Finding Home
—For There is No Place Like It
 
 by The Blonde and The Maven
Film Columnists

 
 
 Lawrence David Foldes' critically acclaimed, award-winning feature Finding Home kicked off its national theatrical release in South Florida. (How cool is that, Florida moviegoers?) This compelling story is about Amanda, a young woman portrayed by Lisa Brenner (The Patriot and Diary of Ellen Rimbauer) and her struggles to reclaim her life and love as she unravels the mysteries of her family's turbulent past. Finding Home is truly a beautiful and poignant tale about forgiveness, reconciliation, and redemption. Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you can't escape the buried past and unanswered memories.
 
Since childhood, Amanda has been haunted by the traumatic experience of being taken away from her grandmother Esther, elegantly played by Louise Fletcher (One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest) and the beautiful bed and breakfast inn in Maine that she loved dearly. Through flashbacks of fragmented memories, the events of her childhood that tore her family apart begin to emerge. Old feelings, secrets, betrayal, and unanswered questions come to the surface which make Amanda take a deep look at her life and values. She learns the real truth about her rather cruel mother Grace, played by Jeanetta Arnette (Boy's Don't Cry), and the conflicts Grace shared with her grandmother. The one who pulls the tale and secrets all together and helps Amanda understand the truth is Katie the innkeeper, exquisitely acted by Geneviève Bujold (Anne of the Thousand Days). Amanda's current boyfriend Nick, (Johnny Messner), pushes Amanda so hard that she’s forced to confront the truth about her past best friend Dave, (Misha Collins), who she was led to believe harmed her as a child. (You can't believe everything ya hear!) Also aiding Amanda in this journey through her past is her dear friend Candace, (Sherri Saum), who has a hidden secret of her own. Oh, the webs we weave! The story unfolds like a beautiful, old-fashioned film in a modern-day way.
 
Go and see Finding Home as it might force you to take a little pause from your own life, and help YOU find YOUR own HOME!

The Blonde: Finding Home “had me at hello!” Every once in a while, a very sweet, charming, gem of a movie comes by and THIS is one of those gems. You can just sit back, stop your world and problems (what a pleasure this is) and walk into the world of this movie. It was like Prince of Tides meets The Notebook meets The Upside of Anger meets a great gothic novel. This film is intelligent, sensitive, emotional, poetically written, well edited and beautifully directed. Even the music (Titanic-esque at times) enhances each and every scene. This film dives into the complex world of all types of relationships, ranging from mothers and daughters and grandmothers to girlfriends, women and men. (It's a pleasure knowing it's not just US having do deal with problems in our relationships). Speaking of relationships, Maven, is it true, the gossip that Oprah and Stedman have a daughter?

The Maven: If it's true, she darn sure hid it well! Back to the film…Not expecting much from a film in a limited release at this time, from an independent film director and with a not quite A-list of actors, I was very close to strangling the Blonde when she told me I had less than 24 hours to see this movie, as we were going to meet the director and the producer in person for dinner. Having said that, I am happy to report that Finding Home is a gem among paste jewelry, a diamond among rhinestones, a tiara among dead weeds, a…

The Blonde: Okay! Cut it out with the metathrees and move it along!

The Maven: Fine! And the word is metaphors! All of the actors should be considered A-list, as I didn't want to leave them behind. They all brought their characters to life in such a complete way that I want to visit with them again. Do you think Genevieve Bujold really makes apple crisp?

The Blonde: No, and actually, I don't care! If she could make me a Starbucks latte to go with that apple crisp, THEN I would be interested. Only you would think about the food and miss the gorgeous scenery!

The Maven: I agree with all that, but you have to admit the food looked delicious. Speaking of food, I go to Wendy's all the time and I NEVER found anything that I could make money off of.

The Blonde: Well, you aren't clever enough to find random fingers or toes and put them in your chili! Not a bad idea that lady in Vegas pulled. That's even better than Julie Andrews (in Victor/Victoria) putting the bug in her salad!

The Maven: At least Julie picked an expensive restaurant!
                                 
The Blonde: TOUCHE! ANYWAY, I just loved Louise Fletcher in this film. It was a joy seeing her on screen again. She is simply wonderful. Lisa Brenner as Amanda was mesmerizing in each and every scene. The camera loves her. This movie will definitely promote her as a leading actress. The boyfriend brought back too many memories of too many of my bad boyfriends. Speaking of bad memories, let's talk about weddings. Ya know that accused child molester Mary K. Laterno and her young boyfriend Vili are going to be married soon? Are we invited, by the way? Instead of rice, we can throw lollipops. I don't know what is up with Camilla, when even Mary gets her wedding gown designed for her exclusively by a famous London designer, and she ain't marrying NO PRINCE (OR A GROWN-UP MAN for that matter)!

