Confess (2005)

Computers have certainly proven to be one of the most all pervasive developments in thousands of years. They have altered the way we communicate, work and relax. One of the lesser impacts is how computer technology has changed the time honored film genre of the thriller/mystery. In those dim days before every household had at least one personal computer personal secrets in films were revealed by opening a letter or breaking into a safety deposit bow or safe. Now, the hacker has become the focal point of such plot lines. This person who has a genius for breaking into a computer and extracting secrets or setting up cameras to record clandestine escapades has become the low rent spy of the new millennium. We now longer need the rumpled private detective hiding in the shadows near some seedy motel to get the embarrassing photos. Now a guy sitting in his own room can just hack into a computer or two and have all the necessary fodder for a thriving little blackmail and extortion career. Of course the main character in the film, ‘Confess’, is a little bit more proactive but the fundamental concept holds. While cloaked in the guise of new social activism this film offers up a reasonably well done thriller. Sure, the film has its flaws but it does provide an entertaining time. This alone is something more than a lot of such films can state.

As the film opens we hear the narrator speaking about the possible means of social protest. There are means that range from signing a petition to the million man match in Washington quitting your corporate job to teach poor child. He continues that this is all brainwashing, that the little guy can make a difference. He voices the conclusion that the establishment must come face to face with the barrel of a gun. We then see a masked man holding a gun over the sleeping form of Roger Lampert (William Sadler). The masked man ties Lampert naked to a chair and forces him to speak into a digital camera. The scene shifts to a press conference where a communication major, Olivia Averill (Ali Larter) is discussing the recording made with Lampert. She announces the Confess Project, to give a voice to regular people via the internet. It turns out that the masked man was Terrell Lessor (Eugene Byrd). A few years ago he was a hacker revered by others in than clandestine community and wanted by the authorities. After years of living underground he returns and visits (by means of breaking and entering) his mother Agnes (Melissa Leo). Lessor proceeds to take on a series of menial jobs knowing that his talents would soon make a major impact on society. As a youth he was always the best in the class, winner of every conceivable award. One job is fixing computers for whining brats and corporate jerks. Since his people skills are no where near those of his computer expertise he is soon fired and locked out of his place. At one time he was at the verge of becoming an internet billionaire and turned down full rides at the best schools. When he dreams evaporated due to a fast move by his partner, Lessor was left bitter and disillusioned.

He returns home to mom only to find that she was fired with two weeks notice after 14 years. He tapes her story of how the corporation she worked for basically shafted her and others like her. He goes to Mom’s former boss and installs a hidden web cam. Lessor discovers that one pretty young woman finds a more carnal means of keeping her job and Lessor has it recorded. A plan begins to ferment. Lessor will get back at all the people who he feels betrayed him. Lessor gets a job with is old associate, Greg Lanser (Glenn Fitzgerald) who introduces him to Averill. She is enthralled by the video Lessor posted of the boss and secretary on the web. Averill is also ambitious, well connected and in search of a thesis that will make her career. Meanwhile Lessor takes to wearing a hidden camera and microphone to capture less than stellar moments of corporate America. With his job as a system security person he gains access to the computers and information he needs to further his plans. Unaware of whom the hacker with the web videos is Averill encourages him not known he works in the same building as she does. Naturally, things soon get out of control as some very high level secrets are revealed on the internet.

This is the freshmen effort for writer-director Stefan C. Schaefer. The screenplay won for best script at the Hamptons International Film Festival in 2005. Here he combines a good old fashion revenge flick with the potential for using the internet for a novel form of social activism. The film is well paced although the teaser begins is a little disjointed. It does tie in by the conclusion but the scenes provide little to kick off the film. Schaefer grows the story organically, providing realistic motivations for the actions of the characters. There are little touches that help this along. A major part of why Lessor is seeking revenge is his mother. Her getting fired and a little shot of her clipping coupons gives the audience a sense of understanding him. Lessor is not a bad guy, just one who was pushed too many times and now sees his mother as an innocent victim. In contrast the motives of Averill are self aggrandizement. She wants to make a splash with her thesis and really doesn’t consider or care about the repercussions. Schaefer is embarking a career with great promise and I look forward to his future projects.

As with many independent films this one has a cast that combines familiar faces with ones you may never have seen before. Eugene Byrd is somewhere between those two cases. He has been a staple on television series for years now including a recurring role in Heroes with Larter, his co-star here. Byrd offers a sensitive performance full of nuance and depth. He allows the audience to sympathize with Lessor even if they can’t fully agree with his actions. His layered performance truly carries this film. Ali Larter is now moving from the beautiful piece of scenery to work that showcases her acting ability. Now she is taking on roles that allow her to show a greater emotional depth than previously. In this film she is a person that will do whatever it takes to achieve her own goals. In her role as Mother Lessor Melissa Leo gives us a gentle performance that contrasts with the quick edits and pacing of the film. She is the mother that will love her son unconditionally no matter what the police investigators may tell her.

The DVD of this film is being released by MTI Home Video. I tend to like these smaller distributors that care more about the art of cinema than big blockbusters. Most people may never have heard of this film but with its release on DVD now are able to enjoy it. For those out there without an art house near by studios like MTI provide a much needed link to fine films. This one deserves a place in your collection and is a worthy purchase.

Posted 07/22/07