Documentary Short Film Review “Concerto For Humanity” The history of us, as seen through the revealing lens of what has been done well….and wrong
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First, the Recap:
The passage of days, weeks, months, years, decades. From the moment we truly comprehend what time really is, it comes and goes with more and more expediency. This is especially the case as we find ourselves in childhood, then suddenly adulthood, and the realities of aging. However, it also applies towards seeing how the events, attitudes, and actions, both positive and negative, guide our lives, our country’s culture, the world’s history. And, it becomes harder when we grasp that “the more things change……”
The more they stay the same. It’s an unfolding tapestry of existence, of which we are all a part. A masterpiece of creation that we’ve then taken and excelled with on some levels, but also faltered, even flat out failed, in others. As we look back on this concert of humanity, focusing on the ages going by and all that has, is, and will transpire, it is its own song, a melody of life that may or may not have the happy ending we might wish there to be.
Next, my Mind:
I have stated before, among MANY thoughts I’ve found myself re-sharing over the years of reviewing, that there is value in simplicity of execution while NOT sacrificing the foundational and/or grander message a film is meant to convey. This is often why the medium of short film makes such a mark on me when it manifests from those who are uniquely adept at creating such content. Here, we are provided a precise example of this via a new 13-minute indie documentary from director/editor Stacey Stone and longtime collaborator and executive producer Diane Mellen, which once more combines a very grounded, straightforward approach but carries with it the potent impact in its messaging that makes it so highly necessary and relevant for our current world atmosphere. It’s not preachy, but it isn’t holding back either. There’s an art to making a film that’s what I would call filled with a subtle urgency, and this one carries that torch well.
Effectively acting as a time capsule to our very nature and condition through time, the exploration of all that is involved with the past years vs. our current ones is sold to us in both black & white and color, images and sounds as opposed to dialogue or interviews, painting a vivid portrait of just where we’ve come from vs. where we are now. And folks, it isn’t pretty. Now, mind you, I am NOT saying there is nothing good or positive here. That isn’t the case. But it cannot be denied that there’s a sobering amount of hard truths to be absorbed here. The fact remains that even though ALL ages have had their troubles to be dealt with, it is more apparent to this critic that yesteryear seemed far better than where we’ve let ourselves come to now. Regarless of whether speaking to the past or to modernity, some facets of our societal behavior that SHOULDN’T remain intact DOES, and hence not for the better.
It’s as if we marvel at the ways we can come up with amazing new inventions, see incredible new innovations and achievements, yet find the means to discover more ways to tear each other down instead of building each other UP. This is offered up through, as mentioned above, images that encompass this notion. Heralding back as far as the 1930’s, we are privy to the onset of ships while jumping ahead to today’s self-driving cars, drones, and AI. We witness the days of street performers entertaining the crowds, now replaced with repugnant, wholly unnecessary street violence. The specters of school shootings, gun control, lobbying, and protests are addressed. Homelessness, wildfires, and flooding are likewise given screen time. The emergence of more blatant racial tensions and the abject polarization of our nation caused by political leanings and the associated unrest it now showcases arrives as well.
Perhaps it’s as that phrase in the synopsis above makes perfectly clear….it’s a lesson in how so many things DO NOT CHANGE. Yet, even these points of contestation are a part of defining who we are, even in spite of each of us individually having what I hope is our own sense of self and who we really WISH to be, ideally for the benefit of our fellow man and woman rather than not. Yet, in all of this seeming negativity, we must realize something…..as intelligent people, we can LEARN from our mistakes and misguided choices. We CAN find the manner in which we CAN be of genuine HELP to this world and those in need. YES, we CAN actually do something to make this world a BETTER place for ALL of us to reside within. But this takes a willingness to acknowledge those things that have and are going wrong. To accept our faults that need to be fixed and GROW from them. This is NOT easy, people, but it is NOT impossible either.
I think this is what I’ve always admired about Stone and Mellen’s direction with their documentary efforts, as it’s always been a stirring mix of inspirational AND challenging themes they choose to cover. And NONE of it should be seen as “Oh, not another film about….”, because we must NEVER tire of being reminded in a constructive (even if convicting!) way just how far we’ve come but also how far we have yet to go…..IF we make the decisions that will CHANGE the world. This film takes this on with intentionality, resolute power, and a compelling, provocative, and evocative ambiance that this critic does hope has a resonance with those who have the opportunity to view it. Again, it isn’t meant to be some “downer” in how it chooses to depict the thematic ventures it does, but again, I must applaud the unflinching aspects and style the documentary format affords here.
So, in total, “Concerto For Humanity” is exactly that….a composition, an orchestration, a symphony for ourselves and the world we’ve both adored and admonished through everything we’ve strived to make happen, good and/or ill. One simply cherishes a thought that we WILL be altered in our perceptions of the current state of affairs, find the paths to more redemptive, fruitful, and encouraging actions, and come together like we need to in order for it all to take shape. Because forbid we’re left in a place where nothing contains light or hope when the music comes to its finale and fades into antiquity, leaving a deafening silence in its wake. Time to wake up. Time to transform. Time to write a new concerto of faith, perseverance, and plausible expectations for the well-being of what we hold dear.
STAR RATING (out of 5):
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading AND listening to the song of your heart, mind, and soul.
