Camera Store

(Flash Review)

This is pretty much a character (pointless) study of stubborn man who never had the gumption to take action on a great idea he had. The story revolves around a coupe other fellows who work at a camera store who are extremely cynical and quick to anger. The protagonist camera salesman had an idea for a 1 hour photo booth for several years and did nothing with it. Someone he knows (a slimy fellow) finally takes action on his idea and angers him. A few people try to help him achieve his vision yet he is too stubborn to accept help. Between that core story line are some weak side stories. Perhaps the story lacked focus because when it was all done, I didn't get the point to this film. Was it to observe a man struggling with his own self-pity? I couldn't find anything redeeming about it.

This is really a drama film, when you've bitten through the first 15 minutes (with a lot of swearing), a nice story unfolds. I began to sympathize with the main characters,(they were uncertain what next year would bring). And of course the nice twist a the end (2 actually). Of course this is my opinion, but it was not that bad at all.

The choice paradox has been a challenge when finding newer movies of quality. Therefore, I just chose "Camera Store" off handedly and what a great surprise. It's become more rare to find movies which capture atmosphere in a meaningful level. The film really captures the sense of change which has been occurring in the past 10 years. I remember the rise of 80's America and the promise of hope based on consumerism. The local mall was the hub of business. Often times neighbors worked or owned businesses in the mall. The mall was part of everyday life in America. No one really ever imagined that "the mall" would become a relic just like "the camera store" in a time which everyone has a camera in hand. The film speaks to the change in our midst. Photos are almost arbitrary these days. Many of us take hundreds of not thousands of pictures with our phones then delete them in seconds. We can buy anything online without having to put on clothes. The shift from old to new when redundancy becomes real and possibly painful is palpable in this movie. The atmosphere of the movie conveys a sense of loss. A loss of connection with one another. A feeling of having been lost in a perception of the American Dream which never existed in the first place. An exhibition of the artifice of human existence in a world thoroughly corrupted by materialism. The years of relationships in the camera store basically come down to money. No more, no less. A very lonely place to find oneself in modern America.

I didn't know what to expect given the pre-commentary. I was pleasingly surprised by its humour and wit, at least to this dull mind. I am glad I partook, although some may not find its moral particularly uplifting but it does serve to underline the nature of life. some believe that life/evolution is a race between predator and prey but it has also been convincingly studied as a race betwixt host and parasite. Granted that what is host and what is parasite will undoubtedly be in vast contention.

In the hustle and bustle of this 21st century electric life one rarely reflects on times gone by.

This movie is a rich portrayal of a life lived with and between people, with its moments of purposelessness, morbidity and delight. Not something most people would enjoy these days perhaps but for myself it was a warm breeze laced with memory. And once in a while, we need to remember.

Script: 7/10 - Solid Direction: 8/10 - Hit mostly right notes Acting: 9/10 - Brilliant