I can say confidently, without any ounce of bias, that this is the best project I've seen out of the Cleveland Filmmaking scene since I came into it. This is not a slight towards anyone else's projects I've reviewed, none whatsoever. This is just something I truly, deeply loved.
The film follows Jerry (CK Steele), or if you like "Jer-Bear". Jerry moonlights as a piano player, but by day, when he's not working at a coffee shop that's almost never busy, he's lounging around, usually drinking to numb whatever pain he's feeling. Jerry lives a troubled life, but his girlfriend Lydia (Robbie Barnes-Kyriakides) is there to help him as best she can.
There's a lot to delve into here. At 96 minutes, this film FLIES by. This is due in part to the fact that the film is made so well and executed so properly, that when the film ended, I was shocked there wasn't more. The story isn't anything new, but how it's told is captivating and brilliant. And the story turns are kinda nice in how they subvert the usual expectations. Jerry has a friend named Frank (Denzel "Denzy" Washington), and it seems as if there might be a confrontation between the two near the climax, but, refreshingly, there isn't. But, in order to talk about the story more, we gotta get to the performances.
Cody, or CK, is exceptionally brilliant here. I mean that sincerely. He has such a natural charm and charisma about him that, with one false step, could fall apart and break the facade. It thankfully doesn't and his turn is absolutely incredible. The pain that Jerry feels, masking it with booze and sarcasm, is very resounding. The film is largely funny at times (an uncomfortable meeting in a grocery store and a scene stealing Sean Manos are two of the biggest highlights), but when the film gets serious, it's handled with such grace. A moment with Jerry and his father (Rick Montgomery Jr.) is heartbreaking, aided by the two's dynamic turns. This leads into a very soul-baring therapy session, where Jerry has a break down scarily similar to one's I've had. This movie's portrayal of mental health is very well done; as someone with constant mental battles everyday, they got this right. Roger Conners plays the therapist here and is so calming and winning, that I wished he was in the film more. When he comforts Jerry, his voice was also like a comfort to the audience.
Robbie's turn as Lydia is so sweet. Not only is she compassionate, she's there for Jerry every step of the way. Robbie's talent shines here, as usual, but this may be her best turn yet. Denzel is fantastic as Frank, Someone with their head not all the way on their shoulders, but confident they have it all together. And then there's Lina Edwards as Emily, Jerry's coworker at the shop. She's not in the film a whole lot, but when she is, she lights up the screen with her mega-watt smile and terrific dimples that help bring her character, that of a freewheeling art student, a few more layers than normal. Also, Matthew Barnhart cameos as a smooooooooth talker in a bar, and it's so nice to see him act. He's soft spoken, which is a testament to his acting because normally he's LOUD AND FULL OF LIFE.
The music, composed by Eli Manos with songs written by Eli and Logan Slusser, is very well done. I loved the score; it doesn't overpower any scene its in and feels wholly natural. Manos is an absolute talent, as is Logan, who wrote and directed the picture. I met Logan last night (as well as Denzy and FINALLY Robbie, hello darling!) and he is a very down to earth guy. You can tell his heart and soul went into this thing and it shows every step of the way.
"Don't Shoot The Piano Man" is an outstanding piece of indie filmmaking, one that makes you overlook any small tech details (there are some audio issues that I overlooked because really it didn't matter) and whisks you away into a story as funny as it is heart wrenching. I absolutely adored this film, and actually want to see it again. I'm hoping it hits physical media soon (or maybe someone would send a copy along for private viewing) because I really want to watch this again. Roger Ebert often asked "How did this movie make me feel?" For me: rejuvenated, full of life and love, and hope for terrific things to come.
Leaving the bar last night, Cody took me aside and said "Kyle, you do amazing things, you do the best things, keep at it." Cody, you and the cast and crew of this film did an amazing job, and were some of the best at doing it.
FINAL GRADE: 4/4 Stars, Thumbs Up.
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