Film Review

Jennifer K Mahal

Success ruins some people. That certainly is the case for Max, the

lead character in “The Photographer.”

A year after his hit gallery show, Max (Reg Rogers) is devoid of

inspiration. He has traded in what is real in his life for the trappings,

and his work has suffered.

Now, a day before his newest show is supposed to open, the artist has

no art. That is until he meets a mysterious stranger at a bar who happens

to leave behind a packet of 10 stunning photographs. Photographs that

could save his career. Photographs that get spread to the four corners of

New York City at some point. Photographs that Max spends the movie

chasing while making new friends and rediscovering his artistic eye along

the way.

Directed by Jeremy Stein, “The Photographer” is a well-shot and

well-acted film with an interesting concept -- how exactly does one find

their artistic vision once it’s been lost? What sets it above the rest,

however, is the quality of its production design and cinematography. From

the photographs to the fantasies, it is a cut above.

Stein is a director and screenwriter to watch.

* “The Photographer” will screen 9 p.m. Tuesday at Edwards Island 7

Cinemas.