A Short History of Decay
"A Short History of Decay" tells the story of Nathan Fisher, a thirty-something Brooklyn “hipster” (Greenberg) whose writing career is stalled, much to the chagrin of his ambitious live-in girlfriend, Erika (Chriqui). When she unceremoniously dumps him, Nathan retreats into a depressive funk, not knowing where to turn-- finish the novel? work on the play?-- when he gets a call from his brother in Florida telling him his father has been hospitalized. Racing down to "snowbird" central, Nathan finds his father (Yulin) on the mend (albeit grumpy), and his normally addled mother (Lavin) a bit hazier than usual. His quick visit turns into an extended stay during which he discovers that his aging parents are actually in much better control of their lives than he is. He also meets a woman (Perkins)--his mother's manicurist, no less-- who is the polar opposite of Erika, but who may just be exactly what Nathan needs.
Director:
Michael Maren
Cast:
Bryan Greenberg, Linda Lavin, Harris Yulin, Kathleen Rose Perkins, Benjamin King, Emmanuelle Chriqui
Screenplay:
Michael Maren
Screening Date:
Mar 29, 2014
Running Time:
N/A
| Excellent | Very Good | Good | Fair | Poor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29.2% | 33.3% | 26.0% | 6.2% | 6.2% |
“Another delightful guest.”
“Important topic dear to my heart. The love relationship between the parents was a little too much.”
“Life tells a good story.”
“Depressing!”
“Dramedy? Comedy/drama? Regardless, the film’s low-key attitude toward a young man’s search for self and career - contrasted with family ties - is nice to see in this age of ‘shock and thrill’ special effects.”
“Change the title. Wonderful film.”
“This was a gem of a film, filled with well observed moments. For me, the soundtrack was the only liability of the experience, it over-signaled the action and emotional climate in a way that was unnecessary and overkill.”
“A commercial for Apple. They should have paid for this film. Ending left me nowhere.”
“Linda Lavin and Harris Yulin should have had more screen time. I know, it’s not their story, but damn, they’re good.”
“A sweet - bittersweet look at a family going through dealing with Alzheimer’s illness and family crisis. Has a real feel. Wonderful touches of humor keep it from becoming maudlin and trite.”
“This was like a bad reality show. A pointless film!”
“Wonderful story of the coffee shop filled with Pulitzer Prize winners.”
“There are many people I know who have been looking for a film like this and I will let them know. The baby boomers aren’t getting any younger.”
“This is not just a great first film, this is a really good film period. Like last week’s movie good dialogue and great acting bring characters to life.”
“Solid American comedy, encased in a touching story of an older couple’s romance. Brilliant cast.”
“Touched home for me.”
“Good film! One novice error - everyone knows from her first scene that he will end up with the hairdresser, she’s cute and funny and loves his family. So to not bring her in at the end but leave their relationship with a detached cell phone conversation kind of robs the audience of a desired romantic closure. Give us a crumb, here.”
“I like the title, kind of ironic, and refers not just to Lavin’s Alzheimer’s but his career as a writer.”
“Particularly enjoyed the natural dialogue and superb acting.”
“Scene of Lavin with the two children on Skype was incredibly moving, and it’s to Marin’s credit he didn’t overstate it or cut to the close-up.”
“Nice nod to ONE STORY in the opening scene of the film. Is this a nod to Michael’s wife Dani Shapiro who is connected to Brooklyn publication ONE STORY?”
“Good show!”
“Great movie. Realistic topic, human approach. It’s a coming of age movie, where the young generation rise to the occasion. Although the topic is depressing, the screen is filled with young vibrant beautiful people. Optimistic in spite of the grim topic.”
“Linda Lavin was this film. I appreciate this film most for how truthful it felt. But it leaves me worrying about those characters. I wanted more resolution at the end, but I’ll take it and clap for Michael’s fine eye, hard at work!” Jeanne K
“Excellent movie with an excellent cast. The story rang true.”
“Broke a few rules, such as we all know he will end up with the hairdresser as opposed to the heavy-reading but vacuous hottie. But their relationship is left without her even on the screen. Take a note from CHARADE, put ‘em together! Ah, romance these days.”
“Mr. Marin was yet another wonderful guest, literate, informative, friendly. I will look him up and try to read some of his Africa tales.”
“I loved this, but the technical f*** up must have driven the director nuts.”
If you'd like to know more about the film...
It's a write, camera, action in a local Brookly cafe, click below and read why!
As asked by the director, Michael Maren, like "A Short History of Decay' on facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/#!/AShortHistoryOfDecay
Director Michael Maren is joined by actors Bryan Greenberg and Emmanuelle Chriqui for the premiere of their film at the 21st annual Hamptons International Film Festival.They discuss the film, how they all became involved in the project, screening at the Hamptons International Film Festival, and more. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NknVMVfxer8
