Forsaken (2003)
By Alix Pearlstein
In Forsaken, 15 minutes of fame is condensed to a mere 10, as a fatuous hierarchy undergoes a radical shift. One character holds the power, which the others, his entourage, appear to support. His position alludes to that of a celebrity, politician, teacher, director or boss. The first three scenes establish the hierarchy and pecking order, while exposing the tensions that lead to the cathartic undoing of this codependent power structure. The false idol falls as the group forsakes, humiliates and discards him. He is left literally picking up the pieces of his own shredded image. Their abandonment serves as a respite rather than a renewal, as the status quo is reinstated and the cycle begins again. Actors: Chuck Montgomery, Charles Parnell, Steven Ratazzi, Suzanne Shepherd, Margot White, James Urbaniak Director Editor: Alix Pearlstein Camera: Alix Pearlstein, Jay King Production Assistant: Laura Harmon Technical Assistance: Will Cox / Final Frame Filmed at George Brown Cyc Studio NYC RESOURCES: Alix Pearlstein's videos can be purchased or rented from EAI www.alixpearlstein.com
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