You probably played it as a child. You'd whisper a story into someone'sear, and they in turn would whisper it to another and by the time the story had gotten back to you it would be completely different from the original story. This is the theme for the "The Telephone Game" that was shown at the Edina Film Festival Thursday night. Shot entirely in black and white; Marco (Wesley Charles Tank) portrays the director/writer who insists on starring in his own production, only to fall in love with its lead actress Zelphia (brilliantly played by Haley Chamberlain). Slicing and splicing multiple emotions "The Telephone Game" shows us a glimpse inside the creative process and what one will do to keep the original idea intact. Written and directed by Jason Schumacher, "The Telephone Game" approaches all levels; from relationships to friendships, creative to artistic, reality to fiction and how the lines are blurred between each.
Zelphia (Chamberlain) brings a vulnerability and realness to her character as we watch Zelphia suffer for her craft and relationship while bravely attempting to be objective with her fellow cast mates. Wesley Charles Tank brings a "mad scientist" layer to his character Marco; as he struggles to keep his artistic vision and his identity separate from his character all while keeping the chaos of production at bay. The rest of the cast is brilliant as they try to figure out what Marco's motives really are and what his play is really about.
I felt the play portion itself was quite confusing, for the viewer never really knows what it is really about. There were several scenes about dancing monkeys, the capturing of diamonds and several references to gardening. Perhaps the meaning was there and it escaped me. Perhaps it's not important for it eventually shifts from its original idea to something almost unrecognizable as Marco and his vision are cast aside. The film was scattered with funny lines of sarcasm throughout which brought more depth and empathy to its characters especially during scenes between Marco and Zelphia; capturing a glimpse of the intimacy between the two outside of the theater.
All in all, Mr. Schumacher has written an intelligent little film giving us a glimpse of the creative process, relationships, and how blurred line between fiction and reality can be. I would recommend seeing it if you enjoy experimental theater and films which are a bit more than entertaining but thought provoking as well.
Zelphia (Chamberlain) brings a vulnerability and realness to her character as we watch Zelphia suffer for her craft and relationship while bravely attempting to be objective with her fellow cast mates. Wesley Charles Tank brings a "mad scientist" layer to his character Marco; as he struggles to keep his artistic vision and his identity separate from his character all while keeping the chaos of production at bay. The rest of the cast is brilliant as they try to figure out what Marco's motives really are and what his play is really about.
I felt the play portion itself was quite confusing, for the viewer never really knows what it is really about. There were several scenes about dancing monkeys, the capturing of diamonds and several references to gardening. Perhaps the meaning was there and it escaped me. Perhaps it's not important for it eventually shifts from its original idea to something almost unrecognizable as Marco and his vision are cast aside. The film was scattered with funny lines of sarcasm throughout which brought more depth and empathy to its characters especially during scenes between Marco and Zelphia; capturing a glimpse of the intimacy between the two outside of the theater.
All in all, Mr. Schumacher has written an intelligent little film giving us a glimpse of the creative process, relationships, and how blurred line between fiction and reality can be. I would recommend seeing it if you enjoy experimental theater and films which are a bit more than entertaining but thought provoking as well.
