fchughesuk

Wow. I have to admit never seeing any of the movies featured but can identify many of the cast as movers and shakers in the industry. Testament to a man who made movies for the pure pleasure of movie making and challenging the perceptions of others. Family and friends contributing to a precis of a craftsman and a Son charting his final farewell to a Man who allowed him live his own life.

Many time I recognised parallels in the relationship between Father and Son and my own parent & myself (sudden death syndrome) and that last 'interview' where Jr 'knows' is touching as it is shared with Jr's Jr. I can only conclude that when Sr's mind went elsewhere it was back to the time when editing of his segment was in process.

At times poignant, mostly humorous, this end-time journey was something I would not usually watch but I am so glad I did, such creativity.

Hard not admit that this is quirky and definitely disturbing from the start but the innocence and vulnerability of Jerry (Reynolds) drew me in and held my attention.

Acting from all concerned is involving and believable for the material and context and the tale being told from one point of view adding to the depth and pathos. The Voices starts light enough and shows a pleasant but odd guy at odds with his feline companion but supported morally by the canine. Devil and Angel on his shoulders. As the story progresses Jerry's backstory emerges, the humour become darker, subtext more uncomfortable and previous titters and laughs now have reference in the bigger picture of Jerry's Doom. Not a descent into schizophrenia and psychopathy but a fully fledged plummet with Reynolds showing acting chops of hidden genius and all concerned helping him deliver a work of depth and sensitivity for his subjects POV.

This really is a brilliant movie, especially with the final musical number, which is funny, detailed, enlightening and deeply disturbing all at once. Intelligent film making without the massive budget.