a mood piece than anything. The small town photography is excellent and there's a cast of eccentrics and seasoned professionals who help to bring the story to life; Shea Wigham, William Fichtner, and J.K. Simmons are the stand-outs here. Pearce is excellent, as he always has been, and the director builds a genuine sense of foreboding as the narrative heads for its inevitable conclusion. My only real fault is that the twist ending is way, way too obvious.
OJT
A traveling flooring-salesman, Jimmy Starks, which rather would sell nostalgia in a Wurlitzer jukebox, is stranded in a godforsaken place in this film by director Mark Fergus. First time director fop this writer. Well, when he waits for his car do be fixed, he goes to a fortune teller, just to kill time. The fortune teller gets a shock when he discovers something in his future. Starks wants to know more, but is forced to leave. Soon he understands the fortune teller wasn't a con man. A trip to the doctor tells that his hart has a problem.That's the start of this interesting film, which right off starts to creep under your skin. But the film doesn't all the way hold up the great tension and excitement is promises at the beginning. Fine acting by Guy Pearce (playing Starks), J.K. Simmons (the fortune teller), Piper Persbo (Deirdre) and William Fichtner (Ed Jacomoi) helps bringing this forward. A great cast, well directed. Pearce once again plays a fine role, and here maybe one of his best ever.The title is not telling very much in beforehand, except that it puts the film into a genre of these cold, bleak mysteries. But it has some significance, of course. The film has certain similarities with "The machinist" which has a similar ways of paranoia, and it also has a tad of a Hitchcocky feel. The bleak colors are also a similarity here, as is the the great acting.The film is slow and poetic, which the late autumn and early winter adds to, but the film still holds both some lingering excitement and the fear of the unexpected around next corner. Though at the same take the film makes you think of this an everyday story. As such a quality film, and still holding in to a deeper meaning for those who inhale it. For others it will be too slow, artful and even boring. A good film, though it didn't really touch into my heart, like I though from the opening.
cmoyton
So frustrating to watch this intriguing movie peter out with such a whimper. Original it may not have been however First Snow is an interesting take on the well worn themes of fate and paranoia. I was not put off by the shifty salesman character (Jimmy Starks)portrayed by Guy Pearce ( with his best Travolta Pulp Fiction style hairdo).At first he appears cocky and confident but he has shady past written all over.Time to play catch up.The style and tone of the movie to me was more David Lynch than the Coen brothers - the snowy mountainous backdrop did have a touch of Fargo however. Starks life changes after receiving a reading which reveals that he is on borrowed time. As events spiral out of control Jimmys paranoia forces his hand into continually making incorrect assumptions and wrong decisions When he eventually comes to terms with his destiny he tries to make amends by tying up loose ends It is worth noting that much of this involves money whether it be his life insurance policy, the juke box machine contract to the former colleague he sacked or the hard cash to compensate the former friend who he sent to prison.And the ending - aaaagh. His on parole former friend appeared so unobtrusively menacing on the phone but in reality.... The unbearably overlong showdown between Stark and the on parole jail bird was a bit of an anticlimax complete with hackneyed dialogue, followed by a rushed conclusion with "what might have been" footage and a radio news broadcast denouement. Very disappointing.
wlee08
If you've ever read the short story "August Heat" by William Fryer Harvey, you'll have a pretty good idea about the kind of chills this movie delivers. Guy Pearce delivers a top-notch performance as the smooth-talking, quick-witted, traveling salesman. Equally powerful acting by the talented William Fichtner. The story is almost completely absorbing, no matter how sleep deprived you might be, you will watch it to the end. In fact, less sleep equals more tension here! There were quite a few edge of your seat moments, many bumps along the road. If you were affected by 'The Gift' you'll definitely be affected here. My only criticism is a loosely woven ending, something that could have been improved with a few relevant flashbacks.Put your seat belt on and enjoy the great panoramic shots along the way!
AD
