If you could only see one movie this film festival, you would do well to ensure it is the latest creation from Rob Morrow.

Maze is a wonderful film packed with a variety of emotions and issues that simply make you want to keep watching.

Some may label it as merely a modern-day, trendy romance, but it is much more than that.

Not only is it beautifully photographed and well directed, but it succeeds in tackling the issues around one of society's least discussed illnesses, Tourette's Syndrome.

By clever camera work and the use of everyday scenarios that everyone can relate to, it successfully portrays the embarrassments and practical problems caused by the neurological disorder, which results in involuntary, sudden movements or words.

Be it out on a date, in a cafe, at work, or even just talking to people in the street, Tourette's does not go away and seems to strike when sufferers least want, or expect, it.

But it is so cleverly done in Maze that at times you begin to understand what suffering from Tourette's means, and see it through the eyes of the sufferer.

Artist Lyle Maze (played by Morrow) has Tourette's Syndrome, as well as a huge crush on his best friend's girlfriend Kalli (played by Laura Linney of Truman Show fame).

When Kalli's boyfriend Mike (Craig Sheffer) leaves and goes off to Africa for seven months, it is the understanding and ever-patient, loyal friend Lyle she turns to.

But when she discovers she is carrying her boyfriend's baby, Lyle has to come to terms with his growing love for the girl he is not supposed to have.

Torn between his desire to be a loving husband to Kalli and doting dad to her soon-to-arrive child, and the wish to remain loyal to his friend, troubled Lyle is thrown into a whirlwind of emotions.

And coupled with his frustrations brought on by Tourette, the artist must face up to the problems before him.

But amid sensuous paintings and sculptures, the use of striking colours, and superb camera angles, the heartwarming story of the real beauty of friendship, and love, unfolds.

Rob Morrow, who directed, wrote and produced the film, is probably best known to Bermudian audiences for his portrayal of Dr. Joel Fleischman in the television series Northern Exposure, for which he received two Golden Globes and three Emmy award nominations.

But more recently, he appeared opposite Randy Quaid and Paul Sorvino in The Thin Blue Line shown on Showtime.

His film roles also include Quiz Show, Mother, and The Last Dance opposite Sharon Stone.

Maze premiered at the AFI international Film Festival, receiving the special jury prize for direction and subsequently at the Fort Lauderdale Film Festival, for which he received the Independent Spirit award for directing.

That is hardly surprising because the film is good. It would hardly be surprising if it ran away with an award in Bermuda as well.

Maze is showing at the Liberty Theatre tonight at 6 p.m. and at the Little Theatre at 9 p.m. on Monday.

A-maze-ing: Rob Morrow, left, and Laura Linney star in Maze.

BIFF MOVIES MPC