I'm mostly a lurker, but on this I have to come out and say something. I've had the MacArthur Park DVD for a couple of months, but was a little bit leery of watching it. "Reality" movies aren't really my thing. But feeling the need to support Billy in whatever way I could, I sat down this afternoon and watched, from start to finish.
I have to tell you, I'm glad I did. That movie was good. I sat through the whole thing, sad, scared, disappointed, and hopeful, right at the right times. The cast was perfect, and the direction as well. Everything seemed real, I didn't get the feeling that they were a bunch of actors playing a part they knew nothing of. I have to say Billy Wirth did a great job and I'm just impressed with him behind the camera as I am when he's in front.
I'm looking forward to any more movies he's able to direct. I don't think any one at all will be disappointed. I was just as impressed with the behind the scenes part. I had no idea it took so much work to get a movie going. I was glad to see that. I had a lot more respect for all the work involved.
I hope Sundance Channel will play the movie more often and show the "Behind the Scenes part as well."
Valerie
I just saw MacArthur Park on the Sundance Channel Sunday night and have to say the wait was well worth it. I have been reading about this film and mentions here and there since it was shown at the Sundance Film Festival in 2001.
I don't know what I was expecting but it certainly was not another drug film. I felt a feeling of support and love between the characters, I will say I found the life style and storyline a little over my head but it made me think and have more sense of awareness of those people we all try not to see.
Special Thank You to Billy Wirth for putting this story out there and to Tyrone Atkins for sharing his life and loves with the world.
I look forward to more films directed by Mr. Wirth, I think he has found his true calling. Thank you to this site for giving me a place to give my thoughts.
Mary Jane Wilson
But without the protective sugar coating, either. This comes from the sincerity and legitimacy that can only be achieved by the autobiographical experiences of the author. Once I got to know these characters, I discovered them influencing the way I felt about the people around me for weeks afterward, the same way Holden Caulfield and Hedda Gabbler did after I heard their stories.
Julie Brown, Sundance Film Festival Viewer
I was really impressed by MacArthur Park, as it held my attention more then some of the big budgeted films that are out there today! The commentary held my attention even more as it gave me a chance to see the conclusion of the MacArthur Park Story, in addition to seeing the fun and hard work behind it.
For me the film allowed me to re-live my younger wilder days, when hanging in the park was a normal past time. Although, crack wasn't the drug of choice in the 70's, MacArthur Park mimics past and present life situations that happen in the Streets of L.A., Oakland, New York and the rest of the World. The only thing that I was looking for was the additional predators (rapist and muggers) that plague the parks and streets of all big cities.
Billy Wirth deserves a lot more credit then he's been given for making this film in addition to helping out another human being in need. The truth is that I would not have seen this movies if It was not for the fanclub, so I give a double thanks to them.
Lisa - Miramar, FL
From The St. Louis Film Festival: My initial trepidation quickly vanished. I was amazed at the parallels I was able to draw between the attitudes and behaviors of these "afflicted" people and those of "normal", "everyday" people, including myself.
I was astounded by the depth of my own identification with certain aspects of Cody, the main character - I understood the sense of hopelessness that breeds apathy and denial of a problem, be it drugs, alcohol, debt, bad relationships, or an uncertain job future. I also understood too well the contradiction of being unable to shut yourself off from caring, despite the pain. It is possible for anyone to become trapped in a web of his or her own design, and, as the film pointed out, these people can be so easily destroyed. Even the ones who "escape" run the eternal risk of being sucked back in – at the end of the movie I found that I felt as much fear for Cody as hope.
Amy, Atlanta
Mr. Wirth realistically captured the feel of the park,the gangs, the living conditions, the mentally ill who are dumped on the streets, and thankfully some good police officers who do offer some rays of hope. Most of the musical score blended in perfectly with the movie, yet Macie Gray's rendition of MacArthur Park was to heavy for the end. The actors all were extremely believable. Thomas Jefferson Byrd (Cody) is an actor I look forward to seeing again. The actor who portrayed Lou gave a great performance as a crack head (very hyper and jittery). The movie also shows that not all addicts are black or poor -- that this problem affects everyone.
Melinda, attended Urban Film Festival NYC
Having had many years ago a situation where my now ex-husband and father of my children was addicted to drugs and watching my eldest son try for so long to find answers; to struggle so hard to find ways to cope, to help and even to forgive his father; well this film moved me to tears. His insight to each and every character was astounding. Where as most of society walks passed these people with nothing more than a look of contempt, his vision of them as human beings, real people would make the most cynical individuals think again before passing harsh judgments.
Although there is not a "happy fairy tale ending" to such lives, Mr. Wirth was actually able to let the audience have hope. To feel hope. I am a fan, yes; but this man is truly gifted. One has only to see his work to know this to be fact.
Barbara, Philly
As a film, MacArthur Park is effective without preaching, intensely emotional without being too sentimental, timely without being overly sensational or a cliched. Having this outstanding effort be Billy's first feature length directorial debut is nothing short of awe-inspiring. What he wanted was to take Atkins' story and simply "be of service to it", what he accomplished was bringing this man's story to life in the most realistic of ways, and then sharing it with the world. Maricel stated that it was great to work with Billy who, as an actor/first time director, was open to a crew who had a lot to give. All those involved, and the openness with which the project was created, are the reasons this film is such a success on so many levels.
In the end, we are left with a feeling of redemption, however tenuous it may be, and the importance of family. We are forced to evaluate our responsibilities to those whom we love--blood relative or not. And it's not always an easy choice. Billy's vision as a director is self-evident, and no other shot brings that to the forefront more so than when the camera pans up and shows an aerial view of the park, bathed in golden light, adding a touch of beauty and elegance to MacArthur Park. A stark contrast to the park's dark side we had experienced throughout the rest of the film. But it's that light that prevails in the end, and gives us a hint of hope for the future.
Penny ----- Taos
built mm 2004