Leon’s Fantasy Cut, 2022.
Written and Directed by Josh Caras and Jon Valde.
Starring Josh Caras, Jon Valde, Ella Rae Peck, Paul Cooper, and Jonathan Gordon.
SYNOPSIS:
Two first generation Ukrainian-American brothers each on their own path towards their individual vision of the “American Dream”.
Premiering at The Brooklyn Film Festival last June, Leon’s Fantasy Cut is a serious yet hilarious flick that draws many comparisons to a Safdie Brothers movie, more specifically Uncut Gems. Leon’s Fantasy Cut is a chaotic venture through the lives of two brother’s attempting their own paths and ambitions in achieving the “American Dream” but ultimately failing at pretty much every hurdle.
Easily the most compelling aspect to the film are the exceptional and real performances from the whole cast, especially the two leads, Josh Caras and Jon Valde., Both actors shine, displaying incredibly infectious chemistry and seamlessly bouncing back and forth from each other, as they deliver lines that feel like improvisation, making their characters and the relationship feel so much more real. The movie’s artistic and inspired cinematography also adds to the many layers of realism. Opting to use a handheld camera, as opposed to using stands or mounts enhances the movie’s realism and helps make Leon’s Fantasy Cut a much more personal and immersive experience.
As serious and poignant as Leon’s Fantasy Cut is, the movie is also deliciously hilarious, mostly through the aforementioned chemistry and performances from the leads, but the dialogue and chaotic nature to the film make for a really good time. Likewise, in parts, the movie opts for some incredibly fast editing, creating an energy that makes things that much more entertaining and funny.
Right off the bat, Leon’s Fantasy Cut unashamedly tackles the ridiculous notion of the “American Dream” and how unrealistic and difficult it is to achieve what many strive for in a career. Both George (Josh Caras) and Iggy (Jon Valde) strive for vastly different dreams. George wants to become an incredibly successful business man, forcing one of the side characters to comment “like Donald Trump”, an undeniable piece of social commentary. Then there is George who strives to be a music manager and opts for a more creative career. Sadly, both of their ideals come crashing down before they can even hit the ground running.
On top of that, the movie gleefully tackles idiotic customers and over-helpful shop assistants to hilarious effect. More deeply however, Leon’s Fantasy Cut also makes poignant commentary on relationships and obsession. George finds “love” with Ella (Ella Rae Peck) who he met at a supermarket, but even before the relationship between them starts to grow and blossom, George begins to demonstrate his obsession and insecurities in shocking but common ways. George stalks Ella’s Facebook to find out where she works, and more devastatingly angrily shows up to her workplace, despite having only been on three dates.
Perhaps the one minor critique with Leon’s Fantasy Cut is how the movie ends. The film’s final few scenes are great as the two brother’s go through a rollercoaster of emotions, fighting, hugging, dreaming of going to ‘Disney World’ before wrapping things up a little too quickly.
All in all, Leon’s Fantasy Cut is a poignant, clever and hilarious indie gem, and although it’s chaotic, the movie’s turbulent nature is just a mirror of ‘life’. The themes the movie tackles makes it feel important adding to the realism of the flick, but the rapid ending sadly holds the movie back from perfection. Although the movie isn’t for everyone, those who love the Safdie Brothers’ work should get a kick out of Leon’s Fantasy Cut.
Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★
Olly Dyche
