Buzzard

Buzzard is a 2014 film that embeds itself deep within the realms of indie filmmaking. It is a captivating blend of dark comedy, suspense, and horror, masterfully woven together in an engaging narrative by its writer-director Joel Potrykus.

Joshua Burge delivers a tour de force performance in the lead role of Marty Jackitansky, a disillusioned temp worker who, discontented with his life and the capitalist system that governs it, begins to enact tiny rebellions within the scope of his seemingly dull life. Marty, in essence, is a slacