Aging rock star from the 80s itches to make a comeback, but his career is way down the drain due to alcoholism. Now, however, after decades in obscurity, he's clean six months and he dreams of shooting to the top once again. Ironically, he has a son in his 20s who is currently sitting at the pinnacle of the musical world. The son is a male version of Taylor Swift, loved by millions around the globe, wealthy beyond anyone's imagination, and he's always longed to make his father proud of him. Sorrentino is perfect as Tony K, the delusional dreamer who can't let go of the glories of his past, but is afraid to face the uncertainties of his future. In addition, Sorrentino's script fleshes out all the nuances of not only his character, but the supporting characters as well. Quartuccio, in a remarkable film debut, scores high as his son, bringing just the right amount of little-boy innocence to a brief, but difficult, role. Cinematographers Giancarlo Estrada, Vaughn Juares, and Lazlo Nemeth craft a first-class look with cramped, gritty scenes in New York as well as spectacular, gorgeous vistas in Palm Beach. In addition, Sorrentino also wrote the music, which rings true for the 1980s-early 90s period. Short film (44 minutes) feels like a full-length feature thanks to Sorrentino's steady hand on the wheel and top-drawer cinematography, and it is fully deserving of a wide audience. Winner of 57 international film festival awards. All independent films should look this good and play this well.
