FILM INFO: While voluntarily testing a new drug at a research facility, a lost screenwriter recruits the help of an egotistical philosopher in order to attract the girl of his dreams.
WRITTEN BY: Miguel Garzon Martinez DIRECTED BY: Miguel Garzon Martinez GENRE: Drama TIME: 86 minutes.
The things we do for money. That eternally evil thing that makes us both love and hate it at the same time. Although it must be the most cliche of things, to be used as a plot device, it is no doubt one of the most powerful. We can all relate and understand any situation, so long as we're told it's money motivated. In "The Broken Legacy" the all mighty dollar is used to get the story moving, by way of six individuals taking part in a "paid" drug trial. Right off the bat we, the viewers understand that for whatever reason... their situations must be desperate. Why else would you lock yourself away from the world, while allowing an unknown substance to be taken into your body? Sure, there are many people that do it... but most are in dire need - save the career "testers" who are another story altogether. So that's it right? Writer, director Miguel Garzon Martinez wants to take us on a trip of supervised, drug induced hysteria. This could actually be quite an interesting story, only... that's not what he wants to do at all. The paid drug trial is simply a tool to get the ball rolling. Just as being locked away for a month, is just prop to realistically force six people, who would normally never interact, to do just that. Pretty clever although not completely unique. This story has been told before, quite a few times actually. What is pretty darn clever and sneaky, is the fact that Mr. Martinez has a hidden agenda. A story not about six people, locked up in a drug fueled frenzy, rather about finding ones self in the most awkward of places. This is a story of trust, disappointment and rising above. A story of forming fragile friendships, hope and freedom. The freedom we find in ourselves, if given the chance to look. I completely appreciated the careful lead-ups and letdowns shown to me, while at the same time actually found myself quite fond of the characters. Save maybe... the inhospitable hospital staff themselves. I loved the way nobody was the "perfect example" of the perfect human being. The realistic approach to the various characters perfectly suited the situations and finally, I loved the way one of our lead characters, Steven, indirectly relates to the writing of the film itself. Not in an obvious way, or a way even directly relating to the movie. I'm talking about the power of story when a person realizes just how good it is. I'm talking the process, as showcased in the film... I'm also talking about the idea that even the best script is meaningless, if it makes you loose yourself in a negative way. I also happen to be talking a little about symbolism. A symbolic gesture that I can't explain here, but once you see the film you'll completely understand. With "The Broken Legacy" however, it's best trick is taking a semi-mundane, generic idea, and turning it into something wildly entertaining. Through it's groupings of situations, excellent character writing and amazing cast. When you're involved in the indie community in any way and find something like this film, that lures you in and doesn't release until the credits, you can't help but feel a sense of pride. Not so much for yourself, since this isn't "your" film, but rather the entire community in general. You think: A great indie film "can" be made, without a million dollar budget. "The Broken Legacy" proudly proves this, and a big round of applause should be given to it's excellent cast and crew. Technically, I really have no complaints. I love the decision of the "facility" issued wardrobe to heavily contrast the bleak surroundings, I love the fact that even by the end, not everything is known to the viewer. I really love that all the cast pulled off a stellar performance, and I love the fact that each main character actually had a role to play in the story. There is no filler or token person present in this film. Each is needed to progress the story at different times. If I had to pick one thing that I wasn't totally fond of, it would be the ambiguous way the film ends. I can't really go into details, but aside from the "main point" being made at the end, a little closure or wrap-up would have been great. Even in the form of a title card or two at the end, letting us know a little of what happened after the film takes place. However, the slightly open ended nature does leave you wondering. In that respect, it was a success. My generous rating for this film isn't really generous at all. As a viewer, it wouldn't matter to me that this was an indie, low budget film... or a heavily budgeted studio production. My rating would still be the same. This was a surprisingly good film! It's always nice when I get to write that about a title. "The Broken Legacy" is simply put: Excellent in my humble opinion. One of those films that defy the sum of it's collective parts. Well done cast and crew. Well done indeed.
