The Umbrella Man

I am a huge fan of many things. One is independent films and the second is the numerous conspiracy theories surrounding the Kennedy assassination. Went to TRFF to see Foxcatcher (which is whole other review - snooze-fest) and this was also one of the features playing. Shot on a shoestring budget of around (I'm guessing) 500 - 750k. A small budget on a period piece means several things. One is it isn't going to be great costume wise and 2, you'll be paying many of the actors nothing. At any rate, the plot and story have potential but not in the hands of this director (or AD staff). The acting is what you'd expect from a movie this low budget. No one had a break away performance and some of the extras looked like they just decided to walk aimlessly in the scenes. Had this been the hands of a capable director, it would be a good low budget indie. But as it stands now, its better off a stage play.

A young couple lose their 8-year old son in a debatable accident, and the whole thing is actually only about their long difficult way to get over the trauma. The father Peter Brennan actually takes the accident hardest, and his wife finds herself having a difficult time with him, especially as he after drinking loses his job. Then he gets something else to think of as he becomes involved in the Kennedy murder, which becomes an obsession with him, as he thinks he has actually spotted the murderer. There are many Kennedy conspiracy films and books (innumerable), while the best one probably remains Oliver Stone's "JFK", which was followed decades later by a sequel, "JFK2" but not by Oliver Stone. This one adds little to the mystery, while the meaning with his getting mixed up in the conspiracy problem is that it serves him to get out of his trauma - it actually proves something of the therapy he needs. It is well acted and interesting all the way through, no risk of falling asleep, the human aspects and problems are interesting, although you find it irritating and unnecessary for him to constantly lose his temper, which doesn't help him at all - it never helps anyone. The end is satisfactory, and throughout the film you long for that scene that should have been reached so much earlier.

Locally produced films can be hit or miss at Pittsburgh's Three Rivers Film Festival. While everyone expected Foxcatcher to be this year's great local hit, there wasn't a lot of advanced buzz for The Umbrella Man. But this much lower budget film delivered and the audience loved it. Umbrella Man is wonderfully acted, especially Carter Roy's performance. Much like the much loved time travel movie "Primer," Umbrella Man deftly weaves a fairly simple concept into a complex story as obsession and grief battle within Roy's character. This film has great heart and is wonderfully entertaining. Certainly those interested in the Kennedy assassination will want to see it, but there's far more to enjoy.

For me, The Umbrella Man is a movie focussing on a character who is in total denial of personal tragedy and loss. Because of this, he is willing to consider any form of distraction, leading him to an obsession of something completely unrelated. His struggle makes parts of the film a bit hard to watch. The character struggles and exhibits escalating, self-destructive behaviour. At first, the film only hints at the backstory. During the course of the film, we watch the character going to extremes and totally alienating himself from those who love him. It's a wild, unpredictable ride, with some tumultuous turns, as his life seems to be going downhill, and his grip on reality is questionable. A great watch, engaging and unpredictable. In the end, to me, it all comes together in a few simple words, uttered by Jackie Kennedy. What better way to end a journey!?

Since this is meant for people who remember the Kennedy assassination, but need closed captioning! CC MUST be on ALL videos!