directed by:
Colin Hickey written by: Colin Hickey genre: Art house |
It wasn't that this film was devoid of any dialogue that had me scratching my head for a while; it was the actual story/stories themselves. On paper, "Where the Merrows Roam" follows two distinct storylines, and yes, reader, I could definitely see the characters, but the actual stories were a blur. I also can't help but notice the lack of any Merrows, and the only connection I can fathom is that the relationship is nautical - and only that. Numerous times throughout the film, I thought I had a good idea of what was going on. Childhood then versus adulthood now, family, maybe even legacy, but then I would realize that my theories just didn't add up. Colin Hickey's film is classified as art house or experimental, and I must concur. It was only when I stopped physically trying to figure out the story that I began to enjoy the film. It's been a strange experience and one hard to write about.
But please, reader, don't take my observations as derogatory because "Where the Merrows Roam" was a fantastic movie - once you take it for what it is. Hickey's film is an essay of sorts, a nod to the "seemingly" randomness of life. It's about contemplation of past, present, and future. At least for me, it was. You can't watch this and accept everything as a literal representation. Even time itself doesn't apply since this movie is not told in the standard way. But there's something unique and oddly refreshing about this flick. The visuals the excellent use of background music and sounds all contribute to a very different movie experience. I've outright stated this was a different experience than a traditional movie, and the truth is this. I don't really care to write much on any solid story elements because I'm not even sure there really are any. There are definitely connections, but I imagine someone else may see this film in a completely different way than I did. I believe people are either going to really like this film or not understand it at all - and that's what makes this kind of film interesting. The fact that it's not going to mean or do the same thing from one person to the next. The only unifying trait is that this movie looks and sounds pretty great - and that adds to the overall appeal.
Maybe you'll enjoy attempting to figure out the story/stories being told. Perhaps you'll simply appreciate this film for how it makes you feel. Relaxing, interesting, curious. These are all words that could be used to describe Colin Hickey's hour-long flick. I think in my heart of hearts that this movie is for the thinkers, the ponderers of life, the past, and the future. I also think that "Where the Merrows Roam" easily deserves four stars. |