Getting in Touch Again With ‘Blue Skies’

In March 1997 the American Cinematheque’s Alternative Screen presented Gregory Ruzzin’s remarkable “Blue Skies Are a Lie,” and gratifyingly it has returned for a regular run at the Monica 4-Plex, starting today. Small, independent films like “Blue Skies” all-too-easily get lost in the shuffle, but those who seek out this picture may be surprised at the emotional wallop it packs.

In this modestly budgeted but highly accomplished film, Keith Brunsmann, who has a commanding, intense presence, plays Joseph, a once-successful international photojournalist who one day recorded one atrocity too many for his psyche. As a result, he has holed himself up in his second-floor Los Angeles apartment for seven years, systematically recording from the media how the human race is destroying itself. He’s also popping pills for his various ailments, including epilepsy.

Recently, however, he has been responding to what appears to be his only human contact, his mail carrier, Robyn (radiant Julie Moses), a pretty, vivacious young woman. In struggling to master stand-up comedy, Robyn finds herself opening up to life’s possibilities, outgrowing her sweet-natured, handsome but not especially imaginative live-in boyfriend (Matthew Sheehan) and becoming intrigued with the clearly brilliant but damaged Joseph. What happens next is tremendously touching and thoroughly captivating.

* Unrated. Times guidelines: The film has complex, adult themes.

‘Blue Skies Are a Lie’

Keith Brunsmann: Joseph

Julie Moses: Robyn

Matthew Sheehan: Rob

Pamela Wedner: Mrs. Roxner

A Nine by Nine presentation. Writer-director Gregory Ruzzin. Producer Wade W. Danielson. Cinematographer David Garden. Running time: 1 hour, 37 minutes.

* At the Monica 4-Plex, 1332 2nd St., Santa Monica, (310) 394-9741.