MOVIE REVIEW
Look At Me
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Genre: Comedy, Drama
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 26m
Director(s): Taylor Olson
Writer(s): Taylor Olson
Cast: Taylor Olson, Koumbie, Stephanie MacDonald, Sam Vigneault
Where To Watch: premiering at the 2024 Slamdance Film Festival, www.slamdance.com

RAVING REVIEW: When you sit down to watch LOOK AT ME, you're signing up for more than just your standard dramedy. You're transported into a profoundly personal journey alongside Taylor, an actor who's battling with deep personal issues, including an intense eating disorder. This film is not just a narrative; it’s an invitation into the depths of a troubled soul seeking love and self-acceptance in a tumultuous world. It is a fictional autobiography that makes you question the battles those around you face daily.

The director's decision to adapt his play "Heavy" into LOOK AT ME is courageous. He doesn't just sit in the director's chair; he embodies the role of Taylor, offering a performance that blurs the line between reality and fiction. This is more than acting; it’s a real-life story unfolding on screen. The 18-month production timeline, a dedication to authentically mirroring Taylor's physical and emotional transformation, speaks volumes of his commitment to the role. If you follow me, you’ll know that I sometimes say that one person tackling so many roles in production can dilute the final product, although it’s a joy getting to see a film like this that proves me wrong.

The film's use of varying aspect ratios is a muted but powerful narrative tool, expanding and contracting to reflect the inner turmoil of Taylor's mind, inviting the audience to deeper engagement with the story. Along with the decision to use black and white as another visual storytelling method, they combine as a silent but powerful way to express unsaid emotions on screen.

I always like to force myself to find something that I would change, even in a film I genuinely enjoy. If I were to pick something here, I would have liked to have seen a more substantial development of the other characters in Taylor’s life. While they are essential to the overarching narrative, I don’t think we can see enough of them to understand their impact on his life. We see the moments that impact him but not where those moments come from.

LOOK AT ME transcends the traditional boundaries of film. It's a visceral experience, an emotional rollercoaster that takes you deep into the heart of personal struggle and the quest for self-acceptance. The director's raw and vulnerable portrayal and the film's striking visuals make it more than just a movie; it’s an emotional journey that resonates with the viewer long after the final scene fades. Its boldness and uniqueness are its greatest strengths, offering a fresh and compelling perspective in cinema.

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[photo courtesy of AFRO VIKING PICTURES]

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