Cheap Treading Water (DVD) (Lauren Himmel) Price

Related Products

Customer Reviews of Treading Water

Very enjoyable
I read the mixed reviews on this movie many times before actually ordering it as I was undecided since the reviews were all over the place. I decided. I ordered. I watched. The end result - it's a very, very good movie. I think what makes it work is the couples relationship. It's very real. It's very genuine. It is quite refreshing to actually see a movie where 2 woman are already involved, where they start out being gay... with no typical "I'm going back to being hetero" ending! The drama of the family situation is intense, but there is quite a bit of comic relief played by the friend Carmen. The love scenes are simple and tender. The plot is heavy. The acting is not overly executed but you find yourself being drawn to the women, their story and shared love. I'm happy I stumbled across it. If you are not a true movie critic or critic in general, you will find yourself enjoying this movie for many reasons, many times over.

---

Best Ever
This is my most favorite film. I have owned it for not even a week now and probably have watched it around 10 times. I know that it sounds like obsession, but its not. I loved it, love it! I watched it with my girlfriend and the story plot is so much like our lives and situation. Im Casey and she is Alex. I have an upper-class dominating family that is awful towards my girlfriend, but yet I cant just kick them out of my life. I love the intimate realtionship that Casey and Alex have. I also love to watch this movie with the commentary: Lauren, Angie, and Nina are hilarious but I love it. Angela Redman is now my favorite actress. Im ready to see more moivies from Lauren Trimmel.

---

Good Commentary, Bad Movie
Treading Water
Review by T.E.W. Wills (Hotchkiss@aol.com)
(This review refers to the DVD)
Taken as a just a movie and not specifically of the lesbian/gay genre, my observations would be as follows.
The plot and theme is a well-worn one: a parent has objections to her child's choice of a lover and conflict ensues. Technically the film is competently and even creatively shot in a mainstream sort of way. There are a couple of striking outdoor set-ups that use the New England coast nicely. There did seem to be some awkward transitions between scenes and I was a bit confused from time to time during the first viewing. The scenes involving the family tread on the edge of soap opera dialogue at times and the tension between the mother and daughter is shown but isn't really explained. Little subplots like the death of her brother's friend don't really mesh well, resulting in a fragmented feel at times.
The acting itself was actually pretty good with no one seeming out of his or her element. So, I would have to say that the major problems came from the script or lack of it at times. Taken as just another movie it was a yawner, but for a first feature it showed promise.
As a lesbian genre movie it was better than average in quality and skill in production. It was a pretty good idea and a change of pace from all of the coming of age; my parents don't know I'm gay, and political gay movies. I like the idea that it was about people who just happened to be gay. It was more about family. But, and a big BUT, I wouldn't have been interested at all in this movie if it hadn't been billed as a lesbian movie. For an independent feature it is pretty average and takes no real chances and exhibits none of the feisty independent quirkiness that classic lesbian independent films such as Claire of the Moon, Go Fish, Bar Girls, or even Everything Relative have. A touch more original humor would have added a lot.
The best part of the DVD is the commentary by the director and the two lead actresses. As I listened to what all went on during the shooting I found my self being more sympathetic and even impressed that the technical aspects managed to come out so well with the limitations of time and budget.
I would suggest that this is worth renting just for the commentary, but this is not one of those movies that I will keep and watch over and over.
As a movie-movie - one star
As a lesbian film on DVD - two stars with three and half stars for the commentary. (T.E.W.W.)