The Hi-Line (2000)

With a leisurely pace that borders between engrossing and tedious, "The Hi-Line" explores the confused, needy and quiet qualities of a young woman's existence. Rachael Leigh Cook ("She's All That") is the girl. During the film she goes on a trip of discovery that is both literal and figurative. Along the way she discovers herself and her true needs and desires. In this respect, the film is a beautiful thing.

Another beautiful thing about the film is the scenery. Set in the winter in the Northwest, the exterior shots of the film are always visually appealing. Sometimes they are outright gorgeous. Neophyte director Rod Judkins, a former sound mixer on some pretty impressive films, really seems to understand the beauty of a vast landscape. And this backdrop, of mountains, seemingly boundless snowy expanses, and quiet nature do much to punctuate the characteristics of our protagonist here. Eventually, the visuals and the pacing of the story win you over, as does the story itself. It's just that sometimes, it seems like a long time coming.

Mainly, this is because the set-up here is so laborious and askew; It never really seems right. Cook's character would have to be a simpleton to fall into the story as she does here. There are moments that just don't work. Sure, it's better if you don't know what's going to happen to her at all. The best way to see the film is to come in with absolutely no knowledge of where the story is taking her. But if you've seen one trailer for the film, or possibly even read one review, the whole quiet surprise of discovery in the film will be ruined for you. I am doing my best not to make that so with what you are reading here, however.

Suffice it to say that you must allow the film some leeway in it's beginning. It is trying to surprise us and confuse us with stories that don't make sense and don't ring true. Judkins, who also wrote the script, wastes far too much time on set up. This makes his climax and resolution a bit too thin as well. The film is, unfortunately, lopsided in this respect.

Cook's character, and those who surround her, like parents Margot Kidder ("Superman") and Stuart Margolin ("The Rockford Files"), are so unbelievable restrained as to become moronic, especially in the first 2/3 of the film. They never say or do anything with any emotion whatsoever. It's as if they are devoid of both intelligence and feeling sometime. It's a bit too implausible for us. We understand that some of this is true to their characters, but far too much of it isn't believable. Likewise, Ryan Alosio goes through the film for far too long without emoting a feeling once. It is only in the film's final third, where it really begins to crystalize, that we begin to see through his character's veneer and understand where he is coming from. In many ways, this takes the patience of a saint, but Alosio rewards us with a performance that is, eventually, wonderful and full. Finally given a chance to break through the ice of the exteriors and of his interior, and emote, Alosio makes the film come to life. Cook's Vera, finally able to see the light herself, also begins to get in touch with the real world and things start to become exciting.

Even better is Tantoo Cardinal ("Smoke Signals") who, mid-way through the films, appears to begin to ignite these feelings and this openness. She is, unfortunately, used too little and too late, but it is still much of what makes the film worthy.

I'm not sure why the film is called "The Hi-Line." Perhaps it's because "True North" and "Me Myself I" were taken. But the film is an interesting and worthy examination of the troubling confusion of a young girl's soul. Her mind and her wanderlust are explored. We don't get enough films like this in the marketplace. This is an awesome film for young women. Perhaps, then, it is only right that the film be quietly confused, long and drawn out, that it takes it's time and makes it's choices carefully. In many ways, in these respects, it is a truthful and poignant reflection of young womanhood.

Notes:

The score music by Jon Huck is really wonderful. Unfortunately, Judkins inserts songs with lyrics into little holes in the film and they stick out like sore thumbs. Again, in the modern marketplace, one wonders if this is more to sell soundtracks (or the potential for one) than to accentuate the film. Only once does one of these songs seem to work in the piece.

Press material states that much of the film takes place at a geographical location known as Montana's "hi-line" (hence the name) but this is never really discussed in the film.

Cook is slated to play Josie in the forthcoming "Josie and the Pussycats" film.

Judkin is a Oscar winning sound mixer with films like "Jurassic Park" and "Saving Private Ryan" and a few other Steven Spielberg productions to his credit. He put up much of his life savings to make the film. Dreamworks helped Judkin out with some materials as well.

Report Card

Script: B-

Acting: B+

Cinematography\Lighting: A+

Special Effects\Make Up: B

Music: C-

Final Grade: B