When Auditions Reveal More Than Talent

Read Time:3 Minute, 38 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Main Character Energy
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Genre: Comedy, Short
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 12m
Director(s): Sohale Dezfoli
Writer(s): Nicholas Begnaud
Cast: Mark Prendergast, Taylor Joree Scorse, Kacey Rose, Lonnie Hughes, Tracy Dye
Where To Watch: screening at the 2024 Sarasota Film Festival April 2024

RAVING REVIEW: Dip your toe into the insanity of Los Angeles' acting auditions; MAIN CHARACTER ENERGY offers a slice of this unique life with a twist, blending humor and confusion, and just a dash of panic in equal measure. This short film, directed by Sohale Dezfoli and written by Nicholas Begnaud, captures the essence of ambition and the hurdles of identity through the engaging narratives of Brian (Mark Prendergast) and Lizzie (Taylor Joree Scorse.) It’s a compelling watch that marries the highs and lows of the acting world with insightful commentary, making it a standout piece in the indie circuit. And it does all of this in a compact 12-minute runtime!

From the start, Brian's plunge into the audition room chaos sets the stage for a journey filled with emotional ups and downs. Encountering Lizzie turns the tide and changes the rest of both of their audition outcomes, introducing a spark of camaraderie in a competitive world. Their accidental contention for the same role, (maybe) Jordan, propels them into a story that humorously yet thoughtfully delves into the uncertainties actors face, making every scene resonate with anyone who's dared to dream.

The film’s genius lies in its ability to weave together laugh-out-loud moments with a critical eye on the auditioning saga. Kacey Rose’s portrayal of the stereotypical “assistant” epitomizes the industry’s cold shoulder, amplifying the obstacles our leads must navigate. The evolving bond between Brian and Lizzie, rooted in mutual ambition and understanding, becomes the narrative’s core, challenging viewers to rethink the conventional dynamics of gender and representation within acting. Interestingly, such a complex story could fit into this runtime while feeling pretty much complete.

The supporting cast, including Tracy Dye and Carlo Malis, offers critical elements to enrich the film's experience, ensuring we never get a dull moment. Although not intensely overpowering, the film's score is definitely a guiding light, syncing in tune with the narrative’s shifts between comedy and contemplation.

MAIN CHARACTER ENERGY is more than the sum of its pieces; it dives deeper than just the comedy at the core to probe deeper into the essence of chasing one’s dreams against all odds. It’s a cocktail of ambition, identity, and the universal quest for validation, served with a side of laughter. The cast and crew have created something that entertains and echoes aspiring actors' collective struggles and triumphs.

However, while the film sparkles with wit and wisdom, its brevity leaves audiences yearning for more adventures and misadventures of its relatable protagonists. Despite this, it crafts a vivid story in the complexity of pursuing artistic validation, earning its place as a must-watch for anyone fascinated by the lure and lore of acting. MAIN CHARACTER ENERGY strikes a delicate balance, making it a compelling exploration of what it means to strive, survive, and occasionally thrive in the fiercely competitive acting landscape.

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[photo courtesy of CRABBS BRANCH ENTERTAINMENT]

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