Cubby

After reading the precis in the Frameline catalog, I was not so sure. But the film was a delight from the git-go. The main character is a total nerd, self-conscious to the point of discomfort, and out-of-place in the big city. "Sounds just like my kind of character!" said one friend. And yes he was, despite the description of him only having two friends, one 6 years old (and not a squirmy relationship) and the other imaginary. The audience actually cooed and roared its approval throughout. This film deserves a wide viewership.

One of those movies you see it once and that's enough, No deserve any recognition at all. Ridiculous plot.

Mark Blane never lets up on the crazy energy and heartfelt emotions of a man overwhelmed by his imperfections. Super weird visuals and absurd characters deftly intersect with real-world mental illness, situations, and stakes. Go in with an open mind and it will charm you.

You know when you have that feeling someone is meant for stardom? Someone whose talent is so immense on screen you know you'll be seeing them again and again? I felt that way seeing Amy Adams in Junebug, I felt that about Laura Dern in Smooth Talk. I feel the same way about Mark Blane's performance in Cubby, which I saw at the Frameline Festival. I can't stop thinking about Blane's portrayal of an awkward and innocent, Klonopin popping, horny manchild who daydreams about spending time with a studly leatherman. When I discovered Blane wrote and co-directed Cubby, I became certain he is a talent to be reckoned with. This is a beautiful and special first film. Somehow I'm reminded of Harold and Maude's tenderness and wisdom, but sexier, queer, and on acid. Cubby's direction, like Blane's performance, is nuanced and thoughtful. There's an unusual and distinctive magical realism quality to Cubby, complete with animation. Many times the audience doesn't know what is real, psychosis, party drug induced hallucinations or leatherman fantasy. Blane and co-director Ben Mankoff deftly handle the ambiguity. Cubby lets us know at the beginning this is a "story based on a lie." However I'm certain we'll be seeing more from Blane and Mankoff. Don't miss this film!

Cubby is an interesting film and a captivating debut from filmmakers Mark Blane and Ben Mankoff. It has characters which, while unique and their own people, all have elements that I was able to find very easy to relate to. It's a funny story that also carries a real emotional weight to it, and because of that, it's a film that creates real emotional resonance with the audience, even when traveling to places that are dreamlike or weird or wonderful.

I don't know that I've ever seen a lead character like Mark (played by Blane, who also wrote the script) in a film before. He's troubled and a little despicable, but also has heart and joy. He's a man confused just trying to find a place, which I absolutely found common ground with, even if we don't share a whole lot of other life experiences in common.

The supporting cast all adds layers. They all have been created with reality and care, making them people who add to the depth of the film as opposed to just being objects for Mark to bounce off of.

At the end of this movie, all you want to know is what happened to Mark next. Where is he in six months. Eight months. A year. He's someone who stays with you. And that speaks to the actor, writer, and director. The fact that those are all the same people is a pretty amazing thing.

I know this film is currently rocking festivals. I would love to see it get picked up and have a chance to make it's way into audiences. This is a film that takes chances, and that's a powerful and wonderful experience.