WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
WATCH THE FILM HERE with all proceeds going to the filmmakers!
First, the Recap:
A stranger in a strange land. Isn’t it the most auspicious way to enter a new place you’ve never been before by getting immediately paired with someone from said destination who possesses all the knowledge one needs to learn, adapt, and thrive? I mean, what could go wrong? Wouldn’t you get to witness all you wish to assess through this person, finding that they are a stunning example of the species you’re now mingling with? Whoa, wait a sec? Did you say species?? For one favored alien in particular (yes, meaning a “Look! Up in the sky!! A UFO!” guy), his journey into humanity via “shadowing” Julia (Theresa Louch) is one of scintillating mystery and….disappointment?? Watch and find out!
Next, my Mind:
It’s a study in human dynamics, our cultural strengths, weaknesses and enigmas, plus a whole lot of plain old fashioned, playfully snarky hilarity aimed at, well, US in this 12-minute short film from Canadian writer/director/producer Simon Ruscinski, which screened at the 2020 Berlin Revolution Film Festival. Cleverly told from the perspective of a space-based alien sent to observe our illustrious planet and at least one of its inhabitants for the sake of doing specifically what the effort’s title implies, its cheeky tone, swift pacing, totally engaging alien voiceover narration, and accompanying images paint a whimsical portrait of someone from the outside looking in.
What I think impacts me most, personally anyway, is that, for all intents and purposes, this probably could actually BE how even a completely normal Earth-based foreigner who’s never been to the U.S. for example might react when faced with the real sea of humanity and its quirks as only happens when being in the type of environment this alien finds himself here. His uncertainties about so many things we take for granted and his potential inability to adapt to them successfully is funny as it is, but then throw in jabs at how to cure boredom, lack of being able to reproduce as he wishes, holidays, driving, snoring etc, just adds more fuel to the laugh-inducing adventure.
But again, it speaks to our own innate circumstances we encounter where nothing is as it seems, as good as it should be, mundane, misunderstood, or just plain bizarre, as the search for relevance, meaning, and some form of logical evolution in our behavior eludes us. Even our visitor’s very first proclamation in stepping out onto Earth’s ground for the first time becomes a moment of questionable quality. It’s really a satiric take on us as people, and it cuts to the core in this critic’s opinion, not to slam or put us down as the human race, but perhaps more to wake us up and realize there are so many aspects to us that are truly silly and offbeat, just like the alien ascertains.
The actor voicing our mainly unseen and quite witty extraterrestrial is genius in his delivery, making us enamored with the character without having to reveal what he even looks like. It’s a steady, even-tempered, yet often humorously disdain-filled or utterly confusion-laden series of mental notes and random comments about things he’s mystified by, while also being willing to point out some good things about humanity as he takes in Julia’s daily life and routines amidst his observation of all else. It’s a riot to listen to, and by the film’s finale, he takes on a gratefully administered respite for his overworked brain before heading home. It’s beautiful execution and voicework.
Louch plays Julia, the fortunate recipient of our alien friend’s company, and who just tried to go about life as usual and not think about the fact there’s an alien in her bedroom at points during the days he’s around. Even the activities she involves herself in are the typical types of things we do, but to the alien, it all seems a bit bland perhaps, or at least baffling as to the true value of it all in her eyes. But, she succeeds in her mission to show him the human ropes, and Louch does a solidly apropos job for what she’s given to do here.
In total, with its imagery and associated commentary depicting the human condition among other facets of life here on The Big Blue Ball, “Urban Planning” is flat out wonderfully creative indie cinema, sure to entertain everyone, and maybe even serve as that little reminder to us that as much as we THINK we’re just the greatest thing ever as humans–maybe we’d better re-assess our standing in the eyes of the universe? I mean, a LITTLE humility can go a long way in the mind of an alien–right?
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
