Marshall Curry's Point and Shoot is an engrossing look at the journey of Matthew VanDyke, a timid 27-year old man who leaves the comfortable confines of his home in Baltimore, setting off on a journey through the Middle East that he describes as this "crash course in manhood". With only his motorcycle, Matthew embarks on a 35,000 mile journey through Northern Africa and the Middle East, striking an unexpected friendship with a Libyan man who Matt describes as one of the most geniunely caring people he has ever met. When war breaks out in Libya between the rebels and their fierce dictator Muammar Gaddafi, Matthew decides to fight side-by-side with his new friends for their own freedom. Marshall Curry's Point and Shoot is a piercing look into one man's journey of self-discovery, providing a close personal look at Matthew VanDyke's transformation. Extremely well-layered, Point and Shoot raises a lot of distinct questions about humanity in its examination of Matthew's journey. This is a film that becomes quite uncomfortable, examining the ideals of masculinity while simulatenously somewhat questioning Matthew's true motives for joining the revolution in Libya. While certainly a poignant portrait of the revolution in Libya, Point and Shoot is truly special because of its ability to capture this almost inherent selfishness that exists in humanity, offering subtle glimpses of narcissism in Matt, as well as many of the soldiers and rebels he comes across. This is a fascinating examination of all individuals desire to be the center of attention, with Point and Shoot capturing this primal obession with image, the desire to present oneself in the best possible light. In Matthew and many of these men's case, that would be a tough, masculine man. Point and Shoot displays how the desire to be perceived masculine and tough is not a society problem but a primal desire, questioning the very fabric of what it means to "be a man".
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AuthorLove of all things cinema brought me here. Archives
June 2023
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