By Grace Graham
The Film Living in Denial, directed by Barbara Whiting, is an interesting short story that explores the ever growing problem of Fake News Conspiracists by playfully, but poignantly, creating a world with a real life ‘Town of Denial’. Within this town lives people like the Mayor, the Reverend, the Dentist and many others, all of whom are experiencing great hardships. Some members, such as the Dentist, have fled for their lives from the onslaught of natural and man-made disasters that have plagued their town. Others like the Mayor and the Reverend say that there is nothing wrong, and that they personally love living in denial.
This short film is produced in the style of a daytime talk show and the host, Estra Gen, is desperately trying to get the Mayor of Denial to admit that there are very serious issues with his town. Each issue she discusses, e.g. the rising water levels, the natural disasters, the diseases, and the filth, is shrugged off by the Mayor who is continually accusing Estra of spreading Fake News. In many ways, the film, though satirical, mirrors much of our modern day news and talk shows.
Overall, I thought Living in Denial was a meaningful and insightful film full of puns and double entendres that added a much needed comic relief to an otherwise very stressful topic. I do think the film could have improved with a more cohesive dialogue and less movement with the set staging. However, the slight awkwardness led to an almost feverish dream-like feel; which is exactly how I feel when I listen to people in today’s political and social climate deny blatant facts and realities. This film takes aim at politicians and community leaders who would rather watch our world go up in smoke before speaking out against something or someone; and it managed to do it in a fun way. Thank you to Barbara Whiting. I hope we see more of your films soon!
I would give this film 4/5 stars!
Grace Graham is an Undergraduate at Arizona State University. She is earning her bachelor’s degree in Graphic information Technology. She hopes to enter a career in video production or animation. Currently, she is working as a barista, and is a communications intern at CMRubinWorld.
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