WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
Skeletons in the closet. It stands to reason that, while perhaps not an all-encompassing fact, many things that are hidden tend to find their way out into the open. Even under the most careful of premeditation or ongoing scheming a person might undertake to escape deeds best never pursued to begin with, the ripple effect that first divulgence can create might not only impact the now, but travel across the span of time. In 1851 Ohio, Jack finds himself facing the past in a manner unlike anything he could have imagined involving a girl named Mary (Michelle Arthur) and ushering him into a story of one family’s buried secrets that will finally have their time to come into the light, altering his young life forever.
Next, my Mind:
It’s an unqualified expedition into avant-garde–or at least highly unconventional and eccentric–cinematic presentation that occurs through this newest 53-minute indie short film project from writer/director/producer/executive producer Michelle Arthur, further and firmly solidifying what this critic has always stated about the heart, mind, and soul found within independent artistry– it’s fearless and undeniably, uniquely creative, even when in the most uncomplicated of forms. And mind you, stating that latter part of my previous sentence is NOT a BAD thing, for sometimes the beauty of an unorthodox approach combined with a nice, straightforward execution can allow you as a viewer to simply sit back to be carried along without being unnecessarily burdened by having to overtly struggle to ascertain the intent of such forays, which in this effort is no issue whatsoever. Experimental-YES. Hard to follow or understand-NO.
Manifesting via an adventure that pulls from a myriad of genres, from drama to lightly comedic to crime mystery to an underlying dive into the supernatural/fantastical horror realms, the narrative that follows a young boy’s journey taking place in Ohio during the mid 1850’s on an expansive manor estate that has a checkered past and present is executed in a literal narration-based storytelling format while delivering a visual style that intermixes a limited amount of “live” imagery vs. its primary alternative yet very apropos focus. It’s honestly far from being what most filmgoers would consider standard/typical cinema, and that for me is what ultimately provides the attractive appeal the project exudes due to this departure FROM “the norm”, instead inviting you to take in its static “visual story time” direction and savor/absorb the ACTUAL tale itself, LISTENING as the images become an accompanying guide.
Additionally, the film is all based on the novel from one of the Buckeye State’s resident authors Jay Scott Nixon, and I guess I felt it was a refreshing, purposeful choice for Arthur and Co. to do a book adaptation in this fashion, as it might also widen the appeal and audience the film can attract, given that it isn’t a lighthearted story being told. Thematically, we’re entreated to a wide-ranging scope of concepts throughout the film, conveyed via flashback to the present, encompassing childhood’s innocence, stubborn but playful obstinance, and innate curiosity, unforeseen misfortune, the damaging nature of initially veiled lies, deceit, and greed, the beauty of budding romance and building love, revealing of truths, the necessity for justice, and the price paid for extreme, selfish pursuits. All of these are given time to be fleshed out and explored through, as indicated above, dramatic, enigmatic, and relatively mild, still unsettlingly eerie preternatural means, fitting eloquently into the events depicted, credit to Nixon’s (and many other’s) novel writing process.
As with so many of the indie films I’ve had the opportunity to take in over the years, whether fictional or real stories being told, this is yet another study in the inclinations of humanity, good and bad, what we’re capable of, and the life lessons that can be gained from it all. Personally, I never get weary of this, and it’s the inherent potency of these themes and choice of design that’s so consistently provided within the indie film community and the visual renderings we’re given to ponder and ideally prompted to apply. But, I also embrace the fact that these offerings draw you into the worlds (big or small) they exhibit and illustrate to an extent that makes you FEEL a part of it, EXPERIENCING it as you watch, ENGAGING your emotions (subtly or blatantly) and/or sense of longing for the resolutions the narrative is meant to elicit. This critic felt that was accomplished in this film as well, again a tribute to how effectively fundamental, sincere filmmaking SHOULD impact you when done right.
Without giving TOO much away as far as this effort’s methodology and point of view its foundational elements are presented through, Arthur is THE main voice we hear, providing the needed narration throughout in the aforementioned “story time” proceedings while having to embody the grander spirit of each character in it as well. This is done smoothly enough, with a few scattered instances where I felt it was JUST a TOUCH “choppy” or “hesitant” in its intended flow. Upon more consideration, it perhaps could have withstood having a full cast of actors to provide voiceover for each individual character, just to infuse the overall story with a varying dynamic to enhance it another degree. That said, it’s not that the chosen individualistic direction here didn’t WORK, because it does, but more to say that it’s a challenge to HAVE to represent and personify every character while attempting to give each their own emotive identity.
So, in total, “The Wisteria Manor” bestows upon us the unpretentious magic and boldness of indie cinema, its ongoing striving for distinctive, artistic expression, the fortitude to go well beyond the mainstream paradigm, and a willingness to just put it out there for the world to judge, all of which stands therefore as an example of the core spirit and commitment this society of filmmakers has, at any level, to showcase the talents and skills brought to the table, unapologetically and confidently.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
