WATCH THE FILM HERE
First, the Recap:
Trying to find one’s identity. With all the myriad of methods we can choose to discover who we are and what we like to do, it becomes more tedious when subsequently ascertaining that the current means by which we make a living doesn’t quite cut the mustard anymore. Take, for example, Working Class Mozart (Antonio), a once-famed musical genius and composer whose prolific ability to create symphonies is no longer a profitable gig. Attempting to navigate a fantastical neon-drenched world to figure out what else he can accomplish instead.
Learning the forgotten art of plasma arc welding, Mozart also finds himself doing deals with underworld characters like TV’s Sonny Crockett (Aaron Granlund), who pay huge amounts for contract work. But, Mozart’s biggest challenge is trying to avoid run-ins with his robot boss (Aaron Granlund/S.M. Huet) who makes him watch work place safety videos that seem to have no bearing on any task Mozart is actually attempting to undertake. Besides some occasional BBQ in the back yard and contemplating his situation, Mozart’s work life soon indicates that a life of B&E might just be the way to go?
Next, my Mind:
Wow. I will freely admit that in the 3 years of reviewing films and getting exposure to the world of indie cinema, there’s no question odd/obscure/experimental film efforts are floating around. While there is a certain level of understanding and leeway that I am willing to give to filmmakers in even simple appreciation of what they’re trying to accomplish in MAKING a film in the first place, I am struggling to say co-writers/co-directors/co-producers Aaron Granlund and S.M. Huet’s 4-minute short film can be given, well, any overall kudos. While I could understand the grand concept, I just found it immensely difficult to accept its low-budget execution, 80’s neon plus overtly surreal visual presentation, and general lack of actual cohesiveness in the themes being offered. Basically, so many of the factors that I can usually forgive faults within were just far too tedious here for even my often lenient tolerances.
As to the acting found here, well, again it just wasn’t up to snuff to me, even for a low-budget production. While it could be intended, given the nature of the lead character and his story, that performances would be purposely drab or just unengaging, everything here involving acting just totally fell short by even those standards. I am certainly not expecting perfection or Oscar noms here, but nothing made me want to rave about anyone. The unfortunate attempts at even what could have perhaps been construed as slapstick-level goofiness/silliness fell into such non-comedic form for me, I wasn’t laughing, but rather scratching my head wondering what just happened. I’d like to believe I can comprehend even some forms of veiled humor, but still nothing. In total, “Working Class Mozart” became an example of, maybe, good intentions and experimental filmmaking falling well short of the goal.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
