Tag: Michael Cyril Creighton

THE FEELING THAT THE TIME FOR DOING SOMETHING HAS PASSED (2023)

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Written, Edited & Directed By: Joanna Arnow 

Cinematography: Barton Cortright 

Cast: Joanna Arnow, Scott Cohen, Babak Tafti, Michael Cyril Creighton, Alysia Reiner, Peter Vack, Parish Bradley, Rushi Birudala 

A mosaic-style comedy following the life of a woman as time passes in her long-term casual BDSM relationship, low-level corporate job, and quarrelsome Jewish family.

This film feels like a collection of mundane experiences suffered by the main character well, also letting the film is autobiographical as it is written and directed by its lead, and her parents play her parents, and friends fill out the cast. 

The film would seem to most like a sad, sad comedy that would feel like it follows in the footsteps of such filmmakers as Woody Allen and Todd Solondz where there might be a kind of sadness about the characters who either seem to be taken advantage of or bring on the bad things that happened to them somewhat punished by society. 

Only what’s different is The main character isn’t so much a victim as she seems to welcome it and seems content with her life, relationships, and situations. The film is just trying to show her reactions to the situation, she finds herself in and she comes across as one of the more normal characters as all the other characters come off as rather quirky or disturbed. 

The film also tries to present BDSM relationships in a droll way. As a tries to show modern dating with a dry sense of humor. That at times comes across as brutally honest, but with humor.

There’s a film that’s not gonna be for everybody. it might take a while for you to get on its wavelength but once you do, it’s smooth sailing as long as you are digging what you have seen so far.

Watching the film, it almost comes across as a visual journal of our lead character. Where she doesn’t try to sugarcoat or make anyone including herself look good it’s presented matter-of-factly, even allowing herself to be for half of the film. 

For some the film or the situations as depressing and almost like a form of degradation. Which, for most, it might be, but here it actually shows the characters enjoying themselves for the most part.

Think Lena Dunham and her early films and even girls only with no real group of friends so that the main focus is on her and some odd supporting characters. As the tone goes from absurd to reality. 

The film might throw some people off at first you just have to get into it sensibilities as it does showcase as sensitive charm many times and it’s style and tone.

It definitely shows a singular vision where the first half of the film is more random and the second half seems to get more into a plot, whereas the first half of the film is more showing her day-to-day life and seeing various people other than a recurring boyfriend like character, the second half focuses More on her, trying to maintain a relationship with a new guy who’s not used to her form where it feels like the film has shown enough of her background at that point so that we see the character and trust her alone and not reacting off of a series of familiar characters so the second half is kind of like seeing a normal character interact with her and how they react

This film really shocked me at how enjoyable it was and how much one could get into the film with just the nitty-gritty and didn’t need so much dressing or packaging around it is definitely to try and watch. In the end won’t say it’s necessarily rewarding but as a film fan her artistry while semi-autobiographical it’s also admirable.

One can’t wait to see more films and art by her.

Grade: A 

AMERICAN FICTION (2023)

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Written & Directed By: Cord Jefferson 

Based on The Novel “ERASURE” By: Percival Everett

Cinematography: Cristina Dunlap

Editor: Hilda Rasula

Cast: Jeffrey Wright, Sterling K. Brown, Tracee Ellis-Ross, Issa Rae, John Ortiz, Erika Alexander, Leslie Uggams, Adam Brody, Keith David, Miriam Shor, Myra Lucretia Taylor, Michael Cyril Creighton, Patrick Fischler

A novelist who’s fed up with the establishment profiting from “Black” entertainment uses a pen name to write a book that propels him to the heart of hypocrisy and the madness he claims to disdain.

The cast is excellent and the screenplay is excellent Unfortunately the film has what feels like flat direction that sinks the material a bit. as it feels like the film is constantly searching for the right way to present itself, and how to live in the material 

As the writer of the film or Screenwriter of the film is also the Director, though, based on a novel by Everett McGill, entitled Erasure

The film is a satirical comedy as is the book which has some comedic elements and tone, but is definitely much darker than what we see on the screen. The film improves on certain aspects or gives the historian characters more hope, but could have had some of the stronger ones. The changes might be minor, but they are meaningful such as the way his sister passes away and the role of the maid of his mother. That would allow the film to be more acceptable than the book, taking away some of the sharper edges, but replacing those edges with some stronger commentary and dramatic issues

This is what makes the film so strong in dealing with prevalent social issues, especially for African-American artists, art, and a sense of self

Film keeps its world smaller, but makes it more personal, and still stays in vent allowing for the supporting characters to have stronger roles and much more range

The film also offers a bred, Jeffrey Wright, and a rare leading role. With Sterling K Brown as his coming-out-of-the-closet brother, Sterling Brown can never do wrong, even bad films. He is still sometimes one of the more interesting performances so he makes his screen time lively, and memorable. Never feeling out of place

Also, it’s nice to see Erika Alexander on the big screen again in an important role.

Something can be said when movies like this come out in theaters they mostly have a crossover audience as the intended audience rarely seems to go see it, and more discover it at home on streaming or from word of mouth. Which eventually helps its legacy, but does not help its box office at the time when it is needed.

It’s also nice to see the character have an inner life and family problems. This is what sets the plot forward and one of the reasons for the continuance of his situation that only grows the longer the facade goes on. 

The irony here is that what is playing on screen might be satirizing it but it feels like it’s the same situation that is happening when it comes to this film in the marketplace. 

It seems at times we will support others yet, not our own community. Even when it is telling stories meant for us, we will accept others telling us about ourselves rather than someone from our own culture at times. Which is disheartening, but still thankful that these movies, subjects, and material are out there for those who identify with it

GRADE: B