Exemplo de análise fílmica feita para o Austin Film Festival

The following essay is a sample of a film analysis, one in between the many I made during the Austin Film Festival 2019 as jury:

Standing Up, Falling Down (2019) Comedy. 1h 31m. Director: Matt Ratner

Logline: A failing stand-up comedian and an alcoholic dermatologist give each other the

confidence to face hardship in their lives.

When it comes to the most crucial element of a narrative, the story held a high-enough standard, which one would expect from watching any professionally made film. It has a well-defined story arc supported by distinguished plot points and a three-act structure. It is evident that the screenplay was written by a somewhat experienced writer who truly cares about the story being told. The light “dramedy” format gives room for both comedic scenes, which always come at the right moment, as well as some quite moving ones that thankfully don’t weight down the mood, keeping the overall movie-watching experience very entertaining, as it should. Even though the supply for feel-good movies may seem a little oversaturated and the themes explored are relatively common, Standing Up, Falling Down successfully manages to feel fresh and original at its core.

The outstandingly smart sensibility when approaching difficult life issues and the ever-amusing parallel between the two main characters, Scott, played by Ben Schwartz, and Marty, lived by the multi-talented Billy Crystal, together make the film stand out from those that might resemble it in some shape or form. The acting is good, although it is hard to call a single one of them exceptionally great. Naturally, the humorous dialogue is Schwartz and Crystal’s strength, as they deliver jokes with a realism that can be tough to achieve. Another highlight is the chemistry between the two, which, of course, may have already existed before shooting started but was likely enhanced and craftily explored by a good director with a clear vision.

Despite the exciting scenarios created by the main characters’ significant age difference, it is their fully developed personalities and an array of human flaws that make them, first and foremost, believable and relatable. The interactions between these very distinguished characters are generally flavorful due to the resulting harmony or conflict of their inherent

differences. The same goes for other names, such as each member of Scott’s family, which all seemed dimensional and real. By putting such relationships in evidence, the filmmakers created inevitable parallels and comparisons like the excellent relationship Scott ends up developing with Marty and how it contrasts with that which he has with his father. The same goes for Marty and his son.

The production design and costumes were also on point, but, on the other hand, the not-

so-polished pacing was the downside of the film. While the characters’ introduction is

still pleasant to watch, it dragged down the beginning of the story instead of merely

working to contextualize the viewer and draw them into the fictional world. It is usually

much better to allow a character’s actions and reactions to the many situations and

circumstances imposed upon them to define the more specific traits of who they are

organically.

In summary, the film accomplished its primary goal of telling a story with the potential

to impact viewers’ perspectives and behaviors towards life. As in one of the many

lessons Marty unintentionally gives Scott, “Lightning rarely strikes twice. But if you

keep your eyes open, it can strike again.” Standing Up, Falling Down can certainly

speak to anyone who watches it, even in different ways. Besides recognizable names in

the cast, the production by itself held high-quality standards. Everything seemed well-

planned and well-executed, from the wise words to the moving images. For all these

reasons mentioned, it surely deserves a spot at the Austin Film Festival.