WATCH THE FILM HERE
First, the Recap:
Sometimes, you sincerely need to know when to keep your mouth shut. Decorum and simple common sense would seem to be the logical indicators of this in a given situation, especially when it comes to criticizing someone’s cooking skills! For Ben (Julian Leithoff), this particular morning is not going his way once a flippant comment about wife Katja’s (Sandra Tauro) crepes provokes a less than desirable reaction. Forcing Ben’s hand, she challenges him to do something about it via a DVD that teaches cooking techniques. Basically, “You don’t like it, do it yourself”!
Willing to make amends in this fashion, Ben sets himself to the task to viewing the DVD, only to have an unanticipated visit from three of his friends–Daniel (Daniel Hubertus), Mark (Steven Kouria), and Wakko (Jaschar L Marktanner)–looking to play some poker. Attempting to hide what he had been viewing, the ensuing inquiry about it from the trio causes Ben to tell a white lie, which soon escalates into a massive run of double entendres when Katja arrives home early. As the friends leave and the door is closing, a final comment overheard seals Ben’s fate.
Next, my Mind:
Written, directed, and co-produced by Jaschar L Marktanner, who makes a supporting appearance in the film as well, this five and a half minute project very comically illustrates the consequences reaped when not keeping thoughts to oneself and then lying about situations to boot. With clever wit and waggish delivery, the narrative flows quickly and smoothly, amply building up the ever deepening hole the lead character finds himself digging, then thrusts home the ultimate point in the finale with hilarious and purposeful intent. This will be a tale that many a married man will probably be able to relate to on some level, which makes the film’s message all the more biting and pronounced.
Leithoff is absolutely perfect in the execution of his role as Ben, portraying him as the regretful husband whose determined to compensate for his lack of manners and make every effort to please his wife in learning to cook, but then totally faltering in the face of being honest about the effort with friends, whom you know would poke fun at him. Watching Leithoff’s use of facial expressions and body language during moments of awkwardness is priceless, adding to the comic mood and tone. Tauro is likewise excellent as Katja, showing that she is the one who wears the pants in the relationship, demanding but willing to let her spouse make up for mistakes, then being on the initially losing end of a conversation gone wrong, its true conclusion left to conjecture with one surprised and soon-to-be furrowed brow as the apartment door shuts.
Amusing and jocular from start to finish, “Do It Yourself” is a prime example of the deceptive simplicity found within the indie film realm, in that it illustrates once again how much fun character and storytelling can be while proving a short runtime does not automatically mean an effort will be short on enjoyable, well-conceived content.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
