WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
Ah, salesmen. You know them well. Those wonderful people on the other side of a telemarketing call, or the ones coming door to door to sell you the next most amazing gadget you honestly don’t need. Not saying there aren’t honest salesmen out there, but why does it seem so many get associated with being, perhaps, weasel-like? Take for example one such individual named Darrel (Martin Lindquist), a slick, smooth-talking salesman of the ilk that could sell ice to an Eskimo, a skill of which he quickly illustrates from the get-go. But, when his boss, Ken Wheeler (Donald G. Baker), has arranged for Darrel to have a magazine article written about him, it introduces a new element to his existence, disgraced journalist Alexis Thomas (Melina Gammersbach).
Attempting to recover from a previous story gone sideways, Alexis at first is nothing but an annoyance to Darrel, and their relationship is less than amicable. But, as time passes, the insecure and mistrustful Darrel opens up to Alexis with intimate details about his business and the products he sells. But, he also is quite adamant about the perils that lie within the communities of clients he has. Worrying about what she might be involved with, Alexis hires a Private Investigator (Greg Gibbons) to seek out and ascertain information about her article’s primary subject. Yet, the further she digs for answers, Darrel’s paranoia begins to affect her, and soon everything around them both becomes suspect–but to what end–as deeper mystery ensues.
Next, my Mind:
Toronto, Canada-based writer/producer/director Matthew Scott’s debut feature film is a wonderful example of why new and/or emerging indie filmmakers need a platform to share their efforts, receive critiques, get exposure at Film Festivals, and gain longevity even beyond that. What is presented here is a favorable mix of drama, mystery, and clever comedic elements which ends up addressing one of the biggest issues existing in today’s high-tech, yet still paper-bound, society. Utilizing subtle film noir techniques, the cinematography remains simple, yet greatly effective in bringing across the varying moods the film chooses to engage the viewer with. And again, the inclusion of humor within the greater narrative does make the proceedings move along even more smoothly.
Of course, in addition to the writing, the great strength of a film will come from its primary characters and the actors that play them. This project is no exception to this point. Lead Martin Lindquist is an absolute success as Darrel, so entertainingly bringing out the cocky confidence, slight goofiness, and mildly shady demeanor of the character while also efficiently showing a man sinking into a jittery, anxious mess as events progress. Actress Gammersbach is just as enjoyable playing Alexis, very much embodying a journalist simply trying to get back on her feet and ending up, apparently, in over her head, becoming just as distressed and edgy as Darrel is, and more unsure about the choices she’s made in pursuing her story.
In total, “Remember To High Five The Salesman” is a fun, shrewd, and savvy debut for Scott, benefitted by solid writing, a great lead and supporting cast, and the proof that the indie film community has another emerging voice.
And as one last point: WATCH the complete film for free HERE!
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
