“FACING UP TO FACEBOOK”
Starring: Nev Schulman, Ariel Schulman, Henry Joost
Directed by: Nev Schulman, Ariel Schulman
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some sexual references.
Genre: Reality Thriller
Running Time: 1hr 34min
Release Date: October 1, 2010
Distributed by: Rogue Pictures
If you are into facebook or myspace then this is one true story that you do not want to miss. The documented film is called Catfish and it’s an eye-opener. Compelling, dangerous, imaginative, intriguing, insightful and enlightening this one man’s encounter with reality blows me away. If you are someone in a long distance computer relationship and have never met the person face to face on the other end, see this movie…now!
This documentary centers on Nev, a 24-year-old New York City guy, who receives a painting in the mail done by Abby, an 8-year-old girl. The painting is of a photograph Nev took and posted on his facebook page. Fascinated by the quality of the painting and her age, he starts an innocent correspondence with the girl. This leads Nev to Abby’s adult sister Megan with whom he becomes instantly drawn from her facebook photos. Through telephone calls and email, the two start a long distance relationship that to Nev is romantically enjoyable. But, when Nev decides to take a road trip to find his true romance, he discovers a deeper meaning to the word catfish.
The story is filled with lessons, revelations and deep seeded feelings for one’s fellow man. In my opinion when love changes your emotions about life, no matter what challenges your everyday lifestyle, you’ll compromise to continue your heartfelt desires. Catfish is the proof of the pudding so to speak. While this is an incident from facebook there are other avenues that web surfers use to meet strangers and become involved. Matchmaking has become a big business through dating sites like Match.com and other social lifestyle networks. But, be cautious, as there have also been bogus schemes, predators and other negative results from the Internet as well.
This is a great companion piece by the way to another film that’s in movie theatres called The Social Network, which shows the beginnings of facebook and a different kind of consequences.
The direction and filming by Nev’s brother Ariel and friend Henry Joost is outstanding for a documentary that presumably is un-staged. Their depiction grabbed my interest right away, kept me intrigued, than all of a sudden hit me with an uneasiness that’s an awakening of sorts. I especially felt their danger when they drove up to a very rural farmhouse in the middle of the night.
Catfish is rated PG-13 for some sexual references.
FINAL ANALYSIS:Â An excellent lesson learned at so little cost to the viewer. (4 of 5)