FELT – The Review

This review was originally posted during Fantastic Fest 2014

An uncomfortable feeling hit me almost immediately while watching Jason Banker’s new film. It was a mix of guilt and shame that lasted up until the brutal and heartbreaking ending. This guilt and shame isn’t attributed to anything I felt guilty for in particular, but more as a man living in a world where I acknowledge that there are deep rooted problems regarding gender, sex and violence, and as 2013’s popular song illustrates, the “Blurred Lines” that are often trivialized by society. FELT brings to light the effects of “rape culture” in our society and how normal it has become to dismiss actions by saying “that’s just boys being boys.” Banker’s gorgeous looking film highlights some of the not so pretty situations that we as a society have become accustomed to viewing without thinking about its effects on the victim. He turns what would be shown as just a normal party sequence in most films, where a few girls are offered to enjoy in some alcoholic drinks with some enthusiastic guys, as an example of a problem that goes far beyond just male dominance and its psychological effects on women. FELT has a statement to make but not one that takes away from its thoughtful and impressive storytelling.

Amy (Amy Everson) is an artist living in California who weaves a world of dark satire through her knitted creations. When she’s not creating a woven baby Hitler or an anatomical vagina, she spends her days in an alter-ego-like state where she slips on a nude leotard with an attached plastic penis, draws facial hair on herself and pretends to act like a man. Her problem with meeting guys doesn’t initially fade away when she meets Kenny (Kentucker Audley). It’s only as their relationship slowly develops that we see Amy drop her guard and exist in a happier place. But how long can her personal happiness last?

Like his previous film TOAD ROAD – which I like more in theory rather than the actual experience – Banker employs a mix of documentary and traditional narrative story to form a film that blurs the line between reality and fiction. Apparently the film is based on Amy Everson’s real experiences. Most of the film highlights her natural life as she almost floats through this world in a dreamlike state. She clearly feels more comfortable living in her own headspace, but it is when she encounters strangers or her concerned friends that her odd and occasionally dark sense of humor comes out. She’s an unpredictable character and Banker takes full advantage of this when the film spirals into darker territory.

Amy is dealing with some deep-rooted issues that are hinted at but are never exactly spelled out. Like most people dealing with psychological and possible physical damage, Amy is presented in an imperfect light. She’s not the best at conversations and doesn’t go out of her way to impress any of the lecherous men she encounters. At the same time, you begin to feel there’s a small level of self-infliction that she puts herself through. This may seem like I’m excusing such inappropriate actions at times, but there’s a moment early on when she is on a date with a guy that she clearly is not interested in but continues to go along with. The date wraps-up and he walks her home but not before she shows him one of her favorite trees. She crawls up under the low-hanging tree and sits quietly as her eager date follows. He sits next to her and attempts to kiss her but is met with a turning of her face – clearly indicating she is not interested. Time passes while the two sit there and he attempts to kiss her one more time. Again he is met with the turning of her face. She never says “no” but more importantly she never actually leaves. There are several other times where she places herself in situations that she is not comfortable in but stays as if this is some self-induced torture for her. It is as if that she is waiting to break under the pressure. Like she intentionally wants to snap.

It’s an uncomfortable feeling being a male and witnessing degrading male behavior – things that are too common in our everyday lives – but also because you see this character exist in situations that are out of her control while occasionally partially in her control. I’m not sure if the director intended for this reading or not. Given where Amy stands by the end of the film, I assume we are supposed to believe that she might just be a little crazy – which makes her long and hard journey all the more upsetting.

FELT is a compelling and deeply tragic look at an artist that refuses to turn away from the problems she sees in the world. A haunting and melodic score by the band Deaf Center sets the tone of the film perfectly. Your reaction to the film and its effect on you will ultimately depend on your willingness to accept the underlying issues that are at the heart of Banker and co-writer Amy Everson’s story. Sometimes the most obvious problems are right in front of us the entire time. FELT may not be easily available for the general public to see, but like the message of the film, it doesn’t mean it should be ignored.

Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5

FELT is now playing in select cities and will be available digital/VOD on July 21