“GOODBYE TO ALL THAT”
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger
One of the most enticing parts of Tribeca Film Festival is how easily that we, as the audience, can relate to the film content that is mastered by the filmmakers on the screen. Through the eyes of each and every filmmaker and the actors chosen to tell the stories, we live those emotional and real moments.
A film that hit home with its realistic subject matter was “GOODBYE TO ALL THAT” which made its world premiere debut at Tribeca Film Festival 2014 just last month, by creative playwright and screenwriter, Angus MacLachlan.
Topics of love, relationships, dating, the routine nature of marriage are all explored in this film about a typical suburban father and husband who is content with his life and couldn’t ask for much more. His wife, unfortunately, is not as satisfied with the marriage and blindsides him at her therapist’s office by asking for a divorce. It is a slightly symbolic film where we aren’t really forced to take sides between the man or the woman, but instead, to watch how man known as Otto, handles being back in single life again. Technology seems to have taken over our world and as impersonal as it seems, being single is super dependent on our mobile devices.
Photo Courtesy of Tribeca Film Festival
It is a mixture of emotions from humor to sadness. Otto meets women from his past who spark memories and hangs on desperately to the love of his daughter who means everything to him. He ventures into the world of online dating and finds a younger, adventurous girl to ignite his forgotten side. The film is very symbolic and is meant to be interpreted by each of us in our own way. Angus MacLachlan knows how to hit it home with this one. It follows on the footsteps of his first major success, JUNEBUG.
Angus couldn’t have picked a more talented cast to portray his characters. Stars include Melanie Lynskey, Heather Graham, Anna Camp, Amy Sedaris, Michael Chernus, Celia Watson, Ashley Hinshaw, Audrey Scott and Paul Schneider. It seems as if all the characters are searching for themselves at different points of their lives. As a special tribute to the film and the outstanding acting, Paul Schneider walked away with “Best Actor” Award at Tribeca Film Festival 2014 for his most convincing performance.
About his win, Schneider says, “I was completely surprised. I went to the ceremony to support our film and my director, the other filmmakers. I had no idea I was being considered for anything. I just feel honored and especially because it came from Tribeca. I’m more a part of that world. The films they champion are closer to my heart. As I was standing up there I just thought of all the crews and casts, the teams I’ve been a part of. Anything I’ve ever done of quality was possible only because I was surrounded by great people. I’ve always been really lucky that way.”
With the Tribeca Film Festival now in its thirteenth year, Schneider is remarkably the first American actor to garner a “Best Actor” win.
Photo Courtesy of Tribeca Film Festival
What makes this film festival more meaningful are the Q&A sessions held after the film comes to a close. In the case of the April 26th showing, Angus came to the front of the theater and gave filmgoers some insight into his idea of what the film stood for and much more. He was passionate about the dedication that went into making his film.
Attending the many different films of Tribeca Film Festival is always a huge thrill and seeing them succeed on the Big Screen is even more monumental.
Comments are closed.