It's pretty obvious that I like (ok, am obsessed with) the movie, Shelter. I'm still trying to figure out why I can't stop thinking about this film! The specifics of the story cannot be more different from my own life. The movie's elements, however, are so relatable that I can't help but find personal experiences reflected on the screen, presented in the settings and echoed by the sounds. After several months, dozens of viewings and more long-winded message board posts than I dare admit, I've decided to take my time and ride out this wave until the next cinematic revelation comes along.
So, why the movie madness? . . . Here are some of the things that I love about Shelter - none of which appeal to logic or reason:
The setting: The oft-neglected San Pedro, California location is given top billing. This city reminds me so much of my hometown here in Connecticut that it can easily serve as Bridgeport's fraternal twin or first cousin, at least.
The characters: In their own way, they are a reflection and a revelation. I have either known or been someone similar to each character at various points in my life. There's even a sense that they represent different sections of my inner psyche. Perhaps this explains why their dialogue and motivations seem so authentic. I've recently become acquainted with the field of art therapy and I'm constantly amazed at how cathartic it is to watch the relationships unfold.
The story: It's easy to dismiss kitchen sink realism as the stuff of made-for-TV movies, but this treatment is so appropriate for Shelter's plot. The domestic scenes allow the viewer to relate to the characters, internalize even the subtlest emotions and experience the level of intimacy portrayed.
The production: Although it remains firmly rooted in the independent filmmaking process, the movie stands out by deftly combining key elements from television and popular culture. A transcendent quality reflects the same images found on the average TV screen: the family-driven Lifetime/Hallmark drama; the sexy HBO/Showtime series; the slick MTV/VHI music video (I think Zach and Shaun's nebulous age gap is best described as the difference between these two channels); not to mention, the youth-oriented ESPN/X Games sports culture. There's even a Jerry Springer/Oprah tinge to Zach's family struggles and his sister's promiscuity. In my opinion, the film's most powerful attraction is its post-millennial take on two popular 80’s flicks: Flashdance and The Karate Kid. Shelter's anti-Brokeback ambitions are wonderfully realized, but, to me, the movie's anti-Cinderella subtext stands as its most enchanting (and radical) feature. In this departure from the original tale, a codependent family dynamic must rescue itself from implosion and the battle for true love involves three charming princes and only one "evil" sister.
The sensitivity: If a wave of pop culture makes Shelter relevant, a strong undercurrent of art makes the movie resonate. The visuals are both edgy and ethereal, perfectly capturing the conflict between Zach’s dismal reality and his suppressed desires. The dialogue is mundane, profane and poetic all at the same time. The melodic soundtrack establishes the stream of consciousness upon which the plot drifts forward. Most of all, the narrative arcs are largely left up to the viewer's interpretation and emotional projection. These layers help Shelter succeed at being an art film in the classic sense while serving as a contemporary work of heart.
The sensibleness: I know I mentioned that my explanation would not appeal to logic or reason, but it doesn’t mean that the film can’t. My absolute favorite aspect of the story is that it makes sense. Sure, there are online discussions picking apart missing details, but, overall, I think this is one of the most logical love stories that I’ve seen in a long time. The very fact that I’m using the words logical and love story in the same sentence is amazing enough. The movie illustrates the deep connection between our emotional responses and our past experiences. It also reveals how finding intimacy helps us embrace our true selves. Shelter reminds one that life has its own inner wisdom and that our existence flows in directions which we cannot immediately understand. Upon looking back (or up at a movie screen), however, we realize that these currents are what pull us towards our destiny.
The setting: The oft-neglected San Pedro, California location is given top billing. This city reminds me so much of my hometown here in Connecticut that it can easily serve as Bridgeport's fraternal twin or first cousin, at least.
The characters: In their own way, they are a reflection and a revelation. I have either known or been someone similar to each character at various points in my life. There's even a sense that they represent different sections of my inner psyche. Perhaps this explains why their dialogue and motivations seem so authentic. I've recently become acquainted with the field of art therapy and I'm constantly amazed at how cathartic it is to watch the relationships unfold.
The story: It's easy to dismiss kitchen sink realism as the stuff of made-for-TV movies, but this treatment is so appropriate for Shelter's plot. The domestic scenes allow the viewer to relate to the characters, internalize even the subtlest emotions and experience the level of intimacy portrayed.
The production: Although it remains firmly rooted in the independent filmmaking process, the movie stands out by deftly combining key elements from television and popular culture. A transcendent quality reflects the same images found on the average TV screen: the family-driven Lifetime/Hallmark drama; the sexy HBO/Showtime series; the slick MTV/VHI music video (I think Zach and Shaun's nebulous age gap is best described as the difference between these two channels); not to mention, the youth-oriented ESPN/X Games sports culture. There's even a Jerry Springer/Oprah tinge to Zach's family struggles and his sister's promiscuity. In my opinion, the film's most powerful attraction is its post-millennial take on two popular 80’s flicks: Flashdance and The Karate Kid. Shelter's anti-Brokeback ambitions are wonderfully realized, but, to me, the movie's anti-Cinderella subtext stands as its most enchanting (and radical) feature. In this departure from the original tale, a codependent family dynamic must rescue itself from implosion and the battle for true love involves three charming princes and only one "evil" sister.
The sensitivity: If a wave of pop culture makes Shelter relevant, a strong undercurrent of art makes the movie resonate. The visuals are both edgy and ethereal, perfectly capturing the conflict between Zach’s dismal reality and his suppressed desires. The dialogue is mundane, profane and poetic all at the same time. The melodic soundtrack establishes the stream of consciousness upon which the plot drifts forward. Most of all, the narrative arcs are largely left up to the viewer's interpretation and emotional projection. These layers help Shelter succeed at being an art film in the classic sense while serving as a contemporary work of heart.
The sensibleness: I know I mentioned that my explanation would not appeal to logic or reason, but it doesn’t mean that the film can’t. My absolute favorite aspect of the story is that it makes sense. Sure, there are online discussions picking apart missing details, but, overall, I think this is one of the most logical love stories that I’ve seen in a long time. The very fact that I’m using the words logical and love story in the same sentence is amazing enough. The movie illustrates the deep connection between our emotional responses and our past experiences. It also reveals how finding intimacy helps us embrace our true selves. Shelter reminds one that life has its own inner wisdom and that our existence flows in directions which we cannot immediately understand. Upon looking back (or up at a movie screen), however, we realize that these currents are what pull us towards our destiny.
No comments:
Post a Comment