Friday, September 12, 2014
Michael Allen
Director/writer: Don Thacker.
Cast: Jeffrey Combs, Adrian DiGiovanni, Danielle Doetsch.
Don Thacker's sophomore feature film deals with a very depressed man. This semi-hermit lives a life of complete solitude, until his television, Kent, breaks down. Yes, the protagonist has named his television. Then, the film seems to scatter all over the place, with Thacker experimenting with story ideas. The story is not very cohesive as Ian (Adrian DiGiovanni) wanders around the same set over and over again. Minor characters are introduced throughout the film, but this is a film about Ian. This is also a film in which Ian dialogues with the camera and the viewer, while breaking the fourth wall. Motivational Growth offers a few interesting narrative ideas, but nothing feels fleshed out.
In the story, Ian is a desperate man. He is living a lonely life, in a disgusting apartment. He stares at the television blankly. It quickly becomes apparent that Ian is depressed and he shows very little drive. He talks of the world and the dangers outside. Ian is also focused on killing himself. So, where is the danger? Is it external or internal? Overall, Ian is a confused man, without direction. The next ninety minutes are littered with a couple grisly murders and a few awkward conversations as one man desperately searches for a purpose; that purpose is never found.
The story is the film's weakest element. The story takes a look at Ian's reality. Is he dialoguing from the grave? Is he delusional? Or, is Ian experiencing a hallucinogen? There are lots of possibilities here. However, Thacker never sticks with one story idea. Instead, he explores lots of possibilities and none of them are satisfying, because of the film's diffusion. The only story elements that can be discerned include Ian's struggle with loneliness and his desire to reach out. Ian never seems to overcome his self-torment and his sad state persists long into the film.
The protagonist's monologues with the camera are unusual. It is rare for a character to engage with the viewer. But, the narrative, from Ian, draws the viewer into the story. Ian introduces the watcher to his desperate situation and his impractical solution. This story-telling approach is refreshing. However, these monologues are only used in a couple sections of the film. It would have been interesting to see Ian emote a little more to the camera, through the middle sections of the film, to understand what he is experiencing and why he is in the state he is in. As it is, Ian is only able to show a few parts of himself, the darker ones.
There are a couple of film elements that need more discussion: the setting and the character arc. The setting is relegated to one apartment. This setting has been created on a stage and much of the film develops like a stageplay. This setting is drab initially and it is also confining. There are no real exterior shots here. Instead, Ian wanders from his living room to his bathroom. In his bathroom, Ian finds some solace for his loneliness by talking to an evil mold. As well, Ian is unable to discover within himself the purpose of the mold - self-destruction. The mold appears friendly at first, but it wants only tragedy for Ian. The protagonist is unable to find enough self-awareness to see that the mold is growing within him. And, Ian succumbs to his own self-pity, rather than overcoming his despair. The settings and the central character's lack of understanding keep the character and the film spiralling ever downwards.
Motivational Growth has completed a film festival run through 2013 and 2014; now, the film is expecting a release on DVD. But, is there a market for such a dark indie film? Film fans will have to decide if this title is for them as Thacker's script only offers a few action sequences and character interactions. Much of the film is a desperate affair, with Ian struggling to find some sense of himself, before it is too late. The subject matter and tone are sometimes satirical, but often very dark. Other more inspiring horror films are on the market and most viewers might want to seek out other titles. Thacker definitely has a story to tell and a message to deliver, but that message is not clear in this first outing.
Overall: 6.5 out of 10 (the protagonist has flaws - so many flaws, minor characters are two dimensional and some are unbelievable).
More on the film, including a trailer, can be found at the IndieCan Entertainment website:
Motivational Growth at IndieCan Ent.
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Posted in: 2014,canada,cast,crew,independent,indie,movie,movie review,preview,review,satire,story,synopsis
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