First Snow

While it does attempt to tackle some significant questions in a blatant manner, “First Snow” is an engaging little thriller with somewhat farfetched ideas. Is it possible to change the course of our lives by changing our behaviors or are we doomed from the start either way, we only get what we decide? In trying to manage our future is the aim so that we can avoid being dragged to the never-ending spiral of despair that the modern world has to offer?

Its clear that the writer is delving into more intriguing themes than just how “First Snow” works. This short film is an intriguing watch, but is polarising in its reception. One thing I can say with surity is that Mark Fergus managed to capture the world’s warrior amongst us. The themes are meshed together into mild criticism of world moralities, whilst praising the flaws of the contemporary society.

The quick-talking salesman type is masterfully incorporated into the film much like the characters in a David Mamet play suggesting “First Snow” is a curatorial reflection of self-made men and karma. But, that observation is only partially correct. This piece is a suspenseful thriller that constructs it’s heartland “Appointment in Samarra” over deeply unnerving visuals. The overall tone of the piece is complemented by Cliff Martinez’s spare, shivering guitar score. Mr. Fergus and his partner in crime, Hawk Ostby, were a part of the writing crew for “Children of Men.” Their dialogue may not have the Mr. Mamet mastery, but it does offer an empty, sinister glimpse into the perspective of a make-shift salesman. However, it is not the only piece of work that captures the cheery tone. Their dialogue daftly encapsulated the cheery tone of salesmen on the make.

In a region swamped with fake adobe homes, Jimmy, a gaunt, sweaty man with rat-eyes and greasy shoulder long hair, is accompanied by his girlfriend, Deirdre (Piper Perabo). In the initial scenes of the movie, he fires his protégé Andy (Rick Gonzalez) for skimming money off the top, a practice that Jimmy himself thought him. Along with that, he also shunned any talks of moving to Taos with Deirdre a role that was severely underwritten.

One day, when Jimmy is waiting for his car, he strolls over to a trailer with a signboard, which is advertising a $10 fortunetelling, so he decides it is worth the gamble. When he gives J.K. Simmons’s character, Vacaro, the grumpy and somber fortuneteller, a ten dollar bill, all he wanted was for Vacaro to predict the outcome of a basketball game, to which he confidently answered ‘the New Mexico Wolves will win’. That is highly improbable since the player on the New Mexico Wolves team has already been injured, and to make matters worse, Vacaro then goes on to say that a lot of money will come from Dallas, but, of course, Jimmy doesn’t have an acquaintance in Dallas.

After all this nonsense from Vacaro, he has a seizure. After regaining consciousness, he forces Jimmy to take back his money. Even after all this, Jimmy brushes the incident off until Surprising the New Mexico Wolves win and then, all of a sudden, he gets extra support for his jukebox company from some guy in Dallas.

While in shock, Jimmy drives back to the trailer and while holding Vacaro at gunpoint, he asks him what brought on the seizure.

He tiredly states, after a period of silence, “There will not be more roads or tomorrows, but you’ll be secure until the first snow.”

The radio has started to warn about severe blizzards, and with winter drawing nearer Jimmy begins to break down. The landscape reflects a heavy foreboding, along with the blizzard. His mental state is accompanied by the terrifying phone messages suggesting that Jimmy is being targeted and the threats he is receiving in the mail.

It becomes clear that Andy has marked him as his target, or maybe it’s Vince, his childhood friend. He has recently been released from prison for a money laundering that they both conned. As a means to avoid jail time, Jimmy betrayed him and his friend.

As Jimmy’s paranoia heightens, he becomes enveloped by guilt and struggling to search for answers. There does seem to be a turning point for him, that’s when the movie dips into the realm of horror, but it still remains entrapped within the inner turmoil of his thoughts. And alas, the softer side of “Touched by an Angel,” is exposed, but he remains dry.

“First Snow” has been marked R (or requires an adult guardian if under the age of 17). Various themes from violence, sexual situations and even strong language are present.

The film is directed by Mark Fergus who also produced it along with Bryan Furst, Sean Furst, Tom Lassally, Robyn Meisinger and Bob Yari. The photography is done by Eric Alan Edwards. Cliff Martinez does the music, Jay Cassidy does the editing, and Devorah Herbert is the production designer. It was distributed by Yari Films. In NY, it was shown in Landmark’s Sunshine Cinema at 139, 143 E Houston St. East Village. The total duration of the film is 101 minutes.

Starring: Guy Pearce (Jimmy Starks), William Fichtner (Eb), Piper Perabo (Deirdre), J K Simmons (Vacaro), Jackie Burroughs (Maggie), Shea Whigham (Vincent).

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