Film Journal 2023: Theater Camp
Directed by Molly Gordon and Nick Lieberman
The aim of this mocumentary is so pure it almost dares you to not want these characters to be real. And certainly the power of its depictmemt of “theater kids” comes from the fact that this subset of culture is in fact very real.
Which does leave this film as something of an insider’s commentary of this experience. Meaning, someone like me are left looking in at this from the outside. Even if it wants me to know that “I’m not one of them”, it nevertheless is wanting me to learn and experience something of what it means to be them. And not just as a culture separated from the world, but as part of the universal human experience.
Thus I felt welcome not just to observe, but to participate, and despite being at a necessary distance, these things translated to a deeply satisfying experience. Its laugh out loud funny, effortlessly charming and entertaining, and within all that bursting with meaning and heart.
A genuine crowd pleaser, theater kid or not.
The Stories of my Life 