Search - Keep Your Distance on DVD

K. K. (GAMER)
Reviewed on 11/10/2020...

Strong start and very strong ending. There was some slowdown during the middle but the ending made up for it. A must watch!

An awesome movie from this Sophmore director

Madman | Iowa | 01/14/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Keep Your Distance was an engrossing movie dealing with a multitude of relationships. There is the marriage of two people with very little in common. A serious relationship between two good looking people who seem to have it all; good looks, a creative and interesting relationship, yet lack the key ingredient: trust. Between these two relationships come some other minor connection between a notable politician, one of his main supporters, and a fellow employee.
Sound confusing? Well, in the beginning it is just a little, but more so it is incredibly enthralling. Our introduction to the two main characters places them in a situation that portrays them in a less than likable light, but in no time it is revealed who they really are and we can't help but root for them for the remainder of the flick.
Through their endeavors we see David Dailey (Gil Bellows) a notable radio talk show host and Melody (Jennifer Westfeldt), a traveling saleswoman for the pharmacy industry, strike up a friendship in which they help each other through difficult times. The attraction they have to each other is evident but is not fully explored because they are each too busy dealing with their own failing relationships to dive into something new.
There are many funny moments to be had in the first two thirds of the film with the last third delving into some more serious situations. Riveting from beginning to end, we see the progression of all of the relationships come full circle...and then a little more. While the ending was a bit anti-climatic, this doesn't negate the incredible intertwining stories throughout the majority of the movie and a couple of A+ performances as well.
The main flaw of this film is that there is so much plot that it is impossible to fit it into 90 minutes. Another 90 minutes or so may have been sufficient but the general public probably wouldn't be to keen on a three hour movie (although I certainly would!) Many of the important events in this are left unexplored yet the main focus, on David and Melody, is where the story begins and ends, as it should be.
On Saturday, Oct. 29th, I had the privilege of seeing one of a very few select screenings of the movie Keep Your Distance, written and directed by Stu Pollard. Keep Your Distance is Stu's second feature length flick, done completely independently. The budget was between $1-2 million dollars and while this is relatively low by many standards, it doesn't show in the movie at all. Every scene was very well polished and was complimented by a great soundtrack supplied entirely by bands from Louisville, KY (the writer/directors home town and where the entire movie was shot.)
While the movie may not have any "A-list" actors, the people they got could not have fit more perfectly. Especially Westfeldt whose attitude and unique mannerisms provide one of the most down to earth performances I have seen in a while. Why I have not heard of her until now is beyond me.
I highly suggest giving this film a shot. It's independent status isn't going to get it any reviews from Roger Ebert unless it is picked up by a studio, and it likely won't be coming to a theater near you, so look for it at the video store or just do a blind buy on DVD. The bonus features alone will be worth it to see how this film was shot for such a modest budget. Now that I know who Stu Pollard is and know what he has to offer, I can't wait to see what he cooks up next."

'Keep Your Distance' a stellar, sexy thriller

Caroline C. Morrison | North Carolina, USA | 06/09/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Stu Pollard's second major release is an intricate and beautifully filmed psychological thriller. The film opens with a stunning visual presentation of the story's setting, Louisville, Ky., that makes the town look like a postcard. The bold colors of the setting match those of Pollard's characters in "Keep Your Distance," which pay proper homage to the clannish and quirky nature of the people of in a modern town struggling to retain its Southern charm.

The pacing in the script was perfect...the story weaves wry humor, honest cynicism, and a disturbingly real underlying pathology and pathos, all necessary to pull off a complex psychological thriller. The emphasis is on psychology more than murder mystery, which makes the plot more interesting than that of the typical movie formula. The long pauses and intense looks that Pollard and his actors wove into the script give the audience doses of suspense, sadness, and humor in equal measure.

Particularly engrossing is the relationship between Melody and David, played by Jennifer Westfeldt and Gil Bellows. Their initial meeting is painfully awkward, but their connection is obvious from the start. Physical chemistry is there, but moreover, the characters have a bittersweet longing toward each other, and the world views they share have just enough cynicism to make their exchange edgy, and just enough idealism to make it romantic. Christian Kane is a standout as a wonderfully creepy and unpredictable jilted boyfriend. Kim Raver is notably strong as David's sexy, blatantly narcissistic wife.

The end of the movie is simple and satisfying. However, this film is more about the journey than the destination. Pollard has crafted a gripping story that relies on the fascinating trappings of human folly, whether based in conspiracy or naivete, to keeo the audience hooked."

I love Louisville!

Philip B. Yochim | Louisville, KY | 05/16/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"First, let me thank Stu Pollard for making quality movies about Louisville, Kentucky. It's a great city that's underrepresented in the movies. It's got the beauty, history, class, and sophisication of the big cities, and no reason it can't get it's moment to shine.

"Keep Your Distance" follows the psychological torment of a beloved radio personality, David Dalley, played by Gil Bellows. "Mr. Louisville" has it all: great job, money, prestige, fame, and a hot wife (played by Kim Raver.) But mysterious letters arrive, and the cracks in the foundation grow. He catches his wife in bed with someone else (and it's not a guy.) He gets busted for DUI. And his assistant is after his job.

When a mysterious saleswoman arrives, David makes a relationship with her because he feels she can't betray him. But unknown to them, others are watching.

While it doesn't rise to Hitchcock levels of suspense, it's still a wild ride, and you feel for David as he plunges into madness."