I was first attracted to the video because of its 30 minute length and the subject matter which is nothing short of exemplary originality. Writer/Director, Peter J. Bean and Co-Director Andy Attenhofer have a working dynamic that has made a short with all the makings of a Hughes Brothers movie yet without either brother, similar in the way they both tackle their particular brand of stories as a duo. My Struggle starts in one seemingly hum-drum direction and then immediately takes off into a fast turning and winding plot that has more curves than Mulholland Drive. Once you feel inclined to claim that you know what it’s about, you’re wrong a second later. This story truly brings up issues of family, morals, religion, history, ownership, filial attachment, and the struggle of science and emotions by using the building blocks of a child’s impressionable mind.
The duo have done a great job in finding the key to the plot symbolically and rhythmically, it is a well written concept although at times lacks the integrity of an organically evolving dialogue, either that or the actors are too stilted to speak. Thankfully Erick Claux Bertini, the DP, has great cinematography chops in every way, from long and wide Kubrick-esque shots to the composition of every close-up and medium shot; it holds you in the scene with a great and careful eye. Aside from a few small and subtle contrivances in the dialogue and plot this short maintains the entertainment value of a full length feature. I can ignore the amateurish acting because the plot holds a sizable magnifying glass up to the Nature vs. Nurture theme well enough even when the acting falls flat. It is just created simply complicated enough to keep your noodle squirming for quite some time during and after viewing.
They hit the bull’s-eye by casting the perfect face for the lead role of the Mini-Furor, named Adam (Biblical allusions aside), but could’ve greatly benefitted from using less characters in some scenes and more in others, some stunt choreography to make a couple scene more believable, i.e.; the two fight sequences and the mob outside the house. Some of the action doesn’t play well for the camera but it keeps you locked onto the boy, who I feel is the only person that truly matters in the story. Watch My Struggle through the lenses of a project that, had Peter and Andy been supported by a bigger budget, might have lived a different life. All in all… a great short film and we are happy to welcome new Writers & Directors such as these that choose to push the envelope and take it further than Hollywood ever could on such a budget. We hope to see and hear more from these creators very soon.
