Archive

World Fantastic Cinema

The Independent

Stephen Kessler

USA2000 85min 35mm color

Synopsis

Morty Fineman, a problematic man. If one considers his achievements in American independent film circles he is an extraordinary figure. The number of films he directed is 427. Roger Corman, godfather of second-rate films regards Morty his rival, and Peter Bogdanovich and Ron Howard supports the uniqueness of Morty's films. In a poor environment and within the frame of genre films he has criticized the Vietnam War, environmental pollution, and even the founding philosophy of America itself. Had we not known the truth of < The Independent > we would have called him the legendary American filmmaker. He is not an actual person. < The Independent > is based on a fictional character, Morty Fineman, depicting his life and films. Using drama and documentary styles it makes Morty's life dramatic as well as providing an illusionary pleasure of regarding a fictional character, his life and films as existent. Was it the intent to criticize an era of American film through a fictional character? To our fortune or misfortune, Morty with a definite ego is not a person who deserves respect. We do not miss the fictional nature of Morty but happily join in the creation of this interesting character. Cannot expect much, but a film with bits of pleasure. (KWON Yong-min)

Diretor

Stephen Kessler

Stephen Kessler directed and co-wrote the short film < Birch Street Gym >, for which he was nominated for an Academy Award. His first feature was < Vegas Vacation >, which afforded him the opportunity to hug Wayne Newton and enter the inner sanctum of Siegfried and Roy. The Directors Guild of America has nominated him for commercial clients like Snapple, Saturn and lot Milk?