Search - Gone, But Not Forgotten on DVD

Wished I had seen it on the big screen

CWC | Long Beach, CA | 02/01/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Movies for me have always had a "bigger than life" impact when seen on the big screen for the first time. I wished I have had my initial viewing of this film at the theatre. This flick is definitely one of the better gay romance movies to come out over the past few years that can be appreciated by both gay and straight audiences. If Michael Akers can do this remarkable, credible, and satisifying a project on his limited budget for this film, I can't wait to see what he will do when the "bank vaults are open." The dialogue and scenes do jump awkwardly a bit from time to time, but nothing that detracts or cheapens the overall quality of this film. No, this is not a "Meryl Streep- Oscar-worthy" movie. If it were, the true power of this flick would have been lost.This likeable cast has a great chemistry together, which added to my enjoyment of the film. What is all the more amazing is that this was the movie debut of all the actors. Aaron Orr (Drew Parker) put forth a wonderful and credible effort of making me laugh, making me cry, and bonding me to his character as few actors have over the past few years. My big surprise was the supporting role of Ariadne Shaffer as Catherine Reeves. I thought I was in a "time warp" watching Kathleen Turner 20 years ago! Matthew Montgomery (Mark Reeves) put in a great effort of creating the sensitive, confused amnesia victim and expressing to the audience Mark's coming to terms with his sexuality and who he really loves. Bravo Aaron, Ariadne, and Matthew! We will be all the better seeing these upcoming actors in future projects over the next few years.The chemistry and bond between Drew and Mark was very evident throughout their scenes together and the main reason this film doesn't disappoint. The love scene between the two main characters goes beyond the typical Hollywood "sanitized" scenes, but is tastefully and affectionately done.Michael Akers' first film is a recommend "must-see" for all romantics out there. It is not a surprise this film was the official selection at almost a dozen or so showings around the 2003 festival circut. With the just the right balance of humor, happy, hope, sad, and serious, this film gets better and more satisifying to me upon each viewing. Good cast, good dialogue, and great cinematography... get a date, turn down the lights, cuddle, and enjoy! This film has an addicting quality to it that will make you want to watch it again and again."

Incredible movie and it's low budget

Thomas Janowski | Rochester, NY United States | 05/22/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Yes, it is evident that this is a low budget movie. But sometimes low budget simply means that the honesty and the true meaning of the story get to be front and center. That is the case with Gone But Not Forgotten. The acting is simple and natural...meaning, the actors don't over do it. Real people aren't actors and these actors portray the characters as real people, not Hollywood idols. But this is not to say the acting in not powerful, because it is. Matthew Montgomery's scene with Aaron Orr in the livingroom where Mark's character asks Drew to tell him about the rescue is riveting. Montgomery's acting skills are right on the money. There is a soap opera-like quality to the storyline and trust me that's not a bad thing. But one can't argue with the accomplishments of this movie. The lovemaking scene is incredible in its sensativity and its honest credibility. This is a perfect depiction of love in my opinion. Gone, But Not Forgotten is one of those films that is better than the sum of its parts. When one reads about the elements of the story, it sounds like a daytime soap and as I said, that's not a bad thing. However, some may end up believing this movie isn't a great movie, but it is. Its one of those truly rare movies that speaks directly to one's heart."

The Best Indie Film I've Ever Seen

Michael Virnig | Midwest | 09/15/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This may have been a low-budget film, but the cast and the acting are superb. There are new faces: Aaron Orr, Matthew Montgomery, and some more familiar faces: Bryna Weiss, Joel Bryant, Brenda Lasker, Ariadne Shaffer. The acting from all is brilliant and their portrayal of their characters is absolutely believable. There's none of the attitude and arrogance that so often marks and mars the performance of Hollywood's chosen few.

I was especially impressed with Aaron Orr who was absolutely natural and never missed a beat in his role as one of the two central characters. Matthew Montgomery seemed a bit forced early on, but came into his own and gave a sterling performance overall. Watch the film once, then watch it again and look more closely at the eyes of the two as they interact.

The rest of the cast play their roles with flair, and give a depth to their characters that becomes more apparent with each viewing (this is a move you will want to watch again and again).

The film goes places that Hollywood has apparently forgotten how to go. Whether you're gay, straight, or anything in between (even Druids will find something to be enthused about in this movie ;-), you'll find yourself emotionally involved with the characters and wishing the film didn't have to end. If you've got one spark of romance in your soul, this movie will set it to blazing (to paraphrase Granny Clampett speaking about her Spring Tonic).

Michael Akers and Sandon Berg can be proud to have created one of the finest movies that, in my humble opinion, has ever been made.

Watch it, and prepare to be entertained, kept on the edge of your seat, compelled to identify with at least one character in the film, and most importantly, to smile. If your faith in humanity has been eroded by watching the world unfold around you in recent years, you'll come away from this film with the conviction that there may be some hope after all.

The musical score is worth the price of the movie, by itself. Especially, the beautiful and haunting Staring Straight Into The Sun, by the very talented Jared Young. I've had the song stuck in my head for days.

Enjoy!"

Hot Sweet Gay Indie

Royce Holt | 04/06/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I loved this movie. I grew up in a rural area much like where this movie takes place and would have loved a positive depiction of gay love like this movie when I was an angst-ridden pubescent closeted gay teen. This movie is so heart-warming and hopeful. I read a couple bad reviews of this, but I was intrigued by the story and by the cover and I'm so glad I listened to my instincts and not a couple of smug reviewers. I'm not sure what people don't understand about the words 'low budget'. I think it is clear the director faced the challenges of a low budget, but he delivered a simple, sweet, honest love story with a couple of really cute guys, what more could you ask for? Not to mention there is a fantastically artful love scene!! I highly recommend checking this hot sweet gay indie."