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| Images Courtesy of 4085 Films |
Films about
making films are a common fixture within the cinematic medium. Almost always, they are more so about the creative
forces behind the motion picture confronting some past trauma or guilt, the act
of creation mutating into an act of absolution or irrevocable destruction. Maximus Jenkins debut feature film, All
Alone Together continues this tradition, albeit in a rather unique and
intriguing approach. On a shoestring budget,
Jenkins and their crew have managed to create a film that David Lynch himself
would have possibly made in his early years.
Lincoln Arreto is a filmmaker who is in the middle of an existential
crisis. As his success increases, the
lines between reality and cinematic nightmare slowly begin to blur. Alex Nimrod stars as Lincoln as well as also
being the author of the script. The film
within a film trope works exceptional well here, as it is a dark mirror held up
for Lincoln to peer into, with monsters, both fictious and very real waiting
within and without. Nimrod’s bravura
performance is the heart’s blood of the narrative. His range and dedication to Lincoln’s
paranoia and awkward approach to reality signifies that Nimrod is destined for
great things.
Conversely, his cinematic “dark half” Tyler, portrayed by Jordan Lane Rice is the perfect accoutrement. Rice’s body language and apparent understanding of the subject are the perfect reflection of Lincoln’s harried reality. Both characters are haunted by (possibly) physical manifestations of their guilt, and their reactions are both organic and dangerous, keeping the viewer enthralled as Lincoln’s two realities begin to collide.
Perhaps the strongest attribute of the production is Jenkins direction. Considering the budget (which does show around the edges) the way that this is shot by cinematographer Kaleb Manske is quite clever. Impressions of German Expressionism will immediately be conjured, especially in the intro segment, as odd angles and deep shadows are used to illicit fear and confusion.
If there is a flaw is where the two films meet, Tyler’s nightmarish film-world and Lincoln’s hellish sojourn, as it becomes increasingly difficult to tell which is which and this was done almost certainly by design. Strong vibes of Perfect Blue are unavoidable, and the ultimate result is a debut independent film that swings for the heavens and, for the most part, reaches them.
Now available for digital rental, All Alone Together explores the crumbling psyche of a troubled and perhaps guilty man who seeks to remedy his situation through the crucible of creating art. As with many things in life, a clean resolution is not to be accepted, however, viewers who enjoy surreal forays into the minds of others, this will most certainly delight.
--Kyle
Jonathan