In the Indie Film community, the long-awaited release of Dual Mania, the thriller from Director, Joseph Strickland, was over in 2018. During the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown, it was on my watchlist of films that I was anxious to see. I watched the film again today and, again, I was really pleased. So much so that I had to write my opinion of what I will call my own personal review.
First off, I want to say that I loved this film!
Indie films, in general, are my jam and thrillers in particular. Dual Mania fit the bill for me. I did note that while the production value fell prey to certain intrinsic limitations usually experienced in the Indie market (e.g., limited locations, film quality, cameras, sound, and lighting), that didn't deter my interest in the film and my intrigue with the storyline. In addition, I think the film's writing and directing were exceptional. Also, the film got a lot of attention from the Indie Market. Cool!
The film's protagonist, Steven Livingston, an African American psychotherapist, is pitted against Tommy Valentine, his new Caucasian patient who turns out to be a DEEPLY disturbed dude. A great take on a role reversal. The film drives the reality that regardless of what one person may think they deserve and the jealousies that motivate us, we are more alike than we think we are.
The slow buildup of tension between the two works well with Tommy's growing jealousy of Steven and what Steven has accomplished and serves up a jaw-dropping classic confrontation complete with an existential intonation. But no spoiler alerts from me (I hate those). You'll just have to see the movie.
In my opinion, check it out. I'm looking forward to whatever Joseph Strickland has in store for his next project. This one was pretty cool!
First off, I want to say that I loved this film!
Indie films, in general, are my jam and thrillers in particular. Dual Mania fit the bill for me. I did note that while the production value fell prey to certain intrinsic limitations usually experienced in the Indie market (e.g., limited locations, film quality, cameras, sound, and lighting), that didn't deter my interest in the film and my intrigue with the storyline. In addition, I think the film's writing and directing were exceptional. Also, the film got a lot of attention from the Indie Market. Cool!
The film's protagonist, Steven Livingston, an African American psychotherapist, is pitted against Tommy Valentine, his new Caucasian patient who turns out to be a DEEPLY disturbed dude. A great take on a role reversal. The film drives the reality that regardless of what one person may think they deserve and the jealousies that motivate us, we are more alike than we think we are.
The slow buildup of tension between the two works well with Tommy's growing jealousy of Steven and what Steven has accomplished and serves up a jaw-dropping classic confrontation complete with an existential intonation. But no spoiler alerts from me (I hate those). You'll just have to see the movie.
In my opinion, check it out. I'm looking forward to whatever Joseph Strickland has in store for his next project. This one was pretty cool!