After slogging through endless short films at several film festivals this little gem caught my eye at Cinevegas. Working from an air tight script, Lambert deftly unravels the story, then just as quickly ties it back up. Like a modern day Adam and Eve, a young couple's Eden is tempted by the serpent of greed,(Maqz). The performances are top notch with Joe Holmngren's Chad discovering the depths of his devotion and Diana Harlin's Coleen, breaking your heart. Maqz, chilling played by Sean Jordan is like the spawn of Robert Taylor and Montgomery Clift. Utterly stunning with his rugged handsomeness yet horrifying in his sociopathic actions. Lambert has done the near impossible with the ending pulling off a twist that would leave Hitchcock and M. Night smiling with envy.
4 Reviews
Flawless, well-paced thriller with intense acting.
hjordan28 January 2001
I thoroughly enjoyed the combination of old-fashioned quality (i.e. a Hitchcock-type story) and contemporary characters and place in this short film. All the actors are, by turns, believably naive and evil; sometimes both at the same time. Most longer films don't have characters with this much depth. The ending is a true reward -- I didn't see it coming and appreciated it all the more.
A must see for all lovers of superb mystery and suspense!
hipbone24 January 2001
Although "How Much" pays its homages to Hitchcock, this immensely crafty little film reminded me more of a live action take on some exquisite Japanese animation. "How Much" possesses all the requisite details -- the beautiful diamond-hard Maqz with mysterious goals, his perfectly rendered gothic Los Angeles and complex plot.
I was really captivated by this piece of work! It's really a must see for anybody who loves a gem of a mystery.
The young actor who played Maqz has immense presence on the screen and has the British theatre's trademark of allowing the audience to read his thoughts through his face and in his eyes rather than leaning on the dialogue. Remarkable performance.
Remarkable film.
I was really captivated by this piece of work! It's really a must see for anybody who loves a gem of a mystery.
The young actor who played Maqz has immense presence on the screen and has the British theatre's trademark of allowing the audience to read his thoughts through his face and in his eyes rather than leaning on the dialogue. Remarkable performance.
Remarkable film.
Very Hitchcock. Intelligent and tense!
seaneboi22 January 2001
If you like Hitchcock and love character studies, then you'll love "How Much". The character of "Maqz" is a truly twisted individual, but so believably written, you buy him instantly. LA is full of crazy rich boy freaks who use ordinary people and their predicaments for their own amusement. I LOVE THE TWIST AT THE END. Never saw it coming. GREAT!!
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
