WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
The diagnosis? Terminal illness. The reaction? As would be expected–the emotionally overwhelming mix of sadness, fear, anger, and an almost unbearable need to have those around us be there in a time of desperate need. Such is the plight of a young man named Isaac (the film’s writer/director, David James) in a tortured reaction to the news he’s just been given. Seeking solace, he goes home only to find girlfriend Haley (Victoria Baker) drinking heavily and not dealing with the news in any way that is beneficial to either of them. Frustrated in her leaving, Isaac continues to take out this edginess next by giving away one of his biggest possessions to a friend Jason (Joe Zappa), much to everyone else’s hesitations.
He then seeks the confidence of his Aunt Grace (Liberty Fraysure) and Uncle Thomas (Kip Bennett) as well, all of whom try to give him some form of comfort, but yet don’t fill the gap Isaac is feeling inside. The real reason? A Duke Ellington record on vinyl that he has a sentimental attachment to. The prize he craves more than anything given the short amount of time he has left, the journey to locating it consumes Isaac, even as his health continues to deteriorate. A final stop at the apartment of one of Haley’s friends, Sarah (Tifani Ahren Davis), reveals the fate of what Isaac has sought. And as the goal is in sight, Isaac learns some heavy, yet eye-opening lessons as to what is truly important in this life, and what he really needs to hang onto, even in the face of fear and uncertainty.
Next, my Mind:
One of the biggest keys to the independent film world is the ability to work on a virtually non-existent budget, having to sacrifice some of the more expensive filming elements often, and yet still find the means to deliver a story that is engaging, filled with solid characters, and win over a movie going/viewing public that can be extremely finicky. In actor, now first-time director, David James’ case with “Vinyl”, he’s found that formula quite successfully. In it’s abbreviated 20+ minute format, the story briskly carries the viewer through Isaac’s pain and frustration in very personal and raw way.
Albeit riddled with harsh language (which this reviewer doesn’t prefer in larger doses), the very turbulent and agonizing place James’ Isaac finds himself battling is fueled by this very elevated sense of purpose he has in being solely focused on finding what he deems is the one thing he can count on to ease his suffering, the vinyl record. James is quite effective playing this role, emoting well and carrying Isaac’s emotions on his sleeve. Likewise, the internal struggle Baker’s Haley is going through echoes the deep love she really has for him, and it has to come about that BOTH of them ultimately realize they’re simply scared of what’s coming.
Solid supporting work here assists the drama, and by the end, “Vinyl” teaches us about the importance of human connection, the need we have for it, and the value those relationships have in the much grander scale that is life.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
