Death comes to us all, and when it does, those left behind must figure out how to grieve. There is no manual or right or wrong way to grieve; it is simply a tragic experience that is inevitable because we are human. Grief can help us honor the life of a loved one who has passed away, it can change the way we see the world, or it can cause self-reflection. Grief is just one part of the complex dilemma that Wozzeck faces. Lonely man with a ghost machinea one-man show from the writer, director, star and darling of the indie genre. Graham Skipper (Sequence Break).
Wozzeck (the skipper) and his wife Nellie (Christina Bennett Lind) escape the city to a secluded cabin and manage to survive, at least for a while. Growing bored with each other’s company and losing track of time, Wozzeck tries to drink away his days, while Nelly begins to resent the fact that her husband drinks more whiskey than she does. When Nelly is killed in a tragic accident, Wozzeck is left alone, grieving and with only his thoughts to guide him. Years pass, and Wozzeck has built a machine that he believes can bring Nelly back from the dead. When a mysterious stranger begins to visit him nightly and speak to him through the walls of the cabin, Wozzeck is forced to consider his past and future and begins to question his sanity.
Lonely man with a ghost machine It is so well written that the fact that Wozzeck spends most of the film talking to himself never becomes boring. Filmed mainly in one location, the storyline is gripping and the dialogue is injected with humour and heartbreaking honesty. As the story unfolds, the film changes from black and white to vibrant colour and back again, illustrating different time periods whilst also showing the difference between life and death. There are flashbacks to Wozzeck and Nelly before his death, whilst Skipper gives an exceptional solo performance, skillfully acting between poignant recollections of his wife and scenes teetering on the edge of madness.
As Wozzeck begins to believe he is succeeding in bringing Nelly back to life, his nightly conversations with the Stranger grow increasingly uncomfortable. The Stranger seems particularly interested in encouraging Wozzeck to engage in self-examination, which he is unwilling, unable, or both. Instead, he is intent on bringing Nelly back to life, whatever the consequences.
In the end, Skipper’s Wozzeck’s anguish and comedic portrayal of humanity, as well as its strange creature effects, are reminiscent of a whimsically crafted episode. The Twilight ZoneWith a brilliant one-man performance, a captivating story and expert direction, Lonely man with a ghost machine A provocative meditation on isolation, loneliness and grief.
Lonely man with a ghost machine The film had its virtual premiere at the Chattanooga Film Festival, which will return this year with a hybrid format.
