by Leslie M. Estrada
Staff Writer
Last Tuesday, the screening of the motion picture, “In Too Deep” was shown at La Fetra Auditorium as part of the Intermediate Video Production class, taught by Don Pollock, associate professor of communications
The objective of the screening for Pollock’s class was to go in depth on the roles taken by each character, dialogue, plot and content of the story, according to how the director presented the film.
Aside from the graphic violence used for entertainment value (as well as illustrating the intensity of the point being made), the movie depicted how difficult it is to ‘act out’ one’s job, being aware at all times what role must be taken.
“In Too Deep,” starring L.L. Cool J, Omar Epps and Nia Long is about an undercover police officer, Jay Reed, whose job is to be involved with a multi-million drug operation that later, controls his mind as well as his emotions.
The cocaine-involved case was run by antagonist L.L. Cool J, street alias ‘God,’ which is recognized as the most notorious dealer in the business of narcotics.
Soon after affiliating with the members in the business, he finds himself hard to focus on what side he is on.
Other than a girlfriend and a separate life of his own, he also has to witness murders and listens to confessions about the crimes being committed.
In short, the question is, should he eventually be led to a life of crime along side of ‘God’ on the streets, or maintain himself in the profession of an undercover police officer?
Emily Hunter, a junior and one of the audience members, commented on the film.
“I thought it was interesting because there aren’t many movies that show that particular side [the dilemma of having to shrug off emotions while working] of an undercover cop,” said Hunter.
Along with the screening of the movie last Tuesday, director Michael Rymer spoke to the class on behalf of the film last Thursday.
Gayane Gradzhyan, a freshman, was surprised on her impression of the director.
“He wasn’t what I expected,” said Gradzhyan. “It’s just really shocking to find a young Australian director working on a film full of violence and from the ghetto.”
Junior Leah Sahagun also had an interesting encounter with what Rymer had to say on the film.
“He gave insight to the movie-making industry and how to go up the ladder of business in film,” said Sahagun. “He was more of an easygoing director than what I would presume other directors to be like.”
Rymer also gave some advice toward his position as a director and what makes a good film in the end through a long process.
According to students, Rymer felt it was a different experience for him doing a movie with a background different from what he knew.
Other than experiencing new things through the film, he also gave insight to students, with regards to working with the writer of the script.
“As long as you stick to the script and try to avoid drastic changes, the writer as well as the director work well together,” said Rymer.
This movie is rated R. It is available on video and DVD.
Leslie M. Estrada
