The DC Independent Film Festival runs this coming week from March sixth until the tenth and I have been fortunate to review some of the shorts and films featured. Make sure to stop by to watch the films, or attend the seminars and workshops. And check the reviews on this column throughout the week.
This is the story of an addict, his newfound friends and the people he left behind. Kyle (Lukas Haas) starts to believe that his perfect ending will never come to fruition, so he dives into the thrill of drugs after some professional setbacks. His life becomes blurry as he partakes in new activities which help him maintain his habits.
This is for those in a dark mood. Most of the acting is steady and compelling, but the storyline is stale and redundant. Queer storylines could start becoming innovative. If innovation is what you seek, you will not find it here.
This film serves as a public service announcement; these are always welcome. It is built around great intentions. Writer and director Jane Clark, whose real life struggles inspired the film, is said to have invited top lawmakers to attend the DC premiere, says The Hollywood Reporter.
Clark adds “Most movies, documentaries, and news programs only illustrate meth addicts who are poor and uneducated or celebrities. But methamphetamine is an equal opportunity destroyer. The addicts I knew and know are from good families, had careers, lovers, owned homes, and lived middle class lives. And that is a story that has gone untold until now.”
Head is carried by Wilson Cruz‘s take as the struggling fiancé of an addict, Lindsay Pulsipher's as the stoic older sister of an addict, and Blake Berris’ performance as the enabling best friend, sometimes gay-for-pay dealer and addict. The pleasing cinematography should also be mentioned as it allows the darkness to find a way to disperse as the story unfolds. Candis Cayne’s take on character Pinkie is much needed comic relief, even if it was not meant to be that.
However, the film is longer than it should be, especially since many scenes should have ended on the cutting room floor (turning it into a short would not be the worst idea). Some B storyline characters are hardly believable and they lessen the impact of the writing’s strengths. Head does not break new ground, and although it fares very well when compared to other movies in its genre, it lacks likable characters. Overall, it is a well executed and bearable film that one would either watch once or tune in when stumbling upon it as it plays on LOGO on a rainy Saturday afternoon.
All in all, may the film incite conversation and assist the stigma and addiction to subside.
Meth Head will be shown Thursday, March 7th, at 8:15PM. There will be a reception from 7:30 until the movie starts. Tickets are $15.00.
Other shorts featured: A Cure, Titans of Newark and Echoes.
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