Below are reactions to BRIGHAM CITY from audiences around the
country. To submit your own comments and reaction to the film, please send a
message to bcfeedback@xelent.com.
Linda Kauo (kavika@vbodytrainer.com)
Just saw Brigham City for the 5th time, took my sister, children, husband (who
is not a movie goer) and ex-roommate. I can't even express the emotions that
the movie brought out. I almost feel exhausted when I leave. . . Richard Dutcher
did an excellent job in writing, producing and acting in the movie (as did all
the cast members). The sentiments voiced by "Stu" about our little towns being
discovered are my thoughts completely. In the past, I served as a chair for
a subcommittee of the Utah County Gang Task Force (before it became the Major
Crimes unit) and as I became privy to some of the big city problems that we
were experiencing my heart ached at what we were like so many years before.
. . and what we are beginning to experience now that we had been discovered
by the world. Brigham City brought out all those feelings in a most passionate
way. Richard Dutcher, you are being blessed, you have captured so many things
that we have in our hearts and minds...
Lee Rosenhan (mail@rosenhan.net)
I loved the film, in so many ways. The depth of character portrayed is inspiring,
the acting outstanding, the message of hope, everlasting. My highest compliment
to a job well done.
Chris Delaney (cdelaney@primediaproductions.com)
I wanted to say that as a Roman Catholic, I enjoyed this film immensely. I don't
want people to think, "Oh, a film for Mormons." Everyone should appreciate this
fine work of cinematic craftsmanship regardless of their religious persuasion.
I was amazed to read that the entire production cost under $1 million. The technical
values are as polished as those of any big budget Hollywood feature. And the
mystery is by no means simplistic.
Alana Rhodes (rhodes2@uswest.net)
We drove 118 plus miles ONE WAY to see one of the best movies I've seen in a
long time....Brigham City. I did not walk away disappointed!!! I hope that it
will make it to a theatre near me. . . I've recommended it to everyone I know
who would appreciate it. In fact the theatre we saw it in last Saturday should
have been a bit bigger...it was nearly SRO! . . .It was great...keep up the
good work and can hardly wait for it to come out on video and for your next
movie to come out on the big screen!!!
Gayla Myers (smyers@allidaho.com)
After attending your movie last evening, I must tell Richard Dutcher that this
movie was exceptional. The acting was superb. Dutcher's role was very well done--especially
as the "weightiness" of the Bishop (not to mention Sheriff"s) office required
a subdued and solemn touch. The ending was outstanding. I must admit to stifling
sobs that I definitely wanted to express! How touching to be reminded, once
again, that we are to "carry one another's burdens".
Art (ArtieD2@webtv.net)
I just went to see "Brigham City" with a group of friends and I can honestly
say it is one of the best films I've ever seen. It had the atmosphere of a "Fargo"
with the suspense and plot twists of Hitchcock ("Vertigo" comes to mind). We
all agreed that we never saw the end coming. I was so engrossed in the movie
that when the credits ended I was shocked at how much time I'd spent in the
theater so skillful was the pacing. Richard Dutcher and Mathew A. Brown were
exceptional, but so were all the members of the cast. I left the theater feeling
that I really knew those people and I was reluctant to say "goodbye". . . I
am a longtime film buff with a particular fondness for the classics, but it's
been a very long time since I've seen a movie that made me laugh, jump in my
seat (literally), and left me in tears at the finish.
Phil Eves (eves@netutah.com)
My wife and I saw Brigham City last night. The movie was well attended and it
was awesome! At the end there was total silence in the audience and it was like
no one wanted get up and leave the theatre. Keep up the good work.
Sharon Johnson (ejohnson@xmission.com)
Last night I saw BRIGHAM
CITY for the first time. Not only I , but the whole audience was spell bound.
Even after it was over, it was several minutes before anybody moved. Mr. Dutcher
is truly gifted and a master in his art. It explored a range of emotions ....laughter,
tears, and fear. We were on the edge of our seats and felt like we were all
drawn into that once quiet little town and shared the fear frustrations and
heartache of those strangers. The impact stayed long after the movie ended.
It is a must to see! No matter where you are at spiritualy, you will want to
be there to see the movie.......take a chance...it is worth whatever risk you
may feel. You will want to see it again and again. Tell anybody that comes within
hearing distance of you to see the film. Thank you Mr. Dutcher.........we look
forward to more!!!!!!!!!
