Anti-narrative Number 4
Running Time: 8 minutes 40 seconds
Completion Date: October 2007
"Anti-narrative Number 4" is an experimental film devoid of a traditional plot.
The film does contain a through line of ideas and themes. A man's life is examined; a narrator gives the audience insight into a man's thoughts and feelings. The narrator tells the audience "this is a man who is in control. He tells people he is in control."
Is the man really in control? The narrator reveals that the man is full of contradictions, is shallow, and feels the need to be accepted.
The man never read Moby Dick, but tells people that he did. He considers drinking large amounts of alcohol and going to see bands play major accomplishments.
The audience is informed by the narrator that the man desires to be the subject of a film because, "he believes he is nothing in this society unless someone makes a film about him".
The narrator eventually confesses that he is in fact the man in the film; the narrator is making a film about himself. A shift from third person narrative to first person narrative is made.
The very nature of film itself is examined. Issues of morality and mortality are explored. The man, who is the narrator, is conflicted about whether he believes in the afterlife and God. Can he come to terms with these issues by the end of the film? Or will the film conclude with his feeling the way he did at the start of the film?
Director Statement
"I have made numerous short films and written feature length screenplays that adhere to traditional narrative storytelling techniques. Making a film that was devoid of a conventional plot and that allowed me to explore themes without any boundaries was extremely liberating.
"When I started writing "Anti-narrative Number 4", I had no idea what form it was going to take - I only knew that I had some ideas I wanted to investigate.
"In shooting, most of the time, it was just the camera and me. On a few occasions when I needed assistance, I asked my mom, an extremely talented and artistic photographer, to operate the camera.
"It was interesting to discover that I had a tremendous amount of choices to make in shooting. When the options seemed limitless, it was necessary to stay focused on what the film was about.
"The same was true in editing. I had experienced the power of editing in my previous work. I knew that rearranging sequences and shots could greatly influence the general feel and impact of a film. Again, the options seemed limitless and at times overwhelming and I was challenged to stay true to my original themes.
"I could allow myself the freedom to explore the themes, but not veer from them however tempting that might be. The film after all, while loose as far as the storytelling techniques go, had to be cohesive and make some sort of sense.
"The final cut of my film has roots in the final draft of my script. In comparing the two, I can for sure see that the film evolved and changed throughout the process in a positive way.
"I don't know exactly why I sat down and started writing what is considered an "experimental film" that has funny bits, serious moments and parts that are uncomfortable. I do know that this experience has enhanced my storytelling abilities and that I had an incredible amount of fun throughout the process.
"The freedom to play, take chances and "experiment" with my artistic voice has already affected the projects I have embarked on since completion of 'Anti-narrative Number 4'".
