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First, the Recap:
Have you ever had those times where you simply, flat out, incontrovertibly wanted to be left alone? You’ve got your mind preoccupied with any myriad of situations and would rather “disappear” than be constantly surrounded by even familiar faces, much less strangers. This is probably even more true when dealing with a loss, and for rock star Rick Rossi (Larry Love), it is an accurate assessment as he arrives in Galway, Ireland reeling from the death of a best friend. With the understanding that the city’s denizens could care less about famous people in their midst, it seems like the perfect getaway.
How quickly notions get destroyed. Initially recognized by the taxi driver (Paraic Breathnach) during his ride into Galway from the airport, Rick is reassured by the man that he’s chosen his hideaway well, as the Irish don’t care at all about celebrity. Willing to be accommodating and unfazed by this initial encounter, Rick continues on to find some peace, but soon discovers that everyone he runs into insists on making it known exactly how much people in town don’t bother famous faces. When Rick’s at his wit’s end, one last chance for some solace turns into the one confrontation he truly could have lived without.
Next, my Mind:
Steeped in both an irreverent, darkly comedic mood and, undoubtedly, an unapologetically honest look into the world of stardom, director Paul Duane and writer/producer Olaf Tyaransen’s 15-minute ode to the perils of expecting one thing and experiencing another as a personality seeking anonymity surely leaves nothing to doubt with its message. Utilizing the initial nighttime venues of the city and the particular individuals Rick runs into upon arrival, the tone of the visuals very acutely emphasizes and sums up the character’s entire sense of reality with no regrets via in-your-face delivery. The dialogue, profusely swimming in harsh language beyond this reviewer’s personal preferences, acts to further illustrate the admittedly real-life feel of the narrative as Rick’s misadventures unfold.
Larry Love, of the British music group Alabama 3, most certainly plays the role of Rick superbly well, presenting all the mannerisms, swagger, and quirky behavior one might expect from a big shot while so realistically displaying the swirl of emotions and longing for consolation and relief being sought after. His multitude of reactions to people knowing him is that mix of annoyance and forced patience with fans that I am sure must sometimes be experienced in Love’s real life. Add to this solid supporting turns from Breathnach, John O’Dowd as a brash, intrusive fan Brendan, Danny McCafferty as a local busker, and Gerry Conneely as an overtly abrupt doorman among others, and it paints such an overwhelming, yet humorous, picture of an overall circumstance one would prefer to have avoided.
Overall, with the strains of Love’s own music accompanying the tale, “Don’t You Know Who I Am?” stands firm in its own right as a modern short film offering, unafraid to showcase the more unglamorous side of being a celeb by clearly establishing something so many of us seem to miss or not desire to acknowledge about them–they’re only human.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
