"Platonic" Review — Experimental Stylings by Writer-Director David Leidy
Directed by David Leidy | Review by Riya Saha
[dropcap]D[/dropcap]avid Leidy's "Platonic" is a short experimental movie. The plot revolves around the life of a professor, played by Dasha Leidy.
First of all, Aubrey (the professor) comes home to discover a pregnant woman in her house.
You see, this woman claims that the house belongs to her.
But that's just part of the story —
As the professor enters her home, a dream of murder and details regarding the crime resurface.
"Platonic" Is Only a Dream
A dream about a murder makes a quirky start. Not to mention, the story of the film is outright zany. However, that is not to say that "Platonic" doesn't possess a distinctive identity.
Above all, this short film is based on Plato's theories. Similarly, it's an exploration of platonic love as well as other platonic philosophy.
Even better, the performance of the key cast Dasha Leidy is worth praising.
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Aubrey, played by Dasha Leidy — Image via "Platonic" trailer[/caption]
Indeed, I was thrilled and awestruck with the visuals. The film has some brilliant technical wizardry in departments such as editing (an absolute marvel), and cinematography.
Likewise, the camerawork, the dialogue — why even the detailing is inspiring.
As if that's not enough, the soundtrack creates magic in portraying the real meaning of the film.
Allegory in the film, "Platonic"
Leidy uses Plato's allegory of the cave and a shadow motif to create its philosophical debate on epistemology. In essence, "Platonic" is a debate about human consciousness. In truth, it asks us to explore what we know about ourselves, our world, and our existence.
The questions go back to Descartes and all the way back to Plato himself.
Simply stated, "Platonic," asks what we can truly know from our limited perspectives as emotional, even at times, irrational individuals.
Most times, especially in today's world filled with a plethora of distractions, humans ignore our ignorance.
Consequently, we hope to find enlightenment and free ourselves from troubles. When, in fact, we are still in the dark on how to reach that state of nirvana.
Surreal relationships
"Platonic" is a surreal formula on the nature of family relationships in relation to the cycles that occur over time. Certainly, it is similar to an investigation of the unconscious human mind.
Here, Leidy explores Freudian and Jungian theories as reference and inspiration behind the story.
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Rebecca Spiro as Carol — Image via "Platonic" trailer[/caption]
What's more, the story is also a satire or sociopolitical critique. Perhaps it's a commentary on the modern power-dynamic among self-indulgent, out of control children —
And their parents who constantly give up under its destructive nature.
A Winning Combination
Finally, "Platonic" is satire at its best.
David Leidy is an award-winning filmmaker with a drive to share daring stories that challenge modern perceptions and beliefs.
His achievements include —
Best Film Noir, Best Cult Classic Film, Best Editor, Best Story, Best Experimental and Best Director Award Winner at multiple festivals.
Above all, a film coming from Leidy must be unconventional. In particular, the surreal elements that drift off into magical realism. Though there are occasions where viewers will fail to synchronize the mystery of the story, watching the film again will clear your doubts.
Overall, I loved watching ‘Platonic" by David Leidy. And I go with all thumbs up, for the bravado that the director and his crew displayed.
https://vimeo.com/148441246
Read our interview with this talented filmmaker!
Riya Saha is a Kolkata based writer, editor, journalist, and cinephile. She completed her masters with Journalism and Mass Communication from Calcutta University and currently works as a freelance journalist. Having a great interest in world cinema made Riya join Human Lab Corporation. She is passionate about setting goals and achieving them. Riya enjoys reading, writing, traveling, socializing, and meeting people, and is also very fond of watching International movies.
