"Far From Perfect: Life Inside a Global Pandemic" is a film written by local Rhode Island playwright and screenwriter, Lenny Schwartz. Schwartz co-directed the film with Nathan Suher, a local independent filmaker he had previously worked with on the films, "Higher Methods", and "Scary Little Fuckers".The entire film was written, filmed, and edited in a period of three weeks, using 115 actors, filming their own sketches on whatever platform available to them, video blog style. The result is an ethos packed roller coaster ride rooted within current events.
Everyone can find a vignette in this film they can connect with, as it explores such a wide range of emotions and situations. There are humorous clips portraying a crazy cat lady, or a neighbor building a rocketship, dark themes showing the fear of death and suicidal thinking, and also depictions of financial hardship, human regret, hope, love, and loss. Many of these vingettes have interconnected characters and story plots weaved within, blending together to beautifully depict the human conditions happening during this pandemic.
One of the aspects of this film that caught me the most was the way in which it was filmed. While some may find the different filming formats distracting, I find that it only adds to the narrative. The filmaker's viral approach only makes the material more compelling and realistic. The video blog format feels as if the characters are telling you their deepest, darkest secrets and feelings. After a while you forget that you are watching a scripted film, but rather a voyeuristic confessional into the lives of the characters. It is a concept I find both brilliant and groundbreaking, especially in these crazy times.
I hope that both Lenny Schwartz and Nathan Suher receive some kind of recognition for this film. It depicts current events during this pandemic better than any mainstream film produced in the future will be able to. It truly is a time capsule of the life we are currently living. I am amazed at how Schwartz created 115 individual characters, each with their own name, story, and life in such a short period of time. Suher's editing brings it all together into the masterpiece that it is.
The film is currently available to view on YouTube at the link listed below. It will, at some point, also be available on Amazon Prime in the future. Give it a chance.
