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First, the Recap:
What become the factors determining our stance on that which is most valued in life? We seem to lean towards finding identity in career or possessions rather than, perhaps, taking a shot at simply relishing the mere fact of BEING, taking everything in around us that reflects the beauty of what we have, regardless of the perceived “position” we maintain within our society. When we then allow this reality to wash over us, might it not put INTO our minds that even beyond a less than ideal childhood or associated aspects of challenges encountered discovering who we truly are, can we not only overcome, but also see manifested a lifestyle that ends up suiting us perfectly, even if others cannot grasp or understand it? In Venice Beach, CA, there is one individual who’s found that living as a self-described “free person” has provided precisely what he wants, defying the stigmas tied to what the world might classify him as, and giving him an attitude that can both baffle and inspire. His name is Kenny Harris and this is all about him.
Next, my Mind:
Having been reviewing for the last ten years now, nine of which have immersed me in the independent film arena, I’ve had opportunity to gain connection with many filmmakers and their ongoing efforts to put forth projects that mean the most to them, contained within the mediums and genres in and of film they lean towards plus have most determination to present. This has assuredly been the case with director/editor/cinematographer Stacey Stone and executive producer Diane Mellen via their consistently shared vision to bring reality to social issues thanks to awareness-raising, vibrant, evocative, and sometimes genuinely provocative, life through documentary filmmaking, which I have had the pleasure of reviewing previously, as you can venture to here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here. Often focused on the plight of veterans suffering with PTSD, the status of environmental dilemmas that need addressing, or otherwise centering on a particular individual’s journey, there’s no denying the accessibility, relatability, and most importantly viability of the subjects being conveyed.
It is the latter of those primary explorations mentioned above that we find ourselves being witness to with the newest 10-minute documentary short from Stone and Mellen, covering one of what this critic feels is a core theme that, despite how often AND relevant of a topic it is, gets cast aside or dare I say dismissed as “oh, that whole thing again?”–homelessness. In a country like the U.S. where it honestly seems like a inexcusable tragedy that this IS even an actual concern at all, the sheer magnitude of this ongoing issue SOMETIMES makes one wonder where exactly all this country’s wealth IS going to, when we could be looking to our own streets to find even better means to AID our OWN people. Now, there ARE plenty of people who DO precisely this, and to them I extend a HUGE “Thank you!!”. But, what makes the person the film gets its voice from, Kenny Harris, so impactful is that HE is, as a whole, HAPPY living BY CHOICE as a “free person” because of what it allows him to BE–FREE!
Now, if the cynical mind wants to rule instead of a more logical one, we could still find justification to look at Kenny’s endeavor to portray “contentment” as some kind of plea for sympathy or what have you, but it really, truly ISN’T. His experiences in living first as a train-bound hobo for quite a period of time before finally settling into life under his favorite tree located in a park overlooking the ocean in Venice Beach, CA, Harris’ outlook on existence might put our own sense of what REAL fulfillment is to shame, for he finds the beauty and solace that makes him human BY residing where he does, making money through social security or random jobs as needed, and not having to answer to anyone. As indicated above, don’t call him “homeless”, for to him, what he has IS freedom. Granted, this CHOICE he’s ultimately made is NOT some trip down “easy street”, make no mistake. Just the labor of being out and traveling from place to place initially, with no verifiable destination, was certainly taxing. And the WEATHER, which appears to be the MOST stressful and draining facet of his situation, and for any who don’t have that place to go.
Yet, even in these moments of overwhelming stresses–including getting kicked OFF the trains he was hitching a ride on in the past, having to be saved from a rattlesnake by his beloved dog, heat exhaustion or being frozen to the bone, encountering the specter of being around those swallowed up in the destructive monster that is drugs, or not even having contact with what family he might have remaining out there somewhere–what ends up striking you the most in listening to Kenny share about it–his undeniable, and very affecting, POSITIVITY! His outlook on what it is just to exist and ideally abstain from regrets cannot be ignored, much less through an actuality that doesn’t include streaming services, a bed, a car (only his trusty bicycle), heat and AC, or so many of the “creature comforts” so many of us take totally for granted, or have absolute belief we NEED to be happy. It isn’t about saying having any of these things IS inherently bad, not at all. BUT, can we not at least step back and assess the depth of value we lay upon them and weigh it against what we should just be THANKFUL for–can that not be enough?
The interviews throughout the documentary are so wonderfully engaging, as Harris is quite a character but also very up front and candid about who he is and what his (again, CHOSEN) situation is, it’s hardships, and its rewards. Additionally, as he so eloquently puts it as the film’s finale comes about, summing up what he’s brought us through in telling of his life and lifestyle–“if you don’t like it–seen ya!”. And that’s not some trite or rude demeanor he exudes in that statement, it’s just plain fact. He won’t be moved, he won’t be shaken, he won’t allow the people who come past him each day and throw insults at him cause a divergence in his joy. He will stand through the storms that come, accept kindness while also trying to BE kind as opportunity might present itself, and just keep on keeping on, with the all encompassing, unapologetic satisfaction of acknowledging who he is. Yes, there are so many people in this country that are involuntarily homeless, barely able to survive, and DO need genuine compassion and assistance. But then there are those like Kenny, who buck the stereotypes and instead embrace the freedom.
So, in total, “Kenny” is a heartfelt, touching, yet once more raw and unflinching portrait of what IS a constant point of contention in this country as well as a necessary reminder of that which does need to be confronted and hopefully resolved. Yet, it is ALSO a picture of humanity and the steadfast power of will we have within, to voluntarily CHOOSE to be outside the “norm”, beyond what the masses equate to “comfort and stability”, and show a magnitude of resilience and accompanying fortitude that not only flies in the face of materialistic mentality, but perhaps can end up making US better people through a push to re-evaluate what it IS to BE.
STAR RATING (out of 5):
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
