American Trash

"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.

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.

This film is absolutely something else in the best way. It is beyond well done. I'm absolutely blown away. I haven't cried this many times during a film in a really long time. This hit home with me so hard it's a bit crazy. This is his first dramatic Opus as director and actor & writing etc. The nuances and steady pacing of all of it was incredible. It's starts as if it's a slow burn and you really feel everything. I'm gonna have to do a whole review on this honestly. There's so much more to talk about! The angles, cinematography, editing, in the relationships between the characters. All so dynamic and different. You really accomplished a massive milestone Robert LaSardo! I've always enjoyed your on screen presence but I really can't wait to see more sides of you! Something really interesting as well is the steady energy of this film. And great supporting cast! It's very rich in substance and you portray the feelings of flashbacks & invasive thoughts & extreme emotions so on point! Another palpable factor is the portrayal of frustration like as he spoke to the cop about the investigation at the window and he was being a dick. I can totally relate. Also a huge accomplishment is the underlying Manson story that is presented in a very unique and approachable way. Which led to Lasardo's podcast with Reaper deep diving into it. Thank you for giving this your heart and soul! And thank you for letting scenes breathe. Not a lot of people doing that correctly in film today. So sick of fast cuts.

If you want a film that is bathed in placid security and of a humble platter of warm milk and cookies, then this ain't it. But, if you want a film that is a full blast to your senses, "American Trash" is it.

From that first roll of moving image and a quote by someone the world thinks they know, but, only in works of slavishly chic venerated villainy; "American Trash" begins. A word said, a phrase spoken; something that sets off a spark in the human mind of past, of present, of future's visualization.

Cave of contemplation was where a man and woman met. For what some see through the eyes of the bourgeoisie as being evil, others contend with the complex sanctity of what is sacred. A duo of souls finding commonality in a way of spirit is at the heart of this film.

He is Milles. She is Melissa.

Milles is a man haunted and daunted by all which his past have shackled him to, as being a veteran clasped in the grips of PTSD. Melissa is a woman of independent heart and optimistic overture. This is their story. Their life together is good. In fact, there happens to be a delightful act of domesticity that this couple have within their world together. Melissa doing something as over-lookable as watering plants is truly a sweet touch. Milles truly appreciates her to his core and for his care. Melissa is the embodiment of a revival to Milles' dormant heart.

Melissa is played by Lorelei Linklater, who brings an effervescent ray of exuberance into the dimness of the lead character's existence.

She is fulfillment of the void of vanishing nightmares that have transformed into dreams of possibilities of their future moments of being together. She is a breath of clean air in an existence of a chaotic and environmentally corroded society around them.

Boom! Without fanfare - Melissa is no more. Milles' physical manifestation of loss is devastating to watch. Heartbreak and heartache overwhelms him. With the captivating eye and vision of Robert LaSardo at the helm of this film, he takes the viewer on a journey of devastation.

"American Trash" deftly explores the dimensions of loss.

Loss of love. Loss of security. Loss of faith. Loss of hope. Loss of sanity.

A fact of reality brings a man that anyone would think is strong beyond measure to his knees, comes when Melissa's sister, Mandy (played by Gigi Gustin) and Milles meet for the first time. The location and circumstance of their connecting truly are like a sledgehammer to the base of his spine, taking him off balance.

In a scene with Melissa's parents, that arctic backhand of being discarded from the life Milles had crafted with Melissa becomes as stark as the words spoken and attitude aimed at him.

Without dulcet Melissa, this man who had climbed out from the well of hellish history suddenly was on the precipice of falling back down into that dark abyss.

He was who she needed and she was who he needed. As for anyone from the outside of their relationship knowing what they truly found in one another was insignificant. Melissa and Milles found each other, by bond of a crystallization of a pureness of humanity; no matter what outsiders may have thought of them. Happiness, indeed; or just a span of time bringing tranquility to a pair of lonely hearts was what was revealed to each of them.

There is a calming narrative that both sisters have upon the life of Milles, as that element of respect for things beyond man-made edifices brings home an underlying message of the will of the existence of the outdoors. It's something which both Melissa and Mandy have imparted to the life of this war-weary veteran of bruised nerves and frustrated lack of recognition.

