"Things I Don’t Understand" – What Happens When We Die?
by Writer/Director David Spaltro’s follow up to his first feature "…Around" stars Molly Ryman as a graduate student working on a thesis investigating what happens when you die. But the movie proves to be more of an exploration in how we all live our lives today, and how we are stuck in moments in time or thirsting for a future which may never be.
As for the supporting performances, they at first seem too broad for a movie like this, but in retrospect they feel just about right. Hugo Dillon and Melissa Hampton play artists so dedicated to their art that they have foolishly denied other outlets that could very well add to it. Their characters strive not just for artistic truth but for acceptance from others which they feel they completely lack. In a world which can be so cold and unfeeling to their desires, they have forgotten to respect themselves. As much as these two go over the top, they both inhabit their characters fully and are more than willing to experience their longings and horrific embarrassments (wait until you see Gaby’s play!) in order to reach a new level of understanding about themselves.
Other performances worth noting include Eleanor Wilson’s as Darla, the new to town actress who looks and sounds dumb, but who turns out to have a positive view of life by choice and not necessarily a victim of blissful ignorance. Lisa Eichhorn takes what could have been a throwaway roll as Violet’s psychiatrist and gives it a nice edge you don’t always see in characters like hers. And let’s not forget Mike Britt who gives great comic support as Parker’s good friend, Big Felix.
“Things I Don’t Understand” is one of those movies wandering around in the overcrowded world of independent film which I hope finds the audience it deserves. While it looks like yet another movie wondering about what happens when we die, it takes that question and uses it to define how we can live for today. The more I think about this film, the more it reminds me of the lyrics of one of my favorite Pearl Jam songs:
“You can spend your time alone, redigesting past regrets, or you can come to terms and realize you’re the only one who can’t forgive yourself. Makes much more sense to live in the present tense.”
* * * ½ out of * * * *
See also:
“Stan” – Love Hurts, But Should It Burn?
“Stan” Gets Its World Premiere at the Dances With Films Festival
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Post Commentfishfry aka Elizabeth Figueroa
On January 13, 2012 at 4:05 am
These question and alot more crossed my mind as my dad’s life was coming to a close. I have settled on the belief that we are all one, and in heaven time is eternity, and goes by fast. So our love ones who are still with us, and see us suffer, also see the bigger picture. A glorious happiness that comes when we are one with God.