Stefanie’s back with her latest from the Tribeca Film Festival in New York. The great thing about a festival like this isn’t just the big stars or flashy films, but also the weird little nuggets you can dig up and might not have heard of anywhere else. At least I assume. My only experience is the Deep Ellum Film Fest in Dallas. They try hard, but Tribeca it isn’t…. yet. This time Stef’s been out and about at the movie Life on the Ledge… - Josh
Life on the Ledge
Directed by: Lewis Helfer
Starring: Lewis Helfer, Melissa Sagemiller, Tovah Feldshuh, Mark Blum
Report by: Stefanie Jackowitz
“If you try something new, something bad will happen.”
Lewis Helfer is a true neurotic New Yorker. The writer and director of the dark comedy Life On The Ledge couldn’t rest with just two film credits to his name- he added producer and lead actor to the list as well. Ironically, Hefler’s Brian Leib, a single and jobless 30-something still living with his wealthy parents (Tovah Feldshuh and Mark Blum) , has a world of neuroses all his own. His life consists of reoccurances like baking fresh bread each week and devouring the crusts. The only occasions Brian gets out is when he visits his shrink or when he frequents the apartment balcony contemplating ending it all with one jump. It’s not until Brian’s life may be in medical jeopardy that he decides to truly enjoy life.
Life On The Ledge is visually stimulating and Helfer’s use of fantasy sequences is quirky, yet intriguing. Paired with an original musical backdrop composed by John Swihart (Napolean Dynamite), it is easy to travel inside Brian’s head and see what he sees. Scenes where audiences catch a glimpse of Brian’s younger self acting as his conscience are witty and well constructed.
Brian’s relationship with the enraged Claire (Melissa Sagemiller) is strange, however sweet. After scaring the girl with his overanalytical bantor, Brian woos her over nut loafs and cranberry muffins. In return, she teaches him a bundle of ways to kill with everyday household objects. Hmmmm. Sounds like love is in the air.
Life On The Ledge is a film that plays like its actors do- eccentric and obsessive. Even though occasionally length and irritating, the film’s peculiarity is welcomed and may be even enjoyable.
