American Trash

This film is RAW man! Wasn't expecting this to be this engaging! The performances were actually on point and the plot kept you going! The film in general gives you a weird vibe, and leaves you feeling for the lead who gave an incredible performance. At times I felt I wasn't actually watching a movie, but actually living an experience! Very few independent films I feel give me that vibe now-a-days, especially no Hollywood blockbuster! The music was very powerful and just heartbreaking at times! The scene in front of the tree tore me up man! The films crew did a great job to with the editing, sound and scouting locations! They captured Venice very well! Highly recommend!

The story involves a veteran with ptsd that has been trying to cope since his time in service, he meets a girl which quickly becomes what he feels is his other half, a tragic incident happens to her leaving the man in a peril state.

Robert LaSardo takes a different path in a more dramatic approach showing his character is going through more than what is met. The environment is very well shot heightening the mood and setting for the characters, very well shot camera work and cinematography. The cast is well placed for such a dire situation when it primarily focus on one character.

Robert's character goes through various feelings such as connecting,spirituality, seeking an inner sanctum of self salvation, carrying a burden and not when or how to rid of it even when you try to get the right support.

It can also teach us that even a consequence needs to be paid rather than learning to accept and improve on self character. Sometimes a painters self aggression needs to use the brush and paint his reflection in a different perspective, in a different form. Fans of Robert LaSardo's work will see a deeper side of his character and notice that everyone can become their worst enemy, everyone can become the monster they didn't know could be, everyone can repent and find the light of solitude.

It is worth watching to feel and to exercise the meaning of "righteousness " this feeling I would call a two sided shade of grey that anyone can relate to.

We are all connected, every one of us - and this film shows us that throughout the story. Grief and stress change us from the inside out, and in American Trash we see this with Milles and grow to understand his psyche and the massive love hidden deep down inside, especially for Melissa.

So much of life is out of our control, but love wins. We make choices every day and these choices shape our lives and the lives of our loved ones. Both fear and love battle it out in this story and the moments captured are deep and true.

Robert, keep directing and writing. It was an honor being a part of this film.

Robert LaSardo not only delivered an exceptional performance but as a storyteller, he knocked it out the park! They don't make movies like this anymore and the tragic story he has written resonates on a very deep level. This is a love story and delves deep into humanity, our environment and the psychology of ptsd. The cast did a great job supporting this story and the production value is very high considering the low budget this film had. The score is haunting and brings you back to a time long ago. If you haven't seen this film you should, it's an emotional ride that will leave you stunned. I adored this film and I highly recommend it!

"American Trash," directed by and starring Robert LaSardo, is a compelling addition to the genre of gritty urban dramas. LaSardo, known for his intense character portrayals, steps into the director's chair with confidence, delivering a film that's both visually engaging and emotionally resonant. The story follows a war veteran grappling with PTSD, finding solace in the embrace of a vibrant environmentalist. Together, they navigate the stark landscapes of Venice, California, in a narrative that's as much about personal redemption as it is about romantic entanglement.

What stands out in "American Trash" is LaSardo's ability to craft a character that's deeply flawed yet profoundly human. His performance, complemented by a strong supporting cast including Lorelei Linklater and the late Tom Sizemore, adds layers to a script that explores themes of love, loss, and the quest for meaning in a seemingly indifferent world. The film's aesthetic, with its 1960s color palette and evocative score, further enhances the atmospheric storytelling.

Critically, "American Trash" has been well-received, with viewers and critics alike praising LaSardo's dual role as director and lead actor. The film not only showcases his dramatic range but also his skill in guiding a narrative that's both heart-wrenching and thought-provoking. If you're in the mood for a film that challenges the norm with its raw depiction of life's underbelly while still offering moments of genuine connection and beauty, "American Trash" is definitely worth watching. It's a movie that lingers with you, prompting reflection on the human condition long after the credits roll.