Hello Lonesome, heartbreak and touching performances ***  3 Stars

By: Jennifer Huber

Hello Lonesome, what is it about being lonely?

HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) 7/24/2010 – “I can’t wait to see how audiences react to Hello Lonesome because it was created to challenge hearts and minds, while making us laugh at the same time, “ says writer-director Adam Reid.

There are three stories at the heart of Hello Lonesome.   One story centers on Bill, a bachelor voice-over artist who harbors deep regrets for having been a lousy father to his now adult daughter.  Another story follows, Eleanor, a widow who sees her last ounce of freedom, and reminder of her husband, taken away when she loses her driver’s license and can no longer drive her beloved car.  The third story follows a young couple as they begin their relationship, after having met online.

“The third story is the most personal to me” says Reid. “It was inspired by my sister Lisa, who was in her 30s when she met a guy online and then shortly after discovered she had advanced breast cancer.  I was overwhelmed with mixed feelings about their situation.  Making this film has been an awesome way to explore that and tell my sister’s story at the same time.”

The film pulls off a fantastic exploration of character.  Through all their quirks and faults, the characters connect with the audience.   Each character embodies his or her own battle with loneliness and combats or copes with that feeling.

The role of Eleanor, played by Lynn Cohen, was created for the actress.  “She is so young at heart that I thought it would be wonderful to see her in a romantic role,” says Reid. “ I also wanted to create a strong independent female character so her journey would have to be peppered with the indignities of old age.  I think I’ll always have a part for Lynn Cohen.  In that way she’s my Uma Thurman”

At times heartbreaking but never dull, Hello Lonesome really shines in its breakout performances and touching storylines.

Hello Lonesome

Running time:  91 minutes

Los Angeles Film Festival winner, award for Best Ensemble Performance in the Narrative Competition

http://www.hellolonesome.com/