Holy Shit. I mean, what the hell? This is basically the story of my life and it is a bit unsettling to see this film reflect on my life. I mean, this is basically me, just not as socially awkward (ok maybe a little) and all film nerdy-ish. I don’t know what to say, just…yeah. This is a movie that is for film geeks around the world. UNITE!
Scotty Pelk (Melik Malkasian) may not be able to relate to his peers at the video store so well, but his knowledge of film is encyclopedic. A nuisance to the customers and an endless source of annoyance to his coworkers, Scotty takes solace in a friendly hipster named Niko (Tyler Gannon) after being unceremoniously fired the job that he loves. With his film website failing and no one but Niko to turn to, Scotty’s feeling for Niko begin to move beyond the realm of friendship and into the romantic despite the constant interference of Niko’s obsessive ex-boyfriend Brandon – who isn’t about to let the girl he loves end up with a video store reject who can’t even find friends on the internet. But thanks to Niko, Scotty’s life is taking a turn for the better, and after experience what a small dose of confidence can do for a man’s sense of self-worth Scotty is finally prepared to show just how far a deep love of film and a keen eye for criticism can actually get one in life. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
OK so the film is a bit more than just a film about a film geek, but it is about a film geek who finds confidence in his life and is able to over come his shortcomings to make something of himself. I still really feel like this is a movie that is made about me, but shit I don’t want to outright admit that.
It is touching film, following Scotty and his eccentricities as a film geek, annoying those around him and generally being a downtrodden character who is the butt of despair and jokes. These sort of characters are interesting films as they are generally interesting people. They are a source of knowledge and reflection for the audience to connect with as we all have that one friend or person we know that is like this, so seeing them be an unlikely lead in a movie adds a certain layer to the film with characterization. Scotty has to develop as person, so the film places an awkward character into a situation that pulls him out fo the comfort zone for conflict, but the conflict turns into confidence and development which brings us to his change as a better person.
Film Geek, as much as I say that this about me, is really a touching film that manages to squeeze in all the geeky things about being a cinephile into one film, but also gives the character something to work towards and is attainable. It isn’t about defeating a bully or showing up all those that called you a geek, rather it’s about you developing into a better person through adversity while still maintaining what makes you unique. It kind of speaks to the common geek in all of us and the cursory knowledge of films is astounding to me, so this is right up my alley.
