auroreden Maybe it's because I came into this film with no idea what to expect, because I saw it "clean", without anybody's opinions to sway me one way or another, but my overall reaction was of very, very pleasant surprise. Delight, even. Well, it is always a delight to discover hidden treasure and this is no exception.With this subject matter it could well have gone otherwise. But director Zev Berman was clearly in charge, deftly cutting a path through the swamp and deep into the psyches of his edgy, creepy and nonetheless poignant cast of characters. Yes, they are well-known, these backwoods types, but the acting and especially the fine, teasing character of Flowers as he unveiled the scheming intelligence and grand purpose behind his initial apparent "slowness", kept them from being clichéd.Indeed, Arie Verveen's performance alone was worth the price of admission. But all of the actors' emotional commitment to their roles was palpable. The scene in which Edgar erupts in rage at his pathetic life and takes it out on Inez was particularly hard to watch, but because of that extremely effective. Less intense, but equally compelling were the tension and contrast between Inez' life with Edgar and her dream life in town.The setting was atmospheric in that wonderfully sordid and creepy Southern Gothic kind of way. At the same time the cinematography brought a dark, elegant clarity to the scenery, and the intelligent score enhanced the emotional content without intruding on the experience.Overall, as I said at the outset, this film dances a fine line that could have ended in the land of stereotype and unintentionally laughable characterizations. But the line held, and the fact that it was so fine made the experience all the more clever, edgy and provocative. There is a smart, discerning eye and a sure hand at work here, and I for one look forward to Zev Berman's next opus.

axa-7 OK, I have strange tastes. That aside, this is an amazing film with an unfortunate title that doesn't give a hint of the quality of the material. Really, those who have a broad background in theatre and cinema will appreciate the beauty and genius of the writing and directing.There are so many strong dramatic elements at play. It draws on the techniques of Shakespeare, Tennesee Williams, Eugene O'Neill. It is also a striking contemporary example of a full blown Greek Tragedy, highlighting the wide spectrum and subtleties of human nature. It deftly plays off opposites showing the dark and light sides of the characters and over the course of the film it clearly reveals the dawning of their understanding and finally the shining light of realization is played out in tragic and symbolic semi-blindness.In my opinion this film is certainly a masterpiece if not a Masterpiece.

fireheart412 I watched this movie because I am a fan of Dominique Swain's work. Her acting was done well in this movie, but her southern accent wasn't very convincing to me since I actually live in the south myself. All of the acting in this film was decent, regardless of how dull the film actually was. "Plain Dirty" has a lot of stale and boring moments and it moves as slow as molasses. Basically, it is a portrait of southern poverty with little excitement or thrills. There is somewhat of a plot, but it's not very intriguing and I think most viewers would walk away from the film without a second thought about it. There is murder in the film, but it isn't even very convincing. There is love in the film, but it's not moving. There is a variety of characters in the film, but none of them are remotely interesting. The three main characters were lazy, filthy, and dumb in my honest opinion, and I felt nothing emotionally for any of them. It's one of those films where you are sitting there saying to yourself, "Come on, get to the point, when is this going to end!?". On a positive note, I do think the cinematography and the musical score were beautifully done, and complimented the gritty depiction of the south well. All in all, I was disappointed with the movie and found it to be dry and boring. Even if you are a big fan of Dominique Swain, like I am, I still don't recommend this film.

everythingpink This is one of those films. The kind that stays with you for days. Continues to haunt you with the beauty of its images. Stirs up a chilling current of passion that begs to be released. One of those films that unfurls too much raw beauty not be considered a work of art. "Plain Dirty" is the first feature film (hard to believe) for AFI grad, Director Zev Berman. A rare literary & visual triumph, this film delivers the richness of Southern landscape with a cinematic finery rarely achieved. From the opening title sequence to the last leaf of the Briar Patch, Berman proves himself a true master of detail. Combined with an emotive, suspenseful score, & a playfully sinister aura, "Plain Dirty" beckons us into its Southern Gothic world. This artful tale of true love and murder (never so magically linked) is layered with the nuance of a brilliant, young director. With references to age-old allegories, the language of "Plain Dirty" almost sings with description - thanks to screenwriter, Deborah Pryor. Berman shows the gentle & poetic restraint of a true veteran of cinema and will certainly be one to watch in the next decade of film-making. He seems to make his points in fitful stabs that penetrate your consciousness. But, a nurturer, he is quick to temper the audience's pain with humor - the kind that is born from the tragedy of real life. In this case, Southern life. A charismatic & daring director, Berman also instinctively knows when to leave his audience to its own imagery. He teasingly pans away from a much-anticipated sex scene with Dominique Swain's character, "Inez." A less mature, showy director might have "sold out" for the almost expected flash of flesh. (Particularly with leading lady, Swain, known for her erotic debut in "Lolita.") Instead, one is struck by Berman's control, his ability to whet the audience's appetite. And leave us panting in our seats for more.Berman clearly has tremendous communication with his actors. Under his direction, Swain gives a tour-de-force performance that brings her (thankfully) out of her role as "teeny-bopper sex-film Goddess," and into the realm of serious actor. In "Plain Dirty," she transcends stereotypes with the raw grit and youthful anguish of a respected performer. Emotional territory previously unclaimed by her.The juxtaposition of all of these riveting elements proves startling. And not to be missed. "Plain Dirty" is not only a work of art, but an incredible vehicle to launch Director, Zev Berman, into the forefront of today's film scene. From the likes of Berman, this is only the beginning . . .