In a world where a person thinks they can go at it alone; there is always a need for a tribe, or some sort of semblance of a familial frequency. You know, a smattering of souls that vibe on a coordinated wavelength. It can be those whom we as human beings may think we are opposite of; yet, in the fiber of our self have that certain actualization of knowing we are not as different as society may think they cleave us into different silos of acceptability.

For the forgotten man, Milles - Melissa is the angel of destiny. Even from that tender touch of Melissa's hand onto Milles' cheek at the cave where first met, the die was cast. For both, there was no turning back on their journey as one.

Surveillance of cameras, but lack of sight in seeing the person standing right before you is the way it is. Hearts and prayers. Prayers and hearts. It's the mumbo-jumbo of bureaucracy that envelope layers of this society. Milles is a particulate of dust, ignored and eviscerated beneath the bureaucratic radar.

"American Trash" is an anthem for the forgotten man. Forgotten of hope, society, care, history, respect, humanity, wisdom, service. Yet, when the character of Detective Anderson (played by Costas Mandylor) says the quartet of following words to Milles: "I appreciate your service"; that look on Robert LaSardo's face is that of a man thinking if one truly appreciated their military service to this country, they would be of service to him in his time of needing information on the snuffing out of a gentle soul.

There is that moment that comes in "American Trash", which seals Milles' fate. Hate blinds. Love visualizes.

American Trash is a powerful parable that doesn't preach, but only unveils the varied stages of hypocrisy which lie just beneath the surface of society pretending to be one thing; but in actuality being cradled in capes of callousness.

When a man has nothing...to lose...to gain - be it love, be it pain; fate is a decision he controls without waiver or weakened thought. Milles makes his, as this tale culminates in the nest of serenity he shared with a hopeful Melissa.

Milles' only true friend is a man of Chakra healing named Tai (portrayed by Rich R. Rendon), whom has a mellow effect on the lead character due to his shared combat history and philosophic balance. As both men understand one another on a different plateau of relating to how the other reacts or feels to any situation faced; there is no judgment transferred between them.

Psychedelic angel in the form of Charles, played with sobering effect by Mark Thompson sits with Milles as he awaits those grains of sand wind down in the hourglass.

In the film's final scene, there is a sense of homecoming to a peace that could only be absorbed by a soul whose known the thorns of sacrifice and tribulations by being the bastardized outcast in the path of disillusionment, discord and disregard. Robert LaSardo's character of Milles in "American Trash" is that discarded man who is ignored by society, and yet needed as the punching bag and fodder for all that is seen as being not worthy of the respect allotted by the mythology of security, sanity, and all which is considered upright.

As the credits roll, it is wonderful to see Robert LaSardo's dedication to another great actor, Tom Sizemore; in one of his last performances as Detective Kelly.

"American Trash" is a film that will stick in the memory of anyone who is fortunate enough to heed the message it delivers. I am looking forward to seeing what's next from the artistic acting and directing chops of the phenomenal Robert LaSardo.

Produced by actor-director LaSardo, Josh Webber and Diana Carter, this film is of high caliber and quality of message and pace. With original score by Anthony Espina and music by Paul Watkins and Brooks Poston, there are elements of folk and contemporary atmospherics.

Iconography of this film cannot be underrated, as it elevates the beauty of all which the natural world has to offer. Shots of the horizon celebrating the Pacific Ocean are one of the great aspects of "American Trash", from the footage of nature's vastness and revealing grace for the eye to behold. Director of photography Mike Le has done some wonderful work on this film.

Running a little under two hours, "American Trash" is a satisfying sojourn through the characters and scenic vistas of Los Angeles, Venice and Malibu.

Message of morning's mourn to Mother Earth! Tempered and tender! Provocative and poignant! Ballsy and brash! This is Robert LaSardo's "American Trash".

My husband and I finally got a chance to watch "American Trash" on Amazon Prime and we loved it! Robert LaSardo is a U. S. Navy Veteran and wrote and directed the unique story, which brings insight into the suffering that PTSD inflicts on soldiers. The production value was excellent, with the realistic and gritty cinematography adding to the themes of social decay and too little empathy for our Veterans. The acting by the entire cast was top notch throughout. Robert LaSardo, Costas Mandylor, and Tom Sizemore show why they are stars, as their charismatic presence just jumps off the screen. Gigi Gustin gave a beautiful performance, and I was so happy that Tom Sizemore was at the top of his acting game in one of his last roles! This is a must see and congratulations to Robert LaSardo and producer Diana Carter!!! 💖💖💖