Visioneers (2008)

The expectation: This film was a recommendation by a creative and brilliant friend of mine whose context of the world is perpetually informed by his revolutionary perspective of ideology. His ability to question our established cultural conventions without becoming cynical is commendable- especially to someone like me who cannot seem to figure out how to wade this tension. I just get cynical. So, a black comedy recommendation- I am excited.

The result: A dream film for the modern hipster who revels in antagonizing our corporate structure, Visioneers stars Zack Galifianakis (The Hangover)as George Washington Winsterhammerman and Judy Greer as his wife Michelle. George works for a large company whose main goal is to instill productivity in its workforce so as to combat the creative thought that ultimately leads to depression, anxiety, and spontaneous combustion in the human population- a widespread epidemic with no cure. Think the power of big brother in 1984, mix it with the hypnotic lethargy of Fahrenheit 451, and set it in our contemporary TV watching, consumption driven, imperialistic culture. Zack, although a popular comedian, plays an excellent zombie drone whose body language is a great reflection of my reaction to most people, and the film has a corresponding despondent and melancholic tone that propels it forward. While this tone creates a very drawn out and overly dreary film, the message is heightened through the boring saga- and the random outbursts by the character are sharper through this contrast. Some of the more memorable scenes comically highlight ridiculous procedures, props, and rituals that are pushed onto the characters so as to dampen free thought and ultimately hinder 'human explosions'. Spontaneous combustion is feared at all costs, giving the characters an reason to do anything necessary to remain devoid of emotion, independence, and individuality. Stress is personified as literal spontaneous explosion. In an interesting twist, one which the film does not really explicitly tackle, is the fact that it is this life within the corporate workforce that creates enough stress to allow for an 'explosion epidemic'. George's life is juxtaposed by a brief encounter with the 'hippie culture' of anti-establishment, living apart from the corporate workplace. Here we see that the epidemic can only be cured by a complete re-envisioning of daily life, not in preventative measures within it. This film is a gem by first time director Jared Drake, written by his brother Brandon Drake, and although the filming is not always stellar and creatively positioned, the blandness of the film's tone is perfectly reflective of the consequences of widespread cultural pacifism. Although the film isn't overtly funny, it is a perfect warning for our times.

What to look out for:
Colors- all blues and grays. Wonderful cinematography.
Great acting by Zack and Judy- with a colorful interjection by James LeGros who plays George's brother Julieen.
The concept of a son in this world- what are the consequences to children?
The opening scene- creatively and sardonically narrated!
Last song by Tim Delaughter of the Polyphonic Spree- the only place you can find it. Singer-songwriting works well with lethargy....

Flickr photo by StarvingFox