Photo courtesy of Brian Douglas

 

'I'm Just Saying' Brings College to DVD

 

By: Laura Hoffstetter

 

Published: 04/12/2011

 

Have you ever seen a movie about college and watched in disgust as it describes college as something completely opposite than what it really is? Well, that is not this movie.

Brian Douglas, the director of the movie, “I’m Just Saying” based it off of his same-titled novel which describes college situations exactly as they happen.

The movie started as a project for class, but turned into so much more. Receiving several awards, such as the Gold Kahuna Award for Excellence in Filmmaking, Director’s Choice-Bronze Medal for Excellence, Feature Films Finalist, Honorable Mention Winner, Best Supporting Actress Nomination and Best Supporting Actor Nomination.

“I’m Just Saying” is a movie filled with comedy about five college friends who follow the hypocrisies of society.

The movie stars Jen Bailey (Eden), Leigh Dunham (Sylvia), Michael Galvez (Rene), Eric Lewis (Sky) and Rhiann Woodyard (Tyler). Although not a professional filmmaker, Douglas has a passion for writing and making movies.

In hopes of following his dream, Douglas left his full-time job, bought a Mac to do the editing and found current students and college graduates to cast in the film.

Being young and out of college, Douglas knew the struggles and experiences of college students. The conversations consisted of relationships, religion and drinking.

Sky and Eden flirt throughout the entire film, trying to rekindle the passion that once existed in the relationship. In doing so, they make scenes awkward, but it does not stop them from continuing to flirt.

Rene and Sylvia spend the entirety of the movie flirting with the potential that exists in their friendship.

There is one scene in particular in which they are all having conversations about their beliefs regarding religion. While everyone tries to explain their beliefs, Eden sits there in disbelief, questioning everything that is said.

Being a movie about college, there is alcohol present in most of the scenes, whether they are simply sitting around on the front porch or just hanging out.

These were just three of the things that made the movie feel much more realistic and easier to relate to as situations that truly happen in the life of college students.

“The main message [I am trying to portray] is that movies can tackle topics that are normally taboo in films, such as politics, religion and sexuality. I tried to show differing sides to unique beliefs, two sides to the story, and at the time, I wanted the conversations to be provocative while being warm-spirited, comedic and challenging,” said Douglas.

Douglas wrote the book first in order to know the characters in depth. This helped him to create a more successful film. However, now that he finished the movie, there are some minor changes he plans on making to the book before getting it out on the shelves.

I certainly recommend the film to everyone who enjoys movies about a bunch of college kids who are having a good time trying to express themselves.