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First, the Recap:
Impediments. Drawbacks. Complications. Obstructions. All words that are tied to rather negative outlooks when it comes to us striving to achieve a goal, an aim, much less a dream. We’ve put so much effort into creating what we believe is that ONE key accomplishment that should catapult us to success, and on the cusp of perhaps seeing this BE said launching pad–something wanders into our path to stall the progress. Actually, maybe it more STAMPEDES in. For a college student and writer Virgil (Frederick J. Todd), this precise time and scenario has arrived. Looking to present a newly authored story to his professor Richard Laymen (Timothy J. Cox) for publishing consideration, the meeting turns into anything but positivity for Virgil, trying not to wilt under a bombast of not-so-subtle, bullying criticism being thrown his direction. But, when an unanticipated interruption comes about, could it turn into the path to freedom and validation Virgil seeks?
Next, my Mind:
Take one part classic Greek myth, transport it into this contemporary age, stir in a modern “Hades” as the antagonist, then insert so many of the relevant (even if more figurative) elements that make up the original tale and you honestly have this beautifully written and executed update to it all through the newest eight-minute short film project from writer/director/producer Ryan Fleming and producer Molly Mitchell. If one takes into account the just aforementioned, hinted at account of Sisyphus and the specific trial he was forced to endure over and over–and over–and 0ver–again due to the error in judgement he makes according to legend, the principals and moral of his plight carry over with compelling significance here. The parallels we can draw as illustrated through the primary setting the majority of the film takes place within–complete with a proverbial mountain and stone to confront and toil against–is tangibly evident, conveying this film’s purpose magnificently, with even a touch of “Gotcha!” humor thrown in.
The narrative that sees a adept college writer excited about being on the brink of, most likely, newfound and well-earned success via getting his newest work published being utterly placed at the mercy of a highly egocentric, deeply temperamental, emotionally vacillating, statistically-driven professor who belittles him relentlessly and seems to instill all forms of doubt in his student’s ability TO succeed hurtles along with equally unwavering forcefulness that provides an atmosphere of almost menacing tension that works very, very effectively. It serves as a potent reminder of all those situations we may have faced where all we’ve endeavored for and poured our entire being into gets shot down by someone whom we should be able to respect and value for their opinion that has suddenly turned into the barrier we have to manage to overcome. How this is portrayed in this film speaks volumes to what it is to at first crumble under such harsh scrutiny yet then pull from inside to stay the course and try to then find the light.
It is this latter concept that allows the story depicted here to carry its core thematic foundation of being in a position where it FEELS like you’re doing nothing but attempting to push that stone up the mountainside only to be thwarted EVERY time when the summit appears to be in reach. However, thanks again to the intelligently crafted writing on display, a twist arrives, propelling us towards a quite intensely satisfying, bring that sly smile of “ah-HA!” to your face finale that puts all things not only in proper perspective via painting a portrait of inner belief, fortitude, and perseverance, but also puts other facets of events in their place! It’s masterful and SO impactful to witness. The film presents other thematic aspirations to be addressed including bullying, being two-faced, and other duplicitous behavior, finding one’s courage, overcoming the odds, and having a confident, self-affirming demeanor even IN the face of someone trying to convince you otherwise of your value, and to FIGHT for your ambitions.
Todd becomes another actor for me who so perfectly exudes an “everyman” demeanor which lends total credibility to the role he plays, here as Virgil, a determined and optimistic college writer who’s come up with his ideal work to present to his professor for approval and, ideally, publishing in order to see his future start to emerge. Instead, Virgil gets accosted from the very start by a barrage of nothing but negativity, patronizing diatribes, and not very well-veiled innuendo that he’s a failure and/or not worthy of any consideration. When the circumstances take an unforeseen divergence, though, Virgil has a choice to make in the moment that could totally redefine all that has been transpiring–perhaps even on multiple levels–and would be a hugely gratifying win against his nemesis. It’s an exercise in understatement that Todd brings to the performance, but as is often the case, it is still filled with a simmering energy and intent that shines through exactly to the amount it needs to. Admirable performance throughout without question.
Then we have, which has only grown even MORE evident to this critic over time mind you, THE consummate character actor in the indie film ranks that is Cox, who simply radiates and utilizes darkly humorous, undeniably delicious snarky-ness and pomposity paired with a side of complete verbosity to excellent magnitude and conclusive efficacy through his role as Professor Richard Laymen, a more than self-obsessed and hyper-critical man who wastes no time treating Virgil with nothing short of unfettered contempt when his student tries to make him believe the story he’s turning in is truly “IT”. Using all his arsenal of verbal “tools” to drive Virgil to ground, the arrival of someone else into the conversation brings about a turnaround in Prof. Laymen’s attitude that is still so blatantly false and contrived for the sake of who it is that it could be the door that opens up a road to his downfall. Folks, this is Richard Dreyfuss in “What About Bob?” but to an even shadier degree, and Cox OOZES ominousness tinged with comedic undertones to a “T”!!
The primary supporting role arrives through Emerson Adams as Gwen, a might-as-well-be-literal angel introduced to the proceedings whose presence will alter the entire course of what’s unfolding with a resounding crash and be a harbinger of the multi-faceted ramifications that will reverberate from it. I loved Adams’ bubbly personality, winning smile, and her command of scenes she’s in. Another quality performance to round out the film’s trio of actors. So, in total, “Sisyphus Unbound” is a taut drama conceived from ancient fable and allegory, reconstructed for our current times, and meant to be that necessary reminder to NEVER let anything stand in the way of your goals, downplay your abilities or proficiency, stop you from taking a leap of faith IN the face of all that’s trying to prevent you from moving ahead, and from being ANYONE else but YOU. In short…it’s time to DESTROY that stone and get over the peak.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
