Movie Review: Around

By Fused Film Staff • April 1, 2009 • 2 Comments

… Around

“…Around” is David Spaltro’s first independent, feature film. The story centers on a young, neophyte film-maker (Doyle Simm, played by Rob Evans) who moves to NYC to learn the trade’s tools, hit it big, and reach a dream. The title phrase “around” alludes to the lifestyle of the struggling protagonist, often emotionally aimless and without place or validated hope. After numerous setbacks, relational disillusionment, and life’s many disappointments, Doyle finally reaches a contented place of personal peace. The movie’s plot is an assemblage of personal struggle for meaning in the harsh world of relational and financial adversity. Ultimately, humanity’s prevailing spirit betrays all hardship.

I am somewhat hesitant with Indy films, but I’m glad I gave this one a look. What I love about Spaltro’s film is its basic, transparent narrative. It is a solid example of storytelling 101. “…Around” is intimate in feel and relatable in story. Though the film has an odd optical effect at times (almost like looking through a peephole), the presentation is well done and strikes the right balance between high-quality look and small-scale feel (think “Into the Wild”). The movie also has its corny and melodramatic moments, but is loaded with meaning and thematic weight.

I highly recommend this project. I very much like the literary quality of “…Around” and appreciate its huge heart. Spaltro does a great job depicting the quaint quality of personal ambition against life’s calloused backdrop.

Overall, “…Around” is a sensitive, artistic narrative of humanity.

Director/Producer/Writer: David Spaltro

Cast: Rob Evans, Molly Ryman, Marcel Torres, Ron Brice, Berenice Mosca

Check out David Spaltro’s site: www.aroundthefilm.com

Total Score: 9 out of 10

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