The Freaks, Nerds, and Romantics (a film)

Yesterday was the premiere screening of The Freaks, Nerds, and Romantics.

 I had high hopes for the movie, as I know the director and writers, Pete Bune, and Jacob Stebel, and they are both very talented and capable individuals. The film is a coming of age story about a young writer (Lucy) just out of college, working an internship that has the potential to turn into a job should she write the perfect piece. She decides to write about her friends, who, instead of going to college and searching for conventional niches in society are doing just about the same things they were four years ago: playing shows, partying, getting drunk and high.

The soundtrack of the movie is very punk rock. There are performances by The Bouncing Souls (as well as some acting), Alkaline Trio, and several other awesome bands. After the premiere, the cast and crew did a Q&A, followed by a wine and cheese reception. All of the members seem super down to earth, chill, and funny.

Something that especially seemed to stand out for me with this film was the theme of tension, whether it be sexual, personal, or professional in nature. The film was centered on the Long Island movie scene, and having grown up on Long Island and very involved in the so-called scene from a young age on, I was able to relate to the story. The movie uses shots from now closed-down venues, places I used to revere as a young teen and go to two or three times a week. I remember going to The Downtown, moshing, getting a concussion, and then going to see the same band (MSI) not too long after. It was about having fun, letting go.

The music was cathartic, and if you were in the punk scene you were sure to see familiar faces at every show. Later, a lot of venues started shutting down because stupid skinheads would get into fights all the damn time. Race politics was a big issue, I remember a guy wearing a swastika and causing like a massive fight one time. Because Freaks Nerds and Romantics has been in production for a rather long time (over 7 years), it does conjure up nostalgia and memories for me. The people who starred in the film are now in their thirties, so the scene that they were a part of differed from the scene I was involved in. My scene was a scene that they saw as lacking heart, passion, and true community, and they were right.

The Freaks Nerds and Romantics is a brilliant film because it has the ability to reverberate with many people, not only people who were involved in a music scene. There were a good amount of older people in the audience, and my parents both articulated how they felt they could relate to the film because when it gets down to it, everyone has dreams and the moment usually comes when you have to pick between your ideals and a realistic path.

Although the narration was by the character Lucy, I felt that the star of the show was character Talia (played by Barri Kleim). Most of the scenes involved her, and she was a very likeable character because of her astute acting ability and how involved she was in the scene and the close-knit connections she had with the other characters. She really was like a mother figure (though very young and pretty) and was all about resolving conflicts and trying to make something of her life. The other actors did a fantastic job as well, but character Talia was intended to be the star of the show.

I encourage you all *whoever happens to chance upon this blog* to check this film out, if you have the opportunity. DVDs are not yet available but I would think they will come out within the next 6 months. I will update when they are available, though. Til then, be sure to check out the trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPZPckYE94I

and become a fan of Freaks Nerds and Romantics on Facebook.

PS: If you are familiar with the Slack Pack, many of the members are in the movie!