The Maven: Blonde, who are you to judge? Neither your choices in grooms nor your expensive, well-designed wedding gowns (with the exception of your first one) worked out well for you. Moving along, my favorite scene is when Amanda is reading her grandmother's diary and the room reverts slowly back in time along with the story. Now THAT was attention to detail. Everything was so beautifully done and seemed to be captured in time.

The Blonde: That aspect reminded me of the film Somewhere in Time. What was also fascinating about this film was the usage of color, scene transitions, close-ups, clever camera shots, and attention to every single detail of each scene. Furthermore, the flashbacks were done subtly so that the viewer doesn't get confused like they do with most flashbacks in a film. Ya know, Maven, it always surprises me, come Oscar time, how they nominate the Best Actors and Actresses in a category without nominating the director of the film. Actors DON'T direct themselves. I have seen great actors look bad and bad actors look good (because of the genius or lack thereof) because of the director. Which brings me to my point…

The Maven: OH, PLEASE DO GET TO IT!

The Blonde: Director Lawrence Foldes brought the very best performances out of each person in the cast (INCLUDING THE DOG)! His sensitive, hands-on directing was very obvious. Well done!  

The Maven: I have to mention the dog, as well. So many movies lately have been unkind to dogs (possibly because we have been seeing a lot of horror films), that it was such a pleasure to see a nice family dog behaving well. No Cujo-like craziness, no zombie scariness, and no serial killers doing away with a little girl's best friend. I must add that Grace was a SERIOUS WITCH!

The Blonde: I know! She reminded me so much of my mothers-in-law!  

The Maven: AND MY MOTHER!

The Blonde:  This film really milks the secrets of the storyline, so don't be in any hurry to find the missing puzzle pieces. It does turn out to be a terrific puzzle, however. Mav, didn't you just love the location of this film and the inn? I want to go there this summer and hang.

The Maven: I want to go there too, but not with you…

The Blonde: OUCH! OUCH! OUCH!

The Maven: I’m just kidding! However, Blonde, since the inn in the movie (in reality) is a private home, I think the owner may deny us a room, but I am sure you still will give it a try. I was happy to see Jason Miller (Lester Brownlow) in his last film role. I loved him in The Exorcist and The Ninth Configuration. I like his son, the hunky actor Jason Patric, as well. I heard Jason Miller died onstage rehearsing for a summer play, May 13, 2004.

The Blonde: THAT IS SO SAD!  I too have died onstage many a times. (ba-dum-dump!) Moving right along, Finding Home had CLOSURE! CLOSURE! CLOSURE! Note to readers, by now you know how much I don't like having to finish the ending of a film on my way home. This film (thank goodness) does it for us and does it COMPLETELY…

The Maven: Yes, there is closure, but I extremely enjoyed getting to know these characters that I just wanted to spend more time with them…ESPECIALLY THE DOG! Since I liked this film SO MUCH, I won't strangle the Blonde (THIS TIME). Some movies you don't want to end and this is one of them. I rate this film a solid B+ for its brilliant writing, breathtaking cinematography, beguiling acting and bewitching music.

The Blonde:  Bewitching…??? Yes, it was magical, but do you see Samantha Stevens anywhere in this film?

The Maven: NO! And yes, Bewitching… I needed a B word and I already used Beautiful! Bewitching means alluring, the music was alluring.

The Blonde: Well, SOMETIMES, MAVEN, YOU JUST BEWILDER ME! In closing, this film can teach us all a lesson or two about not judging or jumping to conclusions unless we know the whole picture. I do feel this is more of a girl's day out film. However, if a man is sensitive and romantic, then he too will enjoy this relationship/love story. I too rate it a B+. For your snacking pleasure, I suggest some popcorn and Sweet Tarts, since this film has both emotions running through it. P.S.  you WON'T need to bring Kleenex.

The Maven: Ya wanna go to Wendy's?

The Blonde: Okay, you got my thumbs up!

