by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
Who doesn’t love a tripping journey through what can be the abstract world of film? Maybe not everyone… but it certainly grabs the attention of many cinephiles out there. There are so many interesting ways that a story can combine genres and storytelling to create an engaging and raw cinematic experience. For some reason, the strange combination of dreams and government bureaucracy just… works. Strawberry Mansion, the new film from Kentucker Audley and Albert Birney would even make Terry Gilliam jealous for how boldly it combines these seemingly different ideas.
Will audiences be ready for the world that makes up Strawberry Mansion? The government sends in auditors to investigate the dreams of people in this futuristic world so that they can tax them (they would, wouldn’t they?). When an auditor goes into the dreams of an older woman, he starts to find out some strange things going on. What if people were infiltrating our dreams for nefarious purposes? This lowly auditor, James (portrayed by Audley himself), must discover what is really going on, while also balancing his feelings that he is developing for this older woman’s younger dream self. This strange and eccentric film delivers plenty of substance underneath the surface of its surreal visuals.
Speaking of, how does this directorial tandem bring these dreamscapes to life? There are plenty of strange visuals that pop off the screen thanks to the impeccable work of cinematographer Tyler Davis. There is a raw graininess to the picture that delivers a vintage look while allowing the crazy range of colors to pop off screen. From the opening moments of James inside a pink room (with everything painted pink… and I mean everything), you know that colors will be presented in a significant way. You have big green frogs in waiter outfits, big blue demons (both of which are portrayed by co-director Birney), and large walking piles of weeds/grass… this is certainly an odd film. But that is the beauty of a film about dreams. You can do so many unique things, but it is important to stay grounded and focused on what you are trying to say in the narrative with both story and themes.
What about the work our directors and the rest of the cast do in front of the camera? Audley gets the most screen time as this auditor who is unassuming and feels like an everyman. But we care about his budding attraction to this woman, Arabella, due to the endearing portrayal that Audley brings to the film. Penny Fuller has a strong presence as Arabella as she is a charming woman who builds this connection to James. There are sparks between Audley and Grace Glowicki (who plays the younger dream version of Bella). Throw in a sleazy performance from House of Cards alum Reed Birney as the evil son of Bella who also has great control over the problematic actions occurring in our dreams, and you have yourself a solid cast.
Is this abstract mystery worth your time? Audley and Birney bring to life a lively and engrossing film with plenty to offer. Strawberry Mansion has a strong (and strange) love story, a mysterious plot to find out what is penetrating our dreams, and plenty of fun visuals. Not everything always comes together, and it might be a tad ambitious for its own good but there is plenty to enjoy along the way. Show this indie gem some love when it hits theaters around you.
Grade: B
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