Mark Reay is a middle aged, sweet, and kind guy, who tries to live the life of an NY model, actor and photographer. On the surface, he seems to be getting by doing these three things. But beneath the surface, a very different and murky picture, is the truth. One which Mark has tried to hide from the world - and really from himself, until this film.
Mark is clearly a troubled guy underneath his often cheerful and social veneer - something many of us can relate to. This is his story: of trying to uphold an image of oneself to media and friends and family, at all costs. A character trait that sadly has only continued to get worse in many people worldwide since this film was released, thanks to social media.
Some timeless messages about impression management and secrecy here resonate through great pacing and focus by the director, and cinematography and music that capture all the right emotional moments.
If there is any one criticism of the film I can give, it's only that it deserves a follow up coda of Mark's life after the main body of the story, which we haven't seen yet over the years - as well as some comments and reaction by his family and friends.
Otherwise, it's almost perfect. This is compelling viewing, for anyone who considers living the American Dream: what that can do to a person. Sad that this was overlooked at the Oscars, as it would have been a good candidate for a Best Documentary nomination at least.
