BWW Reviews: MUSCLE Film Is For the Soul

It was Sondheim who wrote the memorable lyrics "Bit by bit, Putting it together...Piece by Piece-Only way to make a work of art..."

Its lyrics ring true for many artists, yet there is something rather special when you think of these lyrics in relation to actress and producer Fiona Graham.

As a viewer, there is an incredible gravitational pull when watching Fiona in action. Whether you have had the chance to see her in theater, like in her self produced one woman show "Faithfull" which documented the life of Mick Jaggers muse Marianne Faithfull, or film (Elsewhere NY, Jack Rabbit, Luna Park) her impact is inevitable.

Her authenticity and rawness as an actress is something that grabs onto a part of your soul and opens a flood of emotions. Originally from London, Fiona is making a name for herself in American entertainment as an actor and a producer, making films which not only showcase strong female characters, but also have a strong female presence behind the lens. Her latest film "Muscle" a short directed by the amazing Heidi Miami Marshall has a 50% female crew.

"I want to tell stories that explore the human experience, regardless of gender but I can't help but notice there is a space for a more female driven narrative, so muscle is part of my contribution to that."

The discussion of womens lack of equality in Hollywood has been heavily discussed through the industry sparking discussions lead by Meryl Streep, Jennifer Lawrence and Lena Dunham. Yet, having ran a production company in London and having had a film screen at BAFTA, Fiona is no stranger to the challenges of working as a women within the film industry.

"Statistically women have fewer jobs in the film industry yet women are half the population buying tickets at the movie theaters. So I think it's important to represent women both on screen and in the work place.But brilliantly with stronger communities forming globally the movement is rich in support, network and connections. The climate is shifting as will the stories and films as a result. It's very exciting!"

The beauty of Muscle comes from each carefully placed shot. The stillness and the abandonment of the surrounding world seems to enhance the fragility of the characters whose world is so very private the viewer cannot help but feel like a voyeur. Muscle tackles the difficulties of disease within a marriage. The short centers around Amanda (Graham) whose past comes back to taunt her as she struggles to take care of her bedridden husband Craig (Marc Menchaca).

Muscle films executive producer, legendary filmmaker Frank Oz (Little Shop of Horrors, What about Bob, The Score) jumped on board after reading the script and talking with Marshall.

"Heidi's mature grasp of cinematic storytelling, her eye for framing, the revealing of information only when it's needed, her trust of silence, her understanding of dramatic pacing, the wonderful nuance and restraint in her work with the actors- all this has given her movie a compelling European esthetic. This was her vision she'd expressed to me when I'd first read the script and she has stood by her vision to the very last frame of this sublime film."said Oz.

Muscle Film will be playing at both the Greenwich International Film Festival and Soho International Film Festival.

Greenwich International Film Festival (Greenwich, Connecticut)
Thursday June 9 @ 4:15 pm
Sunday June 12 @ 4:30 pm
click here for tickets

Soho International Film Festival
Saturday June 11 @ 1:40pm
Village East Cinema (East Village, New York City)
click here for tickets

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