Trapped (1999) User Reviews (9)

Trapped is the perfect example of what independent filmmaking is all about.

[manateefilms · 8/10 · 22 July 2001]

TRAPPED is the perfect example of what independent filmmaking is all about.

Great story line, well developed characters, and a twisting plot that drives the film forward. Robert Mann, (writer-director-star) has produced an insightful drama that embraces faulty human frailties, (greed, lust, and love), exposing these painful illusions of mankind.

The title, TRAPPED, encompasses not only the characters, but also the audience. By shooting the film in basically one location, Mr. Mann allows the audience to experience what his characters are feeling, claustrophobic and imprisoned. This helps us (audience) feel empathy and identify with its characters, especially Troy, the films' anti-hero.

The film begins with an ex-con, (Troy), holding the judge who sent him to prison, hostage in his own home. But that's just the beginning. When Troy arrives to rob the judge of a large bank withdraw, he catches him raping a prostitute, (Paradise), the charge Troy was innocently convicted of...so he says.

But the theme is much deeper than the obvious "trappings." Not only is the judge TRAPPED in his home, but also in a private bizarre sexual existence. The beautiful Paridise, played to perfection by Teresa Gilmore, too is TRAPPED, in a life that she has "given up a long time ago." Then there's Troy, fighting the conflicting truths of his moral character, while trying to survive in a tainted judicial system.

As the story unfolds, other characters are introduced, each TRAPPED in their own self inflicted existence. Rene Featherstone gives a brilliant performance as the judges emotionally unstable wife, Athena.

TRAPPED is the kind of film that leaves you emotionally stunned and thinking. And thats what interesting filmmaking should do.

Very Cool Indi Film

[mocking_birdman · 8/10 · 19 December 2006]

I saw this film a few years ago at a film festival and thought it was a cool low budget indi drama. Basically, it's a story about revenge between an ex convict and the judge who sent him to prison. Most of the story all takes place in the Judge's house (I guess they didn't have a lot of money)over a weekend. I thought the story was very interesting and kept my attention, even though it was all happening at one location. The director/writer kept the story moving with twists and turns. Just when you started to want something to happen, it did. It reminded me a lot of the film TAPE, although Tape dragged a bit at times. The cinematography was very good and the acting decent. Teresa Gilmore is totally hot and did a great job as the prostitute. Robert Mann, who played Troy, (the director & writer) has skill as an actor and had some solid moments, especially when confronting the judge. Chris Valenti was not only sleazy but funny as Troy's brother Peter. This film is a cool indi film that I would advise seeing if you can find it.

An intense and engaging film, filled with surprises.

[lwoz · 8/10 · 7 December 2001]

A respectable work by Robert Mann, who displays fine acting and directing abilities. Intelligently written with a well-developed story line, it leaves one thinking about its layers and complexities long after it's over. It serves up much more than you'd expect from a standard action/crime drama.

A must see.

[karlchampley1 · 6 December 2001]

A great job by this filmmaker/actor Robert Mann. A good story without the usual special effects. It is one of those films that takes you on a rollercoaster ride. It is great to walk out of a screening such as this and still be affected by it.

A thriller with great artistic integrity all around!!!

[Gmann223 · 10/10 · 25 July 2001]

They just don't make films like this anymore. Robert Mann as first time Director (he also stars and Wrote the bloody thing!!!),is a true find.This kind of talent just does not appear in Hollywood anymore.He is at once creative,smart,funny,sensitvie and commercial.I want to see more of ROBERT MANN!!!

Worth Watching...

[myloangirl · 8/10 · 27 July 2007]

This film is definitely worth watching. Since this was a small independent film I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but what a surprise... it delivers an edgy, thought-provoking story line and passionate performances from all angles. Robert Mann - writer/director/actor - does a great job at humanizing some of the different aspects of societal 'taboos' and in turn creates an essence of empathy and intrigue as the characters develop. Ardent talent at its core.

The journey this film takes you on is anything but predictable...just when you think you've got it figured out...things happen...go see this film!

Amazing!

[jaydillen · 10/10 · 8 September 2007]

With a low budget in hand Robert Mann really did an excellent job putting together this piece. Great plot, actors, directors, and starring in a film writing it and directing it must be pretty difficult. I look forward to see other films by Robert Mann! Man once someone steps up to the plate and provides Robert with major funds I feel he will be unstoppable, maybe even the next Spielberg! If you have not watched this film I highly recommend it! Also check out The Pumpkin Karver as well! Make it a Blockbuster Robert Mann night! Pick up The Pumpkin Karver, a bag of popcorn, and an icy coca-cola and your set for an evening of FUN!

J

Great film!

[Danihum · 10/10 · 4 August 2007]

I recently saw a screening of this film, and I was really impressed by what was done on such a small budget. For one, the story was very original and kept you intrigued the whole time. Also, practically the whole film takes places in one home, yet the film contains drama, suspense, and romance. My favorite character was Paradise, played by Teresa Gilmore. She had an excellent script to work with, but she really have heart to her character. It would be easy to play a stereotypical "hooker in distress" but Paradise seemed like a real woman. My favorite scene was the bathroom scene when Troy and her first start interacting! This film is definitely worth taking a look at if you are interested in character driven stories, and good independent films. I would also recommend this film to film students--to teach them to aim high and work hard to make a great film, no matter how few resources you have. Robert Mann is a talented writer and director, and there is no arguing that all of his films are worth checking out!

This is horrible.....

[mobunit · 7 March 2002]

This film is being praised by the people who made it. That is horrible.

At least give it an honest review. This is basically like a crappy version of 'Albino Alligator' and even that film wasn't too great.

I (an honest person who actually saw the film, but did not participate in making it) saw this film at a film festival and thought it looked pretty cool, judging from the posters and what not. I met the director, he was a nice guy, but a little full of himself, as proved in his own review of his film. The film wasn't a bad effort and I don't want to criticize it too much because it is independent, but I just think that it could have been done better.

The plot seemed like it was written by a 6th grader. The judge is caught doing the same thing he wrongfully accused someone else of doing?

Cheesy! The acting.....I'm sorry, but it was really bad. It is all set in one very dull, very badly lit location. It just seems like this guy had somewhat of a budget and willing actors, that he could have at least made something entertaining. All I can say is I really support independent films, but this could have been better, it was trying too hard to have an audience-acceptable plot. Be raw, create something original and you'll be fine.