catfish

quiet sunday - time for a fil-um me-thinks
scan the options and there's only one that appeals
not being fussed about pirates or comic strip heroes
never heard of catfish - the film - so research required
rotten tomatoes reviewers and critics mostly thumbs up
seems it's as much documentary as it is drama
more than one reviewer saying best seen unprepared
that i am and the appeal of no hype is enough for me
dash to the theatre and choice of seats in an empty session
nev is a young photographer living in downtown new york
sharing an apartment with film-maker brother and a friend
a few of his photos are published in the mass media
and then he starts getting them back as paintings
very good ones too and done by a young girl out west
quite naturally contact is made via facebook, etc
she has a supportive family and friendships develop
her mother is attractive as is the older sister
similar age as our main man and with her own talent
composing and performing music is where she is at
and so tunes start coming along with paintings
it's all kind of voyeuristic up to this point
the 3 of them are goofing off with technology
as much as anything reminding us of it's impost
and for me believing that this is shot on the spot
and not a staged theatrical experience in any way
if it is then the protaganists are very fine actors
and it becomes quite believable as nev falls in love
the girl of his dreams is gorgeous, talented and sweet
he's seen photos, exchanged phone calls, texts and fb posts
a turn of events means the 3 flatmates head way out west
and so they decide to make a surprise visit to the family
about here i start getting a bit nervous about all this
sneaking up on houses in the dead of night does that
especially when paranormal activity comes to mind
one reviewer casting this film in with that one
but what actually happens is just as disturbing
in broad daylight nev meets the mother
she's sweet but not the lady in the photos
and the introduction of the family is un-nerving
particularly the sadness of 2 mentally handicapped step-sons
and a young daughter not at all inclined to art or painting
it becomes obvious nev has been superbly duped by the lady
but to his credit he bypasses anger and settles for intrigue
leading to some quite incredible one-on-one scenes of them
she's in heart-wrenching tears as she describes her plight
it is she that is the artist and conjurer of the tale
these scenes as raw and honest as it gets in films
her husband then given a scene to explain the title
seems catfish are put amongst fish being transported
keeps them on edge - stops them going - as he says - mushy
and he thankful that such people exist in his life
that be the message then - but delivered so gently
but in doing so casting technology, etc aside
oh what a clever film - beware the social network
it'll lead you places you may not want to go
but maybe teach a few lessons along the way
me - sat through the credits in awe
these people are all real
...and a happy ending
(mostly)