Seven Heavens
by Ealasaid Haas • February 28, 2006 • Cinequest 16, Uncategorized
Shows: 3/02 9:15 PM (Cam 12), 3/04 9:30 PM (Cam 12)
This is a very strange film. Time bends and loops over on itself, and it’s difficult to tell where the main character’s premonitions begin and reality leaves off. Johann is plagued by deja vu, and when he meets Jenny, a goth who makes a living stripping for a webcam, he knows he has met her before. They fall for each other hard and fast, but Johann is studying to be a Carthan and free himself from ego — which means no women. After a summer of passion they separate, but Jenny can’t quite let go.
There are dark and beautiful images everywhere in the film, but also disturbing ones. It’s difficult to be completely sure of the nature of reality within this world, and it doesn’t seem to be much easier for the characters themselves. When everything finally comes full circle and the meaning of Johann’s first dream is revealed, nothing is resolved. Like many independent films, this is an odd gem of filmmaking that seems to be more about a state of mind than a story.