Director Aaron Schimberg focuses on the split between the accepted norms and those that do not fall into that category. It's in the film being made on screen, the separation of the two groups sleeping quarters and the interaction between actors and crew on set. At the top of this story is the interaction between Mabel and Rosenthal (Adam Peterson) who has a severe facial deformity. The pair develops a strong bond both on and off the set of the film. Even the title is taken from an early 50's film about Siamese twins and other circus type performers who make up a large part of the chorus here.
Adam Peterson is the standout in the cast as Rosenthal. Despite his physical deformity, he has many different and diverse interests with his depth of character coming through in every scene. Stephen Plunkett's Max is the opposite. He is your typical shallow actor and an obvious user only interacting with others if he sees a potential benefit for himself. Jess Weixler straddles both groups as Mabel. She likes the pampering on set as the lead actress but is genuinely concerned with the day workers are left in the hospital as the first billed cast and crew are provided better accommodations.
Aaron Schimberg takes a cynical look at beauty and accepted societal norms with Chained for Life. From the opening frame to the last sequence he highlights the different treatment of people based on where they sit on an arbitrary scale. The inside look at filmmaking and the ways that directors motivate actors is memorable. It's an important reminder on how we treat each other in a production that I can definitely recommend.
*** 1/2 Out of 4.
Chained for Life | Aaron Schimberg | U.S.A | 2018 | 91 Minutes
Tags: Film, Hospital, Experimental Surgery, Blindness, Deformity, Movie Set, Photography, Hospital, Siamese Twins.
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