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Writer\/Director Isabel Hagen<\/a> is a \u201ccoat\u201d of many colours; more about that later. On a String<\/em><\/strong>, only her fourth credit, is a stand out hit. The writing is spot on. The casting is perfect and the lead; Isabel herself, sells the story. She seemingly does this with minimal effort.<\/p>\n *She immediately makes me think of another personal favourite, Alyson Hannigan. Not nearly so much in looks, although she does resemble the Buffy alum a bit, but in delivery. Her nuances speak volumes.*<\/p>\n The young performer has it all. Musician, actor add the two aforementioned titles, as well as Producer and she\u2019s a winning package. This film alone can be seen as a great breakout feature. Everytime we watch it, we fall in love again. On a String <\/em><\/strong>is an award winning film and a clear hit. [3 wins and 2 nominations.]<\/p>\n Isabel is a member of a string quartet. She plays the viola. *For those not in the know, her instrument of choice is larger than its sibling, the violin.* The film follows her interactions with clients, family and romantic interests. This is a coming of age story, of sorts. It has a slightly different look than most and the film works beautifully.<\/p>\n Isabel Hagen<\/a> is Isabel.<\/p>\n Dylan Baker<\/a> is Jack, Isabel\u2019s dad.<\/p>\n Ling Ling Huang<\/a> is Christina.<\/p>\n Frederick Weller<\/a> is Carl.<\/p>\n Jamie Lee<\/a> is Tricia.<\/p>\n Eric Bogosian<\/a> is Director.<\/p>\n John Kroner<\/a> is Dave.<\/p>\n *Side note. It was delightful to see Dylan Baker as Isabel\u2019s dad. Baker is a Mike\u2019s Film Talk favourite. I can also say that Jamie Lee. is perfect here. *<\/p>\n Kudos to the entire cast for aiming for the fences right along with Hagen. They, as well as the story and characters, make this one fun to watch. <\/p>\n This is, for all intents and purposes, an autobiographical film, Hagen confirms it in her Director\u2019s Statement. Everything comes together brilliantly. DP Zac Nicholson<\/a> makes each frame fit the moment. Up close and intimate, as in the one very tame sex scene, or combining several elements to shape a scene. <\/p>\n Editor Olivia Vessel<\/a> works in tandem with both Hagen and Nicholson to seamlessly blend each showpiece. The score, by Composer Will Canzoneri<\/a> is so pleasing that one could become a Brahm\u2019s fan by default. <\/p>\n Isabel is a talented Violist. She has fallen into, what feels like, a \u201ctime loop\u201d existence. As the musician suffers a crisis of the existential variety, she loses what she loves the most; herself. <\/p>\n On a String<\/em><\/strong> has many beats and similar to another old favourite, On Golden Pond<\/a><\/strong><\/em>, uses a low key approach. Hagen delivers faultlessly; an impressive feat as first time director. Add to this her obvious skill as an actress, this make watching this one a \u201cno brainer.\u201d<\/p>\n On a String<\/em><\/strong> hammers for the fences here with a homerun. 5 out of 5 stars out of the gate. It really is no wonder that the film took home 3 wins and 2 nominations on the festival circuit. This love letter to musicians and Brahms drops on September 11. Keep an eye out for this one and catch it. Thank me later. <\/p>\n \nThe On a String Story<\/h2>\n
On a String Main Cast<\/h2>\n
On a String Works<\/h2>\n
The Verdict <\/h2>\n
The Trailer<\/h2>\n