- Starring
- Kentucker Audley, Albert Birney, Ephraim Birney
- Writers
- Kentucker Audley, Albert Birney
- Directors
- Kentucker Audley, Albert Birney
- Rating
- n/a
- Running Time
- 90 minutes
- Release Date
- n/a
Overall Score
Rating Summary
This will be one of many reviews during this year’s Sundance Film Festival, to keep up with our latest coverage, click here.
In his latest feature from writer/directors Kentucker Audley and Albert Birney, Strawberry Mansion takes their surrealism and amps it up to an eleven to create a truly unique experience. The film is a visual fantasia whose its independent nature makes it quite the accomplishment. Admittedly, it’s an odd film that surely won’t resonate with everyone but it’s hard to not be moved by it. The level of inventiveness used to create the effects found within the film is just brilliant while the retro grain and the color palette choices of this whole film make it come to life.
Aspects of Strawberry Mansion and it’s investigative surrealistic spirit are reminiscent of David Lynch’s cult classic series Twin Peaks. The film also serves as a cautionary tale about letting the media influence get too into our own heads. Yet the film also shows the beauty of connecting with someone through their own vision. The auditor of this film slowly starts to develop an introspective relationship with his subject.
Strawberry Mansion perfectly illustrates the power of film in general. In one aspect, it is pure escapism. This auditor lives in pure escapism. Literally unconnected to the world to do his own work, that work begins to increasingly involve him emotionally. Another aspect shows that one can create any film they want if they possess the right tools. One doesn’t need all the special effects of Marvel and Star Wars has. It inspires viewers to keep dreaming.
Strawberry Mansion won’t be loved by everyone. Its unusual nature will be divisive to most. Those with an open mind will surely understand the borderline game-changing actions of these independent filmmakers. Be open to new ideas and new worlds, even if one doesn’t know how to feel about them at first.
In the end, Strawberry Mansion proves that one’s vision is possible and it’s okay if not everyone is ready for that.
still courtesy of Sundance
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