Keep the Change

Greetings again from the darkness. More attention is being paid these days to those on the spectrum, and it's fascinating to see how the entertainment world deals with these folks. Writer/director Rachel Israel has developed her short story into her first feature length film with an unusually naturalistic approach by having numerous non-actors on the spectrum play key characters. Rather than observing from the outside, we are privileged to join in with how they handle life's daily challenges.

Brandon Polansky is David, a self-proclaimed filmmaker who lives with his very wealthy parents (Jessica Walter, Tibor Feldman). We first meet David as he's being dropped off at some type of support group meeting. His attendance is court-ordered as an alternative to jail after he was arrested for telling a pig joke to a cop. It's pretty clear to us that David doesn't subscribe to traditionally accepted social behavior, though he aims to be a cool guy while hiding behind sunglasses that mask his insecurities. He thrives on telling jokes, although he is unable to discern what is appropriate and what isn't, learning the hard way that rape jokes aren't proper for a first date.

The support group meetings leave us trying to figure out exactly how these folks got here ... and why. Autism and other forms of personality disorders are part of each of the members, and yet we quickly come to understand the various traits of each person. Some are shy, while others are outgoing - and each is a distinct individual. David is initially annoyed by the enthusiasm and positivity offered by Sarah (Samantha Elisofon), but the two quickly form a relationship that is probably good for both of them, though quite different than what we usually see in a Romantic Comedy.

Ms. Israel films all around NYC, and some of the street scenes are terrific with a realism we don't often see. These are outsiders and outcasts, and we soon come to appreciate the ebbs and flows of their community. The quirks that we all have are at a heightened level here. These may include sand on our feet, or the trauma of a merry-go-round. Social anxiety abounds, and David even admits to his parents that one of the reasons he likes Sarah is that they are both "weird".

There is a blend of sweetness, sadness, and cruelty throughout and Mr. Polansky and Ms. Elisofon are a pleasure to watch. That is the life these folks live. They may be able to tell a funny Bernie Madoff joke, while not understanding that their "perfect pitch" is anything but. We do get to hear David's joke, and he prefaces it with "I got in trouble for this one". Understanding leads to acceptance, and though Ms. Israel's film tells us "sometimes change happens for the worse", it also shows us a bit of empathy goes a long way.

Set in contemporary NYC, a love story anyone can relate to. Much of the scenes take place at the social skills group where Sarah & David meet. Main characters and secondary ones are presented realistically as folks with challenges and joys, trying to their way in the world. Characters have rough moments & sweet & funny ones too. The symptoms of autism are secondary, the work of being in relationships with others is well told.

When I decided to watch Keep the Change my idea of what it would be about was pretty wrong. I had no idea it was about people on the spectrum. It was during the first scene of the support group that I started to understand that it was, especially when it zeroed in on Sarah. It took a while longer to realize that David too was on the spectrum; the character's desire to make people think he was just an average guy with "allergies" worked... for a while. And this was a big part of the film: David's coming to terms with who he was. In contrast, the character of Sarah was just so confident and comfortable within herself, she was a joy to watch. She's spontaneous, expressive and creative the way a child is. She also has the innocence of a child which is all the more striking as part of her acceptance of who she is includes sexuality! I believe it's the character of Sarah that gives the film its feeling of joy, which, in fact, David can't help but get swept up in himself. I just love how Sarah is so strong while being so innocent and childlike. Even in the end, she performs a heroic gesture, which was ultimately both moving and gratifying for me.

Other than the loose cinematography, clearly cut-in shots of people saying their lines outside the natural stream of the conversation, and two moments of why didn't they reshoot the scene, this is an interesting and funny rom-com that's a bit of a farcry from what I'm used to.

There were multiple moments in Keep the Change when the audience collectively laughed. There were a few moments when I felt the urge to cover my mouth and silently release my own laughter as to avoid drawing glares from the audience. Yep, it's got some dark jokes. Damn good ones at that.

I may have a problem with the cinematography, but the cameramen really focused on the right things at the right moment. It's the shots that really let me feel like the love interest had autism. Nevermind how she conversed. It was the way she touched. Y'all know what scene I'm talkin' about.

About the ending... it was a happy ending with such a degree of contextual sadness that I felt conflicted as the credits rolled.

Keep the Change (2017) was written and directed by Rachel Israel.

It stars Samantha Elisofon as Sarah and Brandon Polansky as David. This film could be called "Romeo and Juliet," because Sarah and David are star-crossed lovers. Sarah loves David in her way, and David loves Sarah, in his way. The problem is that their ways don't always match.

I was really moved by this movie, because both leads are, indeed, on the autism spectrum. Director Israel took a leap of faith that her actors would come through, and they did. It was wonderful to realize that Elisofon and Polansky didn't just watch people on the spectrum, and then try to act like them. They themselves don't have to fake it, but being on the spectrum doesn't always allow people to demonstrate their skills. Both of them are wonderful actors, and director Israel had the talent to make us appreciate their acting.

We saw this movie at the excellent Dryden Theatre in the George Eastman Museum. It was part of the wonderful Rochester Jewish Film Festive. It will work well on the small screen. Keep the Change has a terrible IMDb rating of 6.3. Did the people who rated the film see the same movie that I saw? Find this movie and watch it. You won't be disappointed.