WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
What is it to be isolated? We can see a portrait of someone who, on the surface, appears to have it all, fully sustained for a life blessed by never having to worry about being provided for in any form. Yet, can this actually be a façade, a hiding of other facets of their being the world might not understand–or accept? Is there a such a stigma that drives the need for voluntary loneliness it cannot be undone or rectified? But, what IF the veil is suddenly, inexplicably lifted? For one Prince (Mrinal Dutt), existence is consumed by such a imposed seclusion quietly but perceptibly takes a toll on him. Even as he chooses to summon a Sculptor named Angelo (Mario Elias) to the palace to construct a new statue, it soon becomes abundantly clear the reasoning behind the Prince’s solitude. Will it equal happiness in the end–or disaster?
Next, my Mind:
For this critic, there’s an always inherent beauty in non-verbal, visually-oriented narratives that, when executed with precision, can so expertly convey every possible elements of a story in a manner the viewer can not only follow with ease, but also FEEL and engage with. Such was the case with this 15-minute short making its NYC Premier at the 2021 NYC South Asian Film Festival sponsored by Toyota USA and hosted by Festival Director/Jingo Media Founder Jitin Hingorani and Artistic Director Ambica Dev. Screened as part of the festival’s LGBTQ Programming, this might in itself be somewhat of a giveaway as to the cornerstone thematic gist this effort is delivering. However, don’t let that sway you in itself one way or the other, meaning once again, it’s a story that goes well beyond this in expressing with elegance and affecting strength the notions of unseen secrets, inward struggles, acceptance of one’s identity, striving to find some kind of solace in said conflict, and ultimately being able to discover love, support, newfound toleration, and deep trust from those closest to us, even when we didn’t expect it.
In illustrating one man’s inner battle to live as he honestly and truly wishes, the film’s short runtime allows this to be fleshed out in a fashion that brings complete clarity to his circumstances, do total justice to it, and bring us full circle to a finale that speaks volumes about these exact situations as it applied to our contemporary world and the ongoing plight of the LGBTQ community and those who blatantly choose to oppose it in an attitude of hate and anger towards them instead of even TRYING to gain better discernment and wisdom before judging. It’s a common thread found in not just this short, but all the films addressing the issue at hand, and it is why whether you agree with these lifestyles or not, there’s simply NO logical reasoning for anything to resort to malice and even violence to believe this will resolve any ignorance or discrimination. This is what I felt how this film chose to unfold the Prince’s dilemma was so stirring yet acutely truthful in what it portrayed, regardless of the era in time this story resides in.
Visually the film carries a wonderfully uncomplicated yet somehow historical epic-based scope that pulls you into the events at hand and ushers you through what feels like a grander tale than it really is, and this is NOT saying that in any bad way. I felt the means by which the images used were put in front of us very much garnered the kind of emotional nuances and connection with the characters with effectiveness and intent. Likewise, as is so often necessary and welcomed in film overall, the music score added that layer of resonance which accompanied the imagery so beautifully and enhanced it since we’re relying solely on these two primary elements to keep our attention. This is no easy feat to pull off, as well-written dialogue often carries a story forward for an audience. Here, the production value represented by this film and the objectives it was desiring to achieve successfully lead us down the road sought, a relatable journey to contemplate.
Dutt presents a well-performed exercise in, as so many times occurs in indie cinema’s characters, understated resolve that elevates itself by fluctuating between subtlety and intensity via his role as the Prince, an outward picture of wealth, power, authority, and sovereignty who harbors an undisclosed torment he battles every day in his enforced personal remoteness. When things change upon the arrival of the Sculptor, Angelo, and the subsequent feelings that well up in his presence, the Prince finds himself at odds with all but a particular few who will fight to protect him to the end, defending that which he’s suddenly encountering freedom in. It’s a powerful portrayal of such overwhelming personal quarantine, and Dutt presents this with formative acting in the utilization of facial and body language to project the character’s quandary.
Elias also shows us a subdued but apropos vigor through his role as Angelo, the Sculptor hired to create a new statue for the Prince’s palace. Even as he begins to realize the growing attraction between the two, his attempts to bring it into the light initially draw only hesitancy and even fearful rejection by the Prince. Yet, Angelo’s patience and slowly displayed persistence start to impact the Prince more and more, coaxing him out of the shell he’s formed around him and giving Angelo the chance to win him over. The only question then becomes the cost the men might pay, and who might protect them, and Elias’ performance captures all of this excellently throughout. The primary supporting role arrived through Mariette Valsan as the Prince’s main guardian and confidant who plays a key role in his story, which you will need to watch the film to have revealed. In total, “The Lonely Prince” furnishes us with a skillfully unique but undemanding tapestry focused on the fight for approval and forbearance when it comes to the narrative’s central theme, grounded and believable, and offering us a challenge to look at our own comprehension of the community in question and, ideally, constructively apply it to our own lives.
Miss viewing “The Lonely Prince” at either physical festival? Worry not! Check out the film online when it screens beginning October 25th as part of Virtual SAFF 2021!
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
