WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
What is it to be obsessed? When we take a close look at those things in our lives that move us, define us, and/or carry specific motivation and meaning, it can potentially become apparent, perhaps, certain aspects of what we hold dear might just go a tad too far. Yet, if this be the case, what’s wrong with a little eccentricity after all? The skies are fair, the winds steady, and the waters lightly rippled in Western Scotland locale known fondly as Pink Velvet Valley. Of course, why the name is truly such, that remains an enigma, even to the place’s lone human resident, a man named Alec Calan (Frank Gilhooley).
Now, Frank lives a rather quirky but simple life in a stone homestead along the shore of Pink Velvet Valley river/lake, fishing and mostly just hanging out while he ponders the ramifications of his own personal demon–a complete, utterly absolute addiction–to Ray-Bans. Attempting to run a local cab service, for whom no one actually knows, via his run-down taxi, Alec contemplates the many reasons why Ray-Bans are the way to go, how everyone else’s non-understanding of his point of view has caused much head-scratching and lament for him, and that none of it will prevent him from at least making every effort to go places with his trusty pair of shades—even if that means never traveling beyond the lush Pink Velvet Valley. Not without a pilot’s license, anyway.
Next, My Mind:
It’s uncomplicated, it’s strange, and it’s totally entertaining, which is so often the mark that independent film makes on viewers willing to expand their movie-watching horizons and venture into new waters. Such is the case with this entry into this year’s Berlin Liberi Film Festival, brought to six-minute, chuckle-inducing life by Belgian director Sebastien Petretti. The effectiveness of films like this for me can be found in the mere fact it’s absolutely character-driven and doesn’t require deep pondering to sit back and enjoy an illustration of how we as human beings can indeed find ourselves conclusively preoccupied by the most mundane thing that soon borders on mild insanity when said object begins to control our everyday existence to the extent that other facets of life start to leave us or disappear due to our mania. It’s very satirically explored here, again with sharply written, biting wit that deftly pokes fun at the entire notion of how much value we put on things rather than other people important to us, around us in general, or just the world at large. The utilization of glasses as the object of compulsion and the myriad of ways Alec defines how they impact him is a total hoot throughout, even as he spins his tales of ironical woe while going about his daily routine. Visually the film is crisp and clear, with some honestly beautiful imagery of the story’s Scottish waterway intermixed with ever-present and quite hilarious moments showcasing Alec’s “plight” in dealing with the rigors of a now isolated state of being. What might really strike anyone viewing this effort is that blunt truth about our modern society’s proclivities towards allowing, by choice, so many outside objects/elements to so overtly control us, ie: electronics, social media, et al. We don’t always want to face this fact, but let’s be frank, it is what’s occurring, and it does have an overall detrimental effect on not just ourselves, but others involved with our lives and how we interact with the greater whole.
As the sole primary cast member for this little escapade, there’s no questioning whatsoever that Gilhooley takes full advantage in how he chooses to portray Alec, a man we get the feeling used to be a bit less–odd–and successful–until his Ray-Ban addiction overtook every decision he strived to make. Unwilling to part with them no matter what the circumstance may be, he treats us to several quick moments where it’s evident having them on at all times has not always brought the most favored results. Yet, he soldiers on, mad at those who would berate or criticize him for the craze burning within, while ascertaining exactly why his scope of influence hasn’t been able to stretch beyond his wilderness that is home. Of course, we really know why it is, and even Alec admits the lenses are to blame for many a thing he’s not permitted to obtain or pursue–other than being an airplane pilot, maybe? The deadpan delivery and matter-of-fact approach to the character that Gilhooley presents is the key to a performance like this being the engaging slice of goofy fun it is, all enacted with unrelenting, comical, playfully acerbic acuity throughout by the actor. Quick additional supporting appearances are made by Xavier Bourhis and Christian Herbreteau.
In total, “Pink Velvet Valley” is a beautifully executed piece of short film wonder that uses to the fullest extent its simplicity and straight-forward candor to not just bring a smile to our faces, but to inject that nice little (admit it–necessary) jab against the contemporary world through the last medium we would ever suspect–sunglasses. If anything, just be glad you and I are not in the same situation as poor Alec, for what would the planet be like if filled entirely by “Alecs”? Now, with that said, I am suddenly feeling a mite twitchy. Hey! Where’s my cell phone??
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for readin
