Four Eyed Monsters

I went to see Four Eyed Monsters this last Thursday. It is a video that fits the category that my husband and I like to call "where film should be"; meaning film/video trying something a little different and not producing the same recycled crud that has been created for the last 100 years. This doesn't always require avant guard abstraction; sometimes it is a simple as pushing the narrative structure a little bit, which is the case with Four Eyed Monsters. Directed and created by Susan Buice and Arin Crumley, this video that lives somewhere between fiction and documentary follows their real (though recreated) meet cute story of artists in love who have taken control of how to structure their relationship.
The video is not perfect, but it is charming, and in the end leaves you wanting more of them, which can be partially fulfilled with their ongoing podcasts. Some of the cinematography is lovely and the animations emotive while maintaining a hip roughness to them. It is only when they really seem to follow the Hollywood norms, does the visuals and the storytelling loose a little of it's luster.
The screenings are port of a homespun distribution push by the filmmakers. Each Thursday in September in 6 cities around the country they are producing a showing of their work (plus an additional short film). Having become acquainted with the concept of the films through their series of podcasts which are extremely well done, I wonder why the filmmakers still feel the to show their video in theaters and not just continue with a web distribution which would could garner a much larger audience. One day the world will realize that movies really don't need to be seen on the big screen anymore.
With all of this said, however, I was much happier having spent my time, energy, and money on this film than that of any other film I have ventured out into the theater to see lately. So, good work Arin and Susan. I look forward to continuing to follow your podcasts.