PERPLEXING PUZZLE PIECES An effort to sort out the multiple cast roles and multiple staff positions of each actor and actress was attempted to clarify the main story and the story within the story. When filmmakers claim multiple opening or closing credits, it shows that they didn't have enough crew / cast / friends / funding to have a proper production. On underfunded productions, cast and crew members often each choose one credit that will be listed on IMDB regardless of how many things each had to do if they want to look more professional. The main exception to this rule is "written and directed by" which is accepted, since each credit takes place during different phases of the film production process. Erik Margolin was writer, director, editor, composed music, created visual effects and acted in multiple roles: Kevin Banks (the missing paper boy), Chris Marcusen, UMAL Guy and doubles for Charlie who is played by Luke Tarzian. Danny is played by R. Erfani. Kurt Marcusen, father of Chris and Detective Marc, is played by Nameer El-Kadi. The news reporter is played by Sydney Anthony. Charlie's mother is played by Karen Flathers, who also plays the fireman. Erik used "Day for Night" to film during the daytime because there was no power source to film at night. Francois Truffaut used "Day for Night", the title of one of his movies, to film during the nighttime using powerful lights in order to meet the film production deadline and stay within the film's budget. The movie project was motivated by Eric Margolin while in the anger stage of grief. A good friend inexplicably went missing and miraculously returned unharmed. A father and son who lost their wife/mother in the film paralleled Erik and his mother who lost their father and husband in real life. The wooden stick found in the forest by Kevin had supernatural, magical powers of rejuvenation which represented full recovery from the loss of a dearly loved friend or parent. Erik Margolin is friendly, likeable, creative, original, authentic, resourceful and multi-talented in his artistic works. This movie is idiosyncratic and weaves a personal biographical story into a set of nested mysteries that unpack in surprising and charming twists and turns like a puzzle inside a riddle wrapped in an enigma. This movie may be a new crossover genre of fiction/nonfiction, different from fact-based fiction or historical fiction.
Wow! What an awesome write-up! You clearly listened to the whole commentary and are spot-on in your detailed analysis. Thank you so much for the support; I'm glad you liked the film!
Thank you! I watched the movie first and then surprisingly found this commentary. Wonderful insight into the film, its creation, and all the interwoven mysteries/meanings. Also appreciated jivanvasant's comments. May we each find our own gifts for recovery. Bravo to all involved!!
Thank you so much! I'm thrilled you liked the film enough to check out the commentary. It really means a lot, so thank you for the comment. I'm super happy you enjoyed this extra "bonus feature"!
I think your movie was a resounding success. Good luck and keep doing this you were made to you were born to and I enjoyed watching you talk about your movie😅 I especially enjoyed your movie!
I also want to do a personal project like this. It may not be perfect but I will make a lot of memories, will gain a lot of skills - video editing, coding, etc.. And just have smth to be proud about❤ Edit - don't care about the results, the process itself seems really fun!!!🎉😂
You should go for it! Just be prepared for a challenge, and to not be discouraged when things take much longer than expected (even on smaller projects). It also definitely helps having friends who will stick with you through the lengthy process and encourage you to finish it. But your mindset of enjoying the process regardless of results is excellent! Cheers!
