barbara hammond: reviews

In these days of non-stop action, June Weddings is a grown-up feast. Incredibly crafted in writing, acting and directing, it's not since "My Dinner with Andre" that we were reminded of the immense power of pointed dialogue and nuanced relationships.

This short almost feels more like a dance than a film, even though hardly anyone moves other than to shift on his or her stool. R.J., played by the great character actor Tom Noonan (probably best known for playing the killer in Michael Mann's Manhunter), stops for a shot and a beer between his son's wedding and the wedding reception, obviously more at home in a dim bar than at a joyful outdoor celebration. He finds himself buttonholed by Sonja (the delightful Elzbieta Czyzewska), a Russian woman so slyly, seductively Old World and languorous she gives "v" its own beat when she says "love." The conversation that follows adroitly seesaws between lust and romance, as well as cynicism and hope. Adapted by fledgling director Barbara Hammond from her own play, "June Weddings" has some of the feel of a short shot to raise completion money, but we'd pay to see the rest of this. (LG)

With intense performances and Cassavetes-style camera work, June Weddings is a visceral look into the lives of two lonely people.

A visually stunning piece, JUNE WEDDINGS ... was superbly acted with captivating and engaging characters... much of this story is really told between the lines of the characters, and the contrast of having two people seem so emotionally vulnerable while maintaining such a complicated and over-developed outer facade is fascinating to watch.

A superbly acted short film.