A Short Film About Living the American Dream in Trump's America

American Paradise, touted as a folk tale is an 18 minute short that has garnered attention and appreciation for its absurdity. A middle-aged white man living across a pile of shit has lost all aim in life. With no friends or family, the only interaction he has with people is through photographs of strangers. Perceived as creepy or a psychopath to some measure, working at a toll-booth, he often wonders where the people are headed. At home, he watches reruns of “The Jeffersons”. One fine evening, what seems like a routine watch to our uninspired protagonist, transforms into an idea that may or may not change his life. Quoting the dialogue “shift your angle…” this strange man with a lifeless expression sets about to commit the perfect crime.

Joe Talbot’s choice of character and narration is what gives the film its strange quotient. The choice of a dull personality for Al (the protagonist) is perfectly in juxtaposition to the appalling turn of events. Al’s story is narrated by an African-American to his grandson as they sit fishing by the rocks. When the grandson expresses his interest in owning a boat, the narrator gives him a reason as to why he should not dream of it. Although at the end of it the grandson is confused, we’re all left with a moral. The price of living the ‘American Dream’.

American Paradise with its brilliant screenplay, some really appealing visuals and a message so profound delivered through an anti-humorous style of narration is a harsh reality. In times when the black rights are in question, the short aims to communicate the fate of the black community if all does not go well.

Watch the film on Vimeo.