FUNNY PAGES (2022)

 

Written & Directed By: Owen Kline  Cinematography: Sean Price Williams and Hunter Zimny Editor: Owen Kline And Erin DeWitt 

Cast: Daniel Zolghadri, Matthew Maher, Josh Pais, Maria Dizzia, Miles Emanuel, Stephen Adly Gurgis, Marcus DeBonis, Michael Townsend Wright 

A bitingly funny coming-of-age story of a teenage cartoonist who rejects the comforts of his suburban life in a misguided quest for his soul.

This is a film that seemed to be treading the same ground as ART SCHOOL CONFIDENTIAL and GHOST WORLD. This film is more realistic but has the same kind of downtrodden dark humor.

This film is much more downbeat than those films.

As those films seem more cynical yet a bit more stylized. This seems rawer and victims of circumstances. Though this is just as funny at times. As mostly the joke is on the lead character. Who brings all Of this upon himself 

Only in this film, there are no winners it Is more of a comedic meltdown. Of a young man who believes that he must suffer to be a true artist, From his privileged upbringing. He tries to be rebellious and anything troubled or dirty deep. 

As expected he slowly Gets a wake-up call. That the audience from the beginning knows is coming. We want to root for him in his naive nature. As he wants to experience life. We see his continuing downfall. As he enthusiastically moves forward into a horror story of idealism.

As each character, he comes across seems crazy skewed in some sort of way.

The characters and film are somewhat grotesque at times. As it all seems grimy. The Aesthetic here is usually Close up And to Go for warts and all quality. 

Basically wanting to always want to show us the ugly side of the characters. While also showing that every person is flawed in some way. 

Even as this film is a coming-of-age story that offers few of answers. As the film makes its points , but offers very little to make its Mark.

Coincidently it comes off as a graphic novel story of It’s

Own especially with its own drab presentation and darkly ironic sense of humor. 

Grade: C+