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Written and Directed by Aaron J. Wiederspahn With David Strathairn,  Ian Somerhalder, Daniel Gillies, Jane Adams, Joseph Mazzello, Elisabeth Waterston, Scott Wilson. Executive Producer Buzz McLaughlin Cinematography By Christophe Lanzenberg Edited By Mario Ontal

“The Sensation of Sight” tells the story of Finn, a man who is overwhelmed by a tragic event, the exact nature of which remains a mystery until the end of the film. This personal storm destroys his inner compass and leaves him drifting without a sense of purpose.  He resolves to leave career, home, and family and set out on the quest for “Why”?

Aaron J. Wiederspahn the American writer/director of this film weaves a tapestry of seemingly disparate lives, which are all connected just under the surface. The film is divided into 4 sections, called verses, plus a prologue and epilogue. Upon this loom the story is slowly woven until the final pattern is revealed in a powerful climactic moment. Throughout the film the director employs long takes and sustained moments, while he manages to eschew cliché and go against the audience’s expectations. For any film, this would be its crowning achievement, but ‘Sensation’ holds us close and thus gradually pulls the audience into its world and characters.

Each section begins with a black and white memory.  These are not so much flashbacks as psychic imprints of moments too painful or joyous to forget. Without allowing us a crutch of information with which to protect ourselves and form judgments, Wiederspahn refrains from manipulating us, but rather treats us as equals–which may actually disturb the audience member who likes to “get it” immediately. But this isn’t the same old film stencil. We are allowed into a man’s private thoughts, into his world, and through him, into the lives of others.  However, structure alone could not sustain us through a prolonged period when we have more questions than answers.  The characters generate the interest and therefore the patience to wait–the patience to be open and curious. Released from the understanding of the full context of the characters’ behavior we are free to admire the humor and strangeness of everyday moments. Continue reading →