Stereotyping In My Last Film
‘My Last Film,’ a statement on stereotyping
The independent film circuit has always been a place for filmmakers to bring to life their darkest and most honest observations about life, or in this case, the independent film industry in itself.
Zia Anger, renowned filmmaker and music video director, is making a big statement with her latest short film My Last Film, an eerie short that paints a sobering picture of the state of things in show business. The nine minute film is separated into two segments--one half taking place in New York City and the other in Los Angeles--and aims to make a bold statement about the film industry while also paying homage to the styles of filmmaking most favored on each coast.
The first half of the film--taking
place in Brooklyn--follows Lola Kirke and Kelly Rohrbach while they walk down the street airing their grievances, confiding in each other as friends so often do. Rohrbach is a struggling actress that is frustrated by her perception in the industry--her appearance as a stereotypical blonde often being of more interest than her acting capabilities. Her woes to work on projects that are creatively satisfying and non-objectifying are of legitimate concern, but Anger cleverly frames Rohrbach’s problems as ironic.
Anger’s commentary is drilled home with a shocking twist that is both unexpected and wrenching. Mac DeMarco makes a cameo appearance which adds even more power to the punch. Though he doesn’t speak in the role, his character’s brief appearance right at the end of the film’s part one is shock inducing and provides for a stirring conclusion to say the least.
Stark in contrast, and filmed dramatically different than part one, Anger’s take on the film scene in Los Angeles is that of a slower, moodier film esthetique. Part two features a simple slow-pan soliloquy of Rosanna Arquette, who delivers an alluring monologue about the changes in the film industry in the past 100 years, and how they’ve affected her. Arquette’s performance is subdued but very effective, and full of dark commentary about West Coast show business.
My Last Film is a short which is laudable for its unique and uncompromising vision. Backed by a clever plot and a handful of engaging performances, Anger’s latest successfully provides honest commentary on the whole of the film industry in an unconventional and stirring manner.
The independent film circuit has always been a place for filmmakers to bring to life their darkest and most honest observations about life, or in this case, the independent film industry in itself.
Zia Anger, renowned filmmaker and music video director, is making a big statement with her latest short film My Last Film, an eerie short that paints a sobering picture of the state of things in show business. The nine minute film is separated into two segments--one half taking place in New York City and the other in Los Angeles--and aims to make a bold statement about the film industry while also paying homage to the styles of filmmaking most favored on each coast.
The first half of the film--taking
place in Brooklyn--follows Lola Kirke and Kelly Rohrbach while they walk down the street airing their grievances, confiding in each other as friends so often do. Rohrbach is a struggling actress that is frustrated by her perception in the industry--her appearance as a stereotypical blonde often being of more interest than her acting capabilities. Her woes to work on projects that are creatively satisfying and non-objectifying are of legitimate concern, but Anger cleverly frames Rohrbach’s problems as ironic.
Anger’s commentary is drilled home with a shocking twist that is both unexpected and wrenching. Mac DeMarco makes a cameo appearance which adds even more power to the punch. Though he doesn’t speak in the role, his character’s brief appearance right at the end of the film’s part one is shock inducing and provides for a stirring conclusion to say the least.
Stark in contrast, and filmed dramatically different than part one, Anger’s take on the film scene in Los Angeles is that of a slower, moodier film esthetique. Part two features a simple slow-pan soliloquy of Rosanna Arquette, who delivers an alluring monologue about the changes in the film industry in the past 100 years, and how they’ve affected her. Arquette’s performance is subdued but very effective, and full of dark commentary about West Coast show business.
My Last Film is a short which is laudable for its unique and uncompromising vision. Backed by a clever plot and a handful of engaging performances, Anger’s latest successfully provides honest commentary on the whole of the film industry in an unconventional and stirring manner.