The Left Side of My Brain (1992) User Reviews

An artistic journey that is smart, hip, funny and bold.

[dragonthunderent · 28 March 2003]

"The Left Side of My Brain" is a wondrous film that brings it's viewer into a sixteen year journey of a naive artist named Raymond Salzburg. Shot on location in Manhattan and Boston, this film was a start-up for many of today's contemporary young artists and actors. Raymond Salzburg is portrayed perfectly by Gary Wortzel (a real life peace activist and artist). The ensemble cast includes Cliff Travers (one of the last people to interview legendary gay rights activist Quentin Crisp), who portrays Phillip James, the artists representative. Also featured are Judith Kaufman (who Produced the film) as the artists wife with a secret dilemma. A very young Melanie Vessey in her screen debut (who went on to co-star with Jim Carrey in "Man on the Moon"), portrays the love interest of director Jonathan Morrill's supporting actor, punk-rocker character, JB. The supporting cast is amazing as well, and includes David Bishop (from the "Monsterland" series), Beverly Crosby (of Broadways "Black and Blue"), and Clyde Shelby (who penned the song "Joanna" for Kool and the Gang). Aside from the many topics and social issues this film addresses (overpopulation, "what is art?", artist misrepresentation, drug/alcohol abuse, homophobia) is the brilliant structure of the story. It starts where it ends, and in between takes the viewer into flashbacks, dreams, and inner thoughts of the characters. The most dynamic on-screen performance are that of Wortzel and Morrill themselves, as they transform from young, rebellious teen-agers, to thirty something, jaded adults. The locations are beautiful, the artwork (much of it original works of Wortzel) is brilliant, and the dialog spans the spectrum of ridiculous to sublime. It appears that this must have been quite a fun production to have worked on. The film premiered to general acclaim at Manhattan's Anthology Film Archives. There is an original music score that features an eclectic variety of styles, from tribal to metal. Look for cameo appearances from 'The Flying Nuetrinos' and "The Boston Hot Dog Man'. The movie received rave reviews in 'Psychotronic Film Magazine", and reportedly a DVD is soon to be released, featuring lots of extras on the making of this remarkable piece of work. The ending isn't so uplifting, in fact, it hits quite hard, but it is really worth a look. This is a thinking persons art film, and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED VIEWING for all individuals out there who ever wanted to chase a dream.

An interesting way to view the artist scene in New York

[LAchic · 11 April 2003]

"The Left Side of My Brain" is a very interesting take on the art community of New York. The movie draws you in immediately, making you feel you are part of it. I enjoyed all the characters especially JB and Janice (Jonathan Morrill and Melanie Vesey). The journey that you experience makes one wish they could be part of it, instead of just watching what unfolds. It gives an insight of the struggles one has obtaining his goals and dreams. Watching it makes one believe any dreams are reachable by perseverance. It inspires one to continue to seize opportunities that might come their way. I highly recommend watching this movie over and over again.