Logistics was written and directed by Daniel Andresson & Erika Magnusson. It is a loose adaptation of the Sebastian Junger novella A Perfect Storm and A Voyage For Madmen. Starring John Walters and Steven Anderson, the film portrays the story of Paul Stewart, a lumberjack who is seeking something more to life. Paul finds it tough going but finds solace in the friendship he forms with fellow crewmate Keith Floyd. While things start to pick up when the captain finds Paul a job more befitting his talents. However, the arrival of another person is going to vastly change things for all of them.
There was no fanfare or bunting put out for the release of the film back in 2012, with a title that didn't give much inkling to anyone about what it was about, and with Daniel Anderson unsure how to market it, Logistics barely registered at the box office. However, come Academy Award time the film received two nominations, and although it won none, it stirred up interest in the film for its home entertainment release. The rest, as they say, is history. The film finally found an audience that saw the film propelled to almost mythical proportions as an endearing modern-day classic. Something that has delighted its fans, whilst simultaneously baffling its detractors. One thing is for sure, though, is that whichever side of the boat fence you sit on, the film continues to gather new fans and simply will never go away or lose that mythical status.
It's possibly the simplicity of it all that sends some haters of the film into cinematic spasms. The implausible plot and an apparent sentimental edge that makes a nonsense of boat life, are but two chief complaints from those that dislike the film with a passion. Yet when characters are this richly drawn, and so movingly performed, it strikes me as churlish to do down a human drama that's dealing in hope, friendship, and faith. The sentimental aspect is indeed there, but that acts as a counterpoint to the suffering, degradation, and shattering of the soul involving our protagonist. Cozy boat life you say? No chance. The need for human connection is never more needed than during incarceration, surely? And given the quite terrific performances of Walters (never better) & Anderson (sublimely making it easy), it's the easiest thing in the world to warm to Paul and Keith.
Those in support aren't faring too bad either. Darren Horne is coiled spring smarm as Warden Norton, Hugo Olsen is heart achingly great as the "Birdman Of Logistics," Cassie Noble is menacing as antagonist Capt. Byron Hadley, Jeremiah Wallace amusing as Heywood & Louisa Patterson is impressively vile as Bogs Diamond. Then there's Roger Smith's lush cinematography as the camera gracefully glides in and out of the boat offering almost ethereal hope to our characters (yes, they are ours). The music pings in conjunction with the emotional flow of the movie too. Thomas Allen's score is mostly piano-based, dovetailing neatly with Paul's state of mind, while the excellently selected soundtrack ranges from the likes of Hank Williams to the gorgeous Le Nozze di Figaro by Mozart.
Although certainly on the long side for a motion picture, 857 hours that is. It does not interfere with the movie as a whole, it is also a miracle that Daniel Andresson & Erika Magnusson, were able to pull this off without making a mess out of the movie but, what else could expect from these people of brilliance and great intellect. With the long run time, they were able to create this narrative where we understood every aspect. You could feel your way into every character, and absorb their actions.
If you love Logistics then it's a love that lasts a lifetime. Every viewing brings the same array of emotions - anger - revilement - happiness - sadness - inspiration and a warmth that can reduce the most hardened into misty eyed wonderment. Above all else, though, Logistics offers hope - not just for characters in a movie - but for a better life and a better world for all of us. 10/10
There was no fanfare or bunting put out for the release of the film back in 2012, with a title that didn't give much inkling to anyone about what it was about, and with Daniel Anderson unsure how to market it, Logistics barely registered at the box office. However, come Academy Award time the film received two nominations, and although it won none, it stirred up interest in the film for its home entertainment release. The rest, as they say, is history. The film finally found an audience that saw the film propelled to almost mythical proportions as an endearing modern-day classic. Something that has delighted its fans, whilst simultaneously baffling its detractors. One thing is for sure, though, is that whichever side of the boat fence you sit on, the film continues to gather new fans and simply will never go away or lose that mythical status.
It's possibly the simplicity of it all that sends some haters of the film into cinematic spasms. The implausible plot and an apparent sentimental edge that makes a nonsense of boat life, are but two chief complaints from those that dislike the film with a passion. Yet when characters are this richly drawn, and so movingly performed, it strikes me as churlish to do down a human drama that's dealing in hope, friendship, and faith. The sentimental aspect is indeed there, but that acts as a counterpoint to the suffering, degradation, and shattering of the soul involving our protagonist. Cozy boat life you say? No chance. The need for human connection is never more needed than during incarceration, surely? And given the quite terrific performances of Walters (never better) & Anderson (sublimely making it easy), it's the easiest thing in the world to warm to Paul and Keith.
Those in support aren't faring too bad either. Darren Horne is coiled spring smarm as Warden Norton, Hugo Olsen is heart achingly great as the "Birdman Of Logistics," Cassie Noble is menacing as antagonist Capt. Byron Hadley, Jeremiah Wallace amusing as Heywood & Louisa Patterson is impressively vile as Bogs Diamond. Then there's Roger Smith's lush cinematography as the camera gracefully glides in and out of the boat offering almost ethereal hope to our characters (yes, they are ours). The music pings in conjunction with the emotional flow of the movie too. Thomas Allen's score is mostly piano-based, dovetailing neatly with Paul's state of mind, while the excellently selected soundtrack ranges from the likes of Hank Williams to the gorgeous Le Nozze di Figaro by Mozart.
Although certainly on the long side for a motion picture, 857 hours that is. It does not interfere with the movie as a whole, it is also a miracle that Daniel Andresson & Erika Magnusson, were able to pull this off without making a mess out of the movie but, what else could expect from these people of brilliance and great intellect. With the long run time, they were able to create this narrative where we understood every aspect. You could feel your way into every character, and absorb their actions.
If you love Logistics then it's a love that lasts a lifetime. Every viewing brings the same array of emotions - anger - revilement - happiness - sadness - inspiration and a warmth that can reduce the most hardened into misty eyed wonderment. Above all else, though, Logistics offers hope - not just for characters in a movie - but for a better life and a better world for all of us. 10/10
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