Film Review – The Integrity of Joseph Chambers

Two years ago, writer/director Robert Machoian made a wonderful impression with “The Killing of Two Lovers.” A haunting study of jealousy and fears, the movie established the helmer’s interests in spare filmmaking, holding on to moments for lengthy periods of screen time, introducing unusual tension to scenes. There was also an unnerving understanding of human behavior, giving the picture an involving sense of psychological erosion. Machoian returns to the screen with “The Integrity of Joseph Chambers,” which reunites him with actor Clayne Crawford, reteaming for another study of emotional frailty. For “The Integrity of Joseph Chambers,” Machoian keeps things simple on the outside, detailing an afternoon hunting excursion for a man trying to get a firmer grasp on his masculinity. The experience doesn’t go as planned, and the feature observes such misfortune with a sharp understanding of reaction and thought, giving Crawford room to act in a slow-burn but riveting study of panic. Read the rest at Blu-ray.com