Mark Ellis (ellisenv@uswest.net)
My wife and I just
returned from seeing Brigham City. I have never had the desire to comment to
the maker of a film, but here goes. We enjoyed God's Army, seeing it three times
and recommending it to many we know and love. This film was different. It was
better. The murder mystery was good and no, we did not guess who the murderer
was. I found a lot of catharsis in the movie. I was a bishop in rural Lehi,
UT and have said the words that your bishop character said. I think many people
who are placed in protective or shepherding roles in society and religion had
felt those bitter words being pulled from their mouths. To know that someone
else knows the anguish and helplessness of not being able to protect is cathartic.
To believe that it is your duty to protect and to fail in that belief is to
experience despair. I was able to talk with my wife about that despair tonight.
Thanks to the movie (this is corny but true) I was finally able to get my arms
around the emotion, having seen it portrayed on the screen and identify with
something that I thought was my secret burden to bear. I don't know if God cares
about movies. If he does, I hope he blesses you greatly. You did good and you
did it well.
Ron Johnston (ronj@webpipe.net)
I just saw the movie I was very, very impressed very fine acting, great film
work, and Mr. Dutcher allowed the movie move along with out overbearing music;
in fact he used silence to further the film. Mr Dutcher You did some good ,
again !
Diane Stephenson (stephe@ida.net)
I just want to cheer
Richard Dutcher for making such an inspiring and thrilling movie! Our family
went to see it, and then went again, and it was even better the second time!
I loved the way it helped me realize how imperfect and dependent on the Atonement
each and every one of us is. The story was suspenseful and exciting to watch,
and there were plenty of laughs throughout. Awesome job, Richard!
John Lucena (lucena@softcom.net)
I've seen it twice now, am going again this afternoon. And I still didn't expect
that ending even the second time. That is the mark of an excellent story teller...that
makes us want to see it again and again, to see if we can tell when the characters
begin to reveal their true nature.
Kirsten Poelman (hdkristen@qwest.net)
WHAT AN AWESOME MYSTERY!!!!
. . . The story was riveting. At one point I had to leave to go to the bathroom
and I ran all the way there and all the way back! I didn't want to miss a minute.
I cannot wait to see the next film. Better get cracking!
Kieth Miller (rafter-k@home.com)
I saw the movie. It
was great! As a former Law Enforcement Officer (in the real Brigham City) and
as a member of a Bishopric it really touched me.
Sean Kennedy (logan.kennedy@bigplanet.com)
I saw Brigham City on it's opening night. All I can say is, Richard Dutcher,
YOU ARE THE MAN! My wife and I loved the film. I have never heard a crowd scream
so many times in one movie. The suspense was amazing! I have talked my family,
who were not that interested in the movie, into seeing it. Of course, my wife
and I will go again with them. We couldn't stop talking about the twists and
turns the plot takes. . . I LOVED THIS FILM!!! The thing I liked most about
this film, is the fact that you leave the theater feeling good, unlike most
murder mysteries which leaves a bad feeling with you. Keep up the fantastic
work!
Julie de Azevedo (julie@juliedeazevedo.com)
Amen! Fine acting, riveting, entertaining...AND spiritually moving. Bravo!
Corie (boekweg86@hotmail.com)
I am a typical small town (Idaho) girl. I applaud you, Richard Dutcher, for
this amazing movie. I was able to laugh, cry and reflect back to those safe
years of growing up. (My parents still don't lock their doors @ home). This
movie had so many messages. I am still whirling from seeing the movie a few
hours ago. What an incredible ending. . .The rating does not bother me. Real
life happens to all people and even to the best of them. I can't get the last
scene out of my mind. This movie will stay with me for quite some time.
Robin (robinnelson@earthlink.net)
Our family of 5 just saw the movie in California and loved it. Admittedly, our
kids weren't too excited initially to see the movie, but, once it started, our
teenagers were pretty captivated. (Our 6 year old got very squirmy and bored
the last 30 minutes, though!) We couldn't stop talking about the plot and characters
for our entire drive home. What a twist!
Lloyd Carol Ewell (rayele7@aol.com)
We just returned from viewing the very excellent move "Brigham City". We expected
a very good film, after seeing the superb movie "God's Army". All we can say
is the story line was great, the acting was award winning and we will be seeing
it again with family & friends. Keep the great films coming! Las Vegas loves
your movies!!!
Kathryn (spider1@starbrand.com)
I am from a small town never Richfield, Utah, and related to the "small town"
scenes (the parade, everyone waves to each other, nobody locks their doors,
etc.). I was touched by the spirituality of the film, as well as the suspense.
It was nice seeing some of the same actors who were in God's Army also. I will
see this movie again with more of my family members!! Keep up the good work
Zions Films!!
|