(Side Note: IMDb lists this as a 2018 film, but also notes its release date as December 10, 2019)
A young blind woman finds herself in a hospital specializing in experimental surgery. She falls in love with a disfigured man. Is her love truly blind or will she reject him once her vision is restored? Will such a rejection send him and the other patients on a murderous rampage right out of Tod Browning's Freaks?
CUT!
A young woman finds herself acting in an avant-garde horror film opposite a disfigured man. Will they move past initial awkwardness to give the best performances they can? Will they see beyond society's notions of beauty to forma common bond?
Writer-Director Aaron Schimberg brilliantly weaves these two juxtaposing plots together, leaving this viewer mesmerized. A film within a film is nothing new, but Schimberg makes it feel fresh with compelling characters.
(Side Note: I was transfixed by the look and style of the film within the film. The scenes we are shown capture a late-1960's/early-1970's European cinematic vibe.)
Jess Weixler brings an effervescent sweetness mixed with a dash of Hollywood cynicism to Mabel. Adam Pearson brings an innate gentleness mixed with a dash of charming wit to Rosenthal. These two actors are the heart and soul of this funny, trippy and thought-provoking film.
CHAINED FOR LIFE never preaches or talks down to the viewer. Instead, this film subtly challenges the viewer to find humor in uncomfortable situations and to look at ourselves through different eyes.
(Side Note: A scene where Mabel is being interviewed about portraying a blind woman gave this visually-impaired viewer a sly grin. Her apparent unease discussing a disability she doesn't have was amusingly familiar territory to me.)
I stumbled upon CHAINED FOR LIFE in my library's DVD collection. I had never heard of it, but the deceptively simple cover caught my half-blind eyes and drew me in. I immediately knew I needed to experience this film. As I checked out the DVD, the head librarian mentioned that she thought of me when she initially placed the film on the shelf. I knew I crossed her mind because she knows I enjoy films with an indie sensibility and stories about outsiders. However, there was a brief millisecond where my vanity wondered if she connected me to the film based on my physical appearance. I quickly came to my senses, but this momentary superficial thought stuck with me as I watched the multi-layered characters and plot unfold, making the film resonate even more with me.
In conclusion, if you are in the mood for something wildly entertaining to take you outside of your comfort zone, look no further than CHAINED FOR LIFE.
Thank you for reading or listening to my half-blind words.
Freak Out,
JLH
P.S. A different film about outsiders...
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Excellent review, John! This movie sounds just like my cup of tea.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Barry!
DeleteI think you might be right. ;)