Blumenthal

Blumenthal is an intriguingly insightful and humorously profound film brought to life by director Seth Fisher in 2013. The movie stars esteemed actors such as Laila Robins, Brian Cox, and Fred Melamed who each contribute to the eclectic vibrancy of this narrative-driven movie.

At its core, Blumenthal is a narrative about self-discovery and family, focusing on the Blumenthals' eccentric journey of personal growth and the search for identity. This film artfully explores themes related to the human experience, mortality, identity, and success, as it delves into the problematic aspects of the characters' lives.

The story unfurls against the backdrop of the death of Harold Blumenthal, famed playwright and brother to the protagonist, Saul Blumenthal, played convincingly by Brian Cox. Harold Blumenthal succumbs to a heart attack after laughing too hard at his own joke, setting the tone of dark humor that runs perpetually through the fabric of the film.

Laila Robins plays the role of Cheryl, Harold's grieving widow who is in a state of denial concerning her husband's demise. Her character fluctuates between bouts of despair and comical denial. Fred Melamed plays Ethan Blumenthal, Harold's nephew, who is suffering a psychosomatic eye disorder and is seeking answers from his deceased uncle's legacy. Particularly notable is Mark Blum's portrayal of Saul, Harold's envious and discontented elder brother, whose role adds a relatable strand to the film's exploration of human nature. The narrative examines how these characters grapple with their reality and the lingering shadow of Harold.

Blumenthal successfully interweaves numerous subplots involving the multi-faceted Blumenthal clan and Harold's professional circle. The movie sees the characters embark on introspective odysseys in their quest to come to terms with Harold's death and their individual issues. Drawing on elements of irony and comedy, Fisher's script forges a distinct comedic style through dialogue-rich scenes that dissect and question the complexities of life and art.

The movie frames familial relationships and personal struggles through a prism of humor and satire. It navigates various dilemmas — competitiveness in sibling relationships, the tensions of marital life, the struggle for identity, and the search for happiness. This creates a rich tapestry of narratives allowing for deep character development.

The film’s exceptional scriptwriting and dialogue don’t falter, offering an array of witty sequences strung together with sharp, teetering-on-satirical humor. It is filled with nuggets of wisdom wrapped in funny one-liners, offering insightful perspectives on life and death's oddity. The movie boasts craftsmanship at the narrative level, showcased by the heartfelt performances from a stellar cast and an intelligent screenplay.

Director Fisher, who pulls double duty as both actor and director in the film, deftly uses his keen sense of humor and ironic narrative to present an engaging story, that is pitched somewhere between a comedy of manners and a family drama. The darkly comic tone sits well with the movie's broader thematic exploration of existence and mortality, creating a compelling tone throughout.

Blumenthal is aesthetically shot, with Fisher employing a creative use of unconventional close-ups, and soft lighting to establish mood and build character depth. The production design effectively aids in storytelling, and the soundtrack resonates well with the theme and narrative style of the film, rendering an entertaining movie-watching experience.

The film also uses its New York City setting effectively, using the city’s diverse locales to frame the characters' emotional landscapes, reflecting their constant internal state of flux. Fisher, with his distinctive character-driven narrative, makes excellent use of this vibrant backdrop to augment the overall experience.

All in all, Blumenthal is an artfully crafted, deep-dive into the human condition and familial ties that evoke both laughter and thought. It is an eccentric, yet grounded portrayal of its characters’ journeys, intricately woven with dark humor. Blumenthal truly encapsulates a unique perspective of life, leaving the audience with much to contemplate long after the credits roll.