Ripple Effect

Fashion designer Amer Atrash (Philippe Caland) finds his world falling apart—his company is broke, a loan falls through and his wife (Virginia Madsen) kicks him out. All of this compels him to visit the man he turned into a paraplegic 15 years earlier in a hit-and-run accident. The accident victim is portrayed by Forest Whitaker, and that alone is reason enough to watch Atrash’s spiritual journey to redemption. Nevertheless, early bouts of doubtful coherency make way for leaden scenes of philosophical speculation, all of it shot in low light and iffy sound. Whitaker, Madsen and co-star Minnie Driver co-executive produced this not very good-looking vanity production by writer/director/star Caland.

Shelf Talk: Ripple Effect’s star power is considerable, so play it up. Whitaker has a solid following (the recently released Vantage Point pulled in $72 million at the box office despite a negative critical reception), and Madsen and Driver are indie darlings. Film festivals—Sedona, Boston, Houston, Barbados—were kind, so point out the laurels on the box. After what no doubt will be a quick tour of 40 theatrical markets, Monterey will back the DVD with online ads on YouTube, Facebook, PopMatters, Ode, Yoga Journal, Whole Life, moviefone, DVDTalk, Google and Ain’t It Cool News.