Upstream Color is a 2013 film written, directed by and starring Shane Carruth. The film is a mix of science fiction, drama and mystery that explores themes such as human connection, identity and control.
The plot follows Kris, a young woman who is kidnapped and subjected to an experiment that leaves her vulnerable and confused. Upon regaining consciousness, she discovers that she has some sort of mental link with a man named Jeff, who has also undergone the same kind of experience. The two begin to search for an explanation for what has happened to them, while being continually interrupted by a mysterious thief who seems to have a special interest in their bond.
Upstream Color is a highly original and non-linear film that uses unconventional storytelling and a mosaic structure to build its story. The film is also notable for its visuals and soundtrack, which create an emotional and surreal atmosphere.
Upstream Color is a very unique and challenging film that can be complex and cryptic, but definitely worth seeing for those who appreciate the experimental and independent cinema.
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Plot
The plot of Upstream Color is very complex and non-linear. The protagonist of the film is Kris, a young woman who is kidnapped and subjected to an experiment that leaves her vulnerable and confused. The kidnappers force her to ingest worms that mysteriously bind her to a pig, and steal all her money.
After being freed and regaining consciousness, Kris discovers that she has lost the ability to control her actions and that she has some sort of mental link with a man named Jeff, who has also undergone the same kind of experience. The two begin to search for an explanation for what has happened to them, and discover that the worms have been used to steal their lives.
Kris and Jeff fall in love and try to rebuild their lives, but are continually interrupted by a mysterious thief who seems to have a vested interest in their bond. The film explores themes of human connectedness, identity and control, and comes to a conclusion that requires some interpretation on the part of the viewer.
The plot of Upstream Color is very complex and cryptic, and the film uses an unconventional narrative structure to tell its story. However, the end result is an inspiring cinematic experience.
Movie Characters
Here is a short list of the main characters of Upstream Color:
Kris: The protagonist of the film, played by Amy Seimetz. Kris is a young woman who is kidnapped and subjected to an experiment that leaves her vulnerable and confused. After being freed, she discovers she has some sort of mental link with a man named Jeff.
Jeff: played by Shane Carruth, who is also the writer and director of the film. Jeff is a man who has gone through the same kind of experience as Kris, and who has a mental link with her. The two fall in love and try to find out what happened to them.
The Thief: Played by Thiago Martins, the Thief is a mysterious character who seems to take a particular interest in the bond between Kris and Jeff. His role in the film is one of the mysteries that is only revealed at the end.
The pig: even if it is not a human character, the pig has an important role in the plot of the film. He becomes infected with worms which are then used to control Kris and Jeff, and his ultimate fate is one of the film’s most poignant moments.
There are other minor characters in the film as well, but these four are the main leads.
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Production
Upstream Color was written, directed and produced by Shane Carruth, who also stars in the film. The production of the film was independent, funded largely by Carruth himself and by online crowdfunding.
The film was mainly shot in the city of Dallas, Texas, USA on a relatively low budget. Carruth used digital equipment and worked with a small crew to create the film’s unique and surreal look.
The soundtrack for the film was also composed by Shane Carruth, who used a blend of organic and synthetic sounds to create music that fits perfectly with the dreamlike and surreal atmosphere of the film.
Upstream Color premiered at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival, where it received widespread attention for its originality and narrative complexity. The film received mixed reviews from critics, but has acquired a cult following among fans of independent and experimental cinema.
Distribution and Reception
Upstream Color was released in US theaters in April 2013, and was later made available on DVD, Blu-ray and streaming. Internationally, the film was shown in several independent film festivals and had limited distribution in some countries.
The film received mixed reviews from critics, with some critics raving about its innovative style and narrative complexity, while others found it too cryptic and difficult to follow. However, most critics agreed that Upstream Color is a unique cinematic experience.
Despite the fact that the film was not commercially successful, it has acquired a cult following among cinephiles and independent film aficionados, who appreciate its originality and its challenge to the narrative conventions of mainstream cinema.
Style
Upstream Color has been called an experimental film and art-house, thanks to its defiance of the narrative conventions of mainstream cinema and its dreamlike and surreal style.
The plot of the film is complex and difficult to follow, but at the same time very engaging. The film uses a series of recurring symbols and images to create a mysterious and haunting atmosphere.
The photography of the film is very accurate, with a skilful use of light and colors to create a series of suggestive images with a great visual impact. The soundtrack, composed by Shane Carruth, helps create an atmosphere of tension and mystery that permeates the entire film.
One of the most distinctive elements of Upstream Color’s style is its non-linear structure. The film uses a series of flashbacks and unconnected sequences to create a highly original and complex cinematic experience.
Overall, Upstream Color’s style is unique and innovative, and challenges the narrative conventions of mainstream cinema. The film is an intense and immersive cinematic experience, which requires the viewer to be attentive and to be involved in its complexity and its visual and sonic beauty.
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Director
Shane Carruth is the director, writer, producer, actor, cinematographer, editor and soundtrack composer for Upstream Color.
Born in 1972 in South Carolina, Carruth studied mathematics and engineering at the University of Texas at Austin before starting his career in film.
His first film, 2004’s Primer, won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival and garnered critical acclaim. Carruth wrote, directed, starred in and produced the film, which has a similar feel to Upstream Color and uses a highly complex narrative structure.
Upstream Color was Carruth’s second film and premiered at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival. The film garnered positive reviews from critics and cemented Carruth’s reputation as one of independent cinema’s most innovative and creative filmmakers American.
Carruth’s filmography is characterized by great originality and a challenge to the narrative conventions of mainstream cinema. His films are complex and difficult to follow, but at the same time very engaging and evocative. Carruth is considered one of the most interesting and visionary directors of American independent cinema in recent years.
