Debut, or, Objects of the Field of Debris as Currently Catalogued

I saw this film when it had its premiere at MoMA earlier this year. The atmosphere at the screening was electric, punctuated by occasional laughs to release the tension. The soundscape is rich and moving. The director draws you in when he embarks on a noir-like mystery that is rife with cul-de-sacs of signification, which, when we follow them, place identity into a mise-en-abyme of artifice. There's Raymond Chandler but also Seybold at the edges, giving verve to the film's conceit. But artifice is also the stuff of creativity, which oozes out of each fold in the narrative. "Debut" lives up to its name: a stunning first feature.

This young director had me hooked on the mystery part, so much so that I felt sad when the narrative expanded into more philosophic, metaphoric explorations. He brought it back full circle in the end (yes, a true progression and resolution) so there was a degree of satisfaction, remaining curiosity about the story-within-the-story, and excitement about what lies in young Julian's future.

I was shocked to hear how little money it took to create (about $1000 I believe) - the production value was there. As the main character, he put aside vanity (I've seen him irl) - not succumbing to beauty shots where they didn't belong.

I feel that Director Castronovo bridged existentialism style and commercialism very deftly and entertainingly. Having watched an entire crop of student made films, it's clear that he has "it". I whole-heartedly recommend this film, and look forward to any future endeavors.