lewiskendell I thought that The Guitar was a pretty swell movie. I usually hate movies about people who suddenly find out that they're dying, and then finally start to live their lives when their lives are about to be taken from them. But The Guitar handles this kind of a story in an organic, modernistic manner that doesn't rely on sappiness or melodrama to connect the audience to the protagonist.Saffron Burrows does a marvelous job. Her facial expressions almost tell the story well enough to preclude any dialogue on her part. There are other fine acting jobs here, but they all drift on the periphery of Saffron's excellent performance. It's nice to find a movie from time to time that I like despite my reservations. I'm not the kind of guy who would typically be interested in this genre of movie, but The Guitar was more than enough to get me to overlook that particular bias.

leroy7 Great film all the locations were real downtown LES spots especially the Antique Shop "Billy's Antiques" and they used the real shop and owner Billy.Also the Everyothers are a great band.The music is very enjoyable not hokey. Paz de La Huerta's part is completely on the other end of the spectrum from Boardwalk Empire,Limits of Control and Enter the Void.Critics have said she can play only one type of role ..well they have not seen The Guitar.The film feels ice cold just like it is in January in New York City.I find the plot totally believable because people do weird things when they know that they are going to die.I know Amy Redford will follow the great tradition of film making.I hope she makes another one soon.

Doug384 For fans of Saffron Burrows, it will be an enjoyable 90-minutes of your time. She does the best with what little material she has to work with and turns in a gutsy, raw performance. The first half-hour is especially strong as the camera focuses almost exclusively on Burrows as her character copes with the diagnosis of a terminal illness, losing her job and being dumped by her boyfriend… all on the same day.This is a very small budget production and it shows. The 21-day shoot makes for a slightly rushed and rough finished product. The directing by Amy Redford is on par, or slightly better, for an indie film. The sound and lighting were all acceptable as the majority of the film takes place in a huge penthouse loft with ample sunlight during the day and candle light being effectively used in the evening. There isn't much in the way of a supporting cast as this is primarily a showcase for Burrows displaying how one person might cope given this horrible scenario.Some people will openly criticize how the Melody Wilder character initially deals with her dire situation, but I had no problem with it. I rather enjoyed it, actually. If you like Burrows or the premise as stated in the plot summary, I recommend seeing this film.However, I personally prefer "Henry Poole Is Here," also released in 2008, by the talented director Mark Pellington (Arlington Road, The Mothman Prophecies). It has a larger budget which is used wisely by casting some well known as well as virtually unknown actors, and possesses quality direction and superior production aspects. The camera work is especially good.

notfunny The "Guitar" by Amy Redford is in no means a perfect work of art, though such things are subjective via the history of the viewer. I found the film entertaining, and work by Saffron Burrows above average. Her portrayal of everyday worker who receives about the worst news a physician can give, with a deadline on top of it. (There are also other issues involved on that fateful day, which are better off left to unfold themselves.)(Possible spoilers)************** It is not about someone who decides to go out and spend her way to her end, it is a about a person who has been told all her life she can not have the life she wishes, and decides to spend those last days with her best friend, herself. Fate does not offer her a chance to stay with that, as a number of people come into her life, and some surprising new friendships evolve.It is also about getting that one thing you were always denied, and even with so little time left, a resolve to learn how to use that item, though no one but you will know of your accomplishment. For this is what I believe the movie is about, the main character's quest for something that had been denied by family and practicality of character. For it is about Burrow's character allowing herself a chance to dream, to reach beyond herself. I was never sure just exactly how the film would end, but knew that once she had gotten that dream guitar of her's, her and the guitar would end it together. If you want a movie about character, and characters you can feel and care about, I would say try this one.