Blumenthal (Seth Fisher, 2013);USA

Review by Linda Mccomb  Viewed at the Metro Four

Seth Fisher’s film Blumenthal tells the story of three Blumenthals: Harold, Saul and Ethan. Harold was a famous playwright who died laughing at his own joke. Saul was Harold’s brother and Ethan was Saul’s son. Harold has recently passed away and this movie focuses on the relationship Saul and Ethan had together and the relationships they had with Harold.

The film opens with a shot of white shoes briskly walking on the streets of New York. We find out later that these shoes belong to Ethan, who is a pharmaceutical rep. He was not close to his uncle and struggles with OCD and a bit self-obsessive.  This movie shows his struggles with relationships with other people and shows his struggle to fit into a world where he finds himself feeling uncomfortable in his own skin.

Saul spends most of the film sitting on the toilet and seems to be stuck ever since his brother died. He too seems to be struggling with himself and the way he is living his life. Saul’s wife is struggling with getting older and having to look at her aging self in the mirror.She finds a little help in facing her age with a gay dog walker. This film displays issues that many of us are familiar with. Loneliness, the strive for perfection, aging and dysfunctional families. The film is  truthful and honest and forces the viewer to reflect on his or her own struggles.  It is a moving story of family and personal struggles and many will relate to it.

I really enjoyed the pace and quick wit of this movie. I found this film entertaining and upbeat. The soundtrack was great and helped the mood of the movie. I loved this film and thought it was humorous, entertaining, and very well done.