Indie Gems: Camp X-Ray

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It's never that simple.

Private Amy Cole (Kristen Stewart) is assigned to work at Guantanamo Bay. After a rough start, she forms an interesting relationship with one of the detainees, Ali, (Peyman Moaadi) which is against the rules.

I've been watching to see this film for ages, but it never came to any theaters near me. What I learned while waiting is that it raised a lot of questions. Was Ali innocent? Was it wrong to show GITMO in this light? I try not to get too political when watching films. What I can say for sure, that this film was very thought provoking. 

I can add this to the never ending list of films that people who bitch about Kristen Stewart's acting should she. She's excellent here. Her part was originally written for a male, but it was changed to suit her well. I couldn't picture anyone else in this role. Moaadi was the star for me. He's someone I've only known from A Separation, which he was wonderful in. I hope to see more of him, because he has a ton of talent. Plus, I can't help that love the fact that when we first meet him, he's bitching about the newest Harry Potter book not being available because he thinks Snape might be a good guy now. The director, Peter Sattler said he envisioned Ali almost like a crack head when he wrote him, then Moaadi came in and humanized him and brought out so much more.

It's very straight forward and doesn't sugar coat anything. It's a unique story and hopefully more people can see it now that it's out on DVD.

Grade: A+

Memorable Quote: "Quit with that Hannibal Lector shit." - Cole (Kristen Stewart)


Comments

  1. Sonia CercaAugust 14, 2015 at 7:00 AM

    Great review! I watched this a few months ago, and my first thought was: thank god Kristen Stewart is done with that teen garbage, and is working on something serious that really suits her.

    Sonia | afilmadaybysonia.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamAugust 14, 2015 at 8:14 AM

      Kristen has been picking decent roles for awhile, they're just in small independent films that no one sees (Like Cake Eaters) Still, she had a really good year last year with this, Still Alice, and Clouds of Sils Maria. She was fantastic in all three. Thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
  2. AnonymousAugust 14, 2015 at 8:35 AM

    I can't wait to see this!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamAugust 14, 2015 at 9:55 AM

      I hope you like it when you do. I love it so much. (obviously)

      Delete
  3. AnonymousAugust 14, 2015 at 8:38 AM

    Thanks for turning me on to this. It's a shame when so many movies like this go under the radar.

    ReplyDelete
  4. KatyAugust 14, 2015 at 10:48 AM

    Nice review! Kristen is so underrated - I don't know if it's because of the Twilight movies or she's not as extroverted off-screen as other actresses her age. She's doing well for herself, and I look forward to seeing this one even more now. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamAugust 14, 2015 at 12:19 PM

      I think it's 100% because of Twilight. Like some actors, she has a bit of a tic she could lose, but she's been good far more than she's been bad. I hope you like this!

      Delete
  5. Candice FrederickAugust 14, 2015 at 11:48 PM

    okayt, so i guess i need to see this

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousAugust 15, 2015 at 12:08 PM

    Wow! I was skeptical, but based on your review, I definitely need to see this.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Big Screen Small WordsAugust 16, 2015 at 10:42 PM

    I need to see this! Also, great review!

    ReplyDelete
  8. JoshAugust 20, 2015 at 3:37 AM

    This is one of the few films left from last year that I really need to see. Stewart can be great, and I can't wait to see her performance.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamAugust 20, 2015 at 6:45 AM

      Yes you do! I think you'd really love this one too. It's on Netflix, though you have to get the DVD.

      Delete
  9. Alex WithrowAugust 20, 2015 at 12:05 PM

    Holy shit, A+. Looks like I need to see this ASAP.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamAugust 20, 2015 at 12:09 PM

      Yeah, I just LOVED this. I knew I'd probably enjoy it, but I didn't realize just how much I would.

      Delete

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