The Blonde and The Maven Sit Down with
Finding Home Director Lawrence Foldes
and Producer Victoria Paige Meyerink

Wow, two of the nicest, most talented, and humble people we have ever had the pleasure of meeting are Lawrence Foldes, director/writer (Malibu High) and his beautiful wife and producer Victoria Paige Meyerink, which once again proves the old adage, “The bigger they are, the nicer they are!” Finding Home, just released (the multi-Festival-award winning film), marks the 20th anniversary of this filmmaking duo. Foldes not only directed this film, but co-wrote it, along with Grafton Harper. This charming film was a five-year labor of love. Foldes (better known for his action films), wanted to do a film that says and means something and would give a positive message to his fans. The film came at about the most turbulent time in the filmmakers’ lives. Victoria, a child star in her own right, was diagnosed with a serious brain tumor which is thankfully now under control. This brave and talented film producer has unfortunately learned and wants people to understand that, when it comes to medical decisions, you have choices. Don't be so scared that you immediately go with the first doctor's opinions. After this most frightening experience, Lawrence learned that he didn't want his professional legacy of films to be all fluff and no substance. He wanted to make films that would touch people lives, hearts and souls. The team truly wants to make their MARK in a way that would make a difference.
 
The Blonde and The Maven asked this very special film team some personal questions. For those of you who aspire to a career in films, you may want to read carefully…

Blonde & Maven: Lawrence, how did you get started in directing?

Lawrence: It sounds silly, but when I was a child, my grandfather—who only spoke Hungarian—used to take me to several films each week and ask me to translate. When I didn't like the way the story was written, I would simply make up my own storyline. I would tell the story my way. That is when I KNEW that I would spend my life in the film business.

B&M: What film are you MOST proud of?

Lawrence: Well of course, Finding Home and also Young Warriors.

B&M: How did you both meet?

Victoria: At an awards program!

B&M: What inspired you to write this film?

Lawrence: Victoria and I teach film classes each summer. One day, a student came up to me with the initial shell of this story. We really liked it and that inspired the rest of the story to come about.

B&M: What film venture will you do next?

Victoria and Lawrence: We are still contemplating it, but either a story I am writing called Shifting Sands or a remake of Malibu High.
 
B&M: Who was the most difficult to cast in Finding Home?

Victoria and Lawrence: The house (the bed and breakfast inn) and location. It took six months looking for the perfect location. Other than that, the grandmother was originally cast with Ann Margaret, until she had an accident.

B&M: What is your approach to directing?

Lawrence: I used to believe in story-boarding every scene. I found, however, that it was limiting and I felt too locked in. It never seemed to match up on location anyway. Now, I get with the actors at a rehearsal table, reading lines and feelings. Then, I just let the actors show me what THEY feel and let them do their own thing. After that, I simply adjust. You must trust your actors. I don't even care if they strictly stick to the script, as long as they give the emotion and honesty. I also put an animal in all my films and a child, if it is written. Children and animals are the easiest to direct, as they are natural, honest and without ego. They display raw emotions.

B&M: How do you feel when a critic doesn't like your work?

Lawrence and Victoria: It hurts, but people have different tastes and you can't please everyone. You just do your best work and please yourself.

B&M: What would you like to tell us?

Lawrence: The more I have experienced and gone through in my life—such as relationships, growing up and pain—the better I have become as a director. Victoria's illness has made me realize what is important in life.

Victoria: I have come to realize that making films is about collaboration and team effort. When I produce a film, I like having a family type of atmosphere. On the set of Finding Home, the whole cast and crew would stop every night and watch the beautiful sunsets.

B&M: You're on a roll, please continue!

Lawrence: Filmmaking is a gift, and we have a choice of what we do. We can make a superficial film that says nothing and sells popcorn or we can make a difference and make a film that says something and has meaning. I want my films to change people in a positive way. We can effect people emotionally and communicate important messages. We hope this film can correct and promote the mending of relationships of our viewers. Ten years ago, I would have just said, “I like films that just let me blow up things!” As you can see, life has taught me valuable lessons.

Victoria: I want to CONTRIBUTE and bring a positive light into people's lives.
 
B&M: Favorite film?

Lawrence: Doctor Zhivago.

Victoria: Cinema Paradesio.

B&M: Last question. What directors inspired you coming up?

Lawrence:  Well, just to name a few, Franklin Shaffner, David Lear, I think Sidney Pollack is underrated, George Roy Hill, Sam Peckinpah and Don Seigel.

So there you have it, movie fans. Finding Home is a touching, heartfelt, honest and stunningly crafted MUST-SEE FILM. After all, home IS where the HEART is! Victoria and Lawrence strongly believe in contributing and giving back, so a portion of the film's proceeds will be donated to fund further research at the New England Gamma Knife Center at Rhode Island Hospital.
 
 
 
PHOTO IDS
 
1.  Shara Rosayn (“The Maven”), Victoria Paige Meyerink, Lawrence Foldes and Robin Roth (“The Blonde”)
 
 
 

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