Jack
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Written by: Diane Mellen / Stacey Stone | Directed by: Stacey Stone | Genre: Documentary | Length: 14 minutes |
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“ Wrapping this title up as a documentary about a struggling comedian is just the wrapper. Once you unwrap this film there is a lot more than advertised. |
| Diane Mellen and Stacey Stone’s short documentary Jack allows us to follow in the footsteps of an average man with some big dreams. Comedy calls this man. A desire to make people laugh thus making himself happy. Some people are natural comedians and encouraging LOL moments seems easy. The class clowns and jokers that never seem to fall silent. These people are ‘not’ Jack. This is a man who works hard for every giggle and is shattered when nobody finds his routine funny. Jack also has a 9-5 job walking dogs, but I don’t think the actual hours are 9-5 it’s just easier to describe it. It allows him some fresh air and a chance to practice his routines on the animals themselves. But as Jack himself states, at least they don’t heckle him. Judging by the footage shown in this film, they probably enjoy the sound of his voice and attention. It’s still a great way to practice but I think some people walking by may get a laugh at watching him. A win win.
Other than seeing clips of Jack performing, this title is peppered with the thoughts and feelings of the protagonist. His doubts and fears and what it’s like to be scared nobody will like him. This is what really brings the audience into the film, because on some level or another we can all relate. A lot of what Jack relates to us will feel familiar and genuine, turning him into a fellow human being and not simply a stand up comic trying to get work. I also liked hearing his little rant in the car. It felt so true even for me, thinking of people I always say have it all. I agree: ‘They’ never get stuck in traffic. I also liked how this short film was edited all together. Documentaries tend to be about a larger picture. Something big or scary for the world. Jack brings things home and keeps it on the smaller scale. If Jack never becomes a star the world probably won’t change that much. Also, if he does become a star it probably won’t change that much. Keeping things low key helped remind me that everyone is entitled to live and chase a dream. Even the regular people like me. Jack Trailer from Stacey Stone on Vimeo. Find this title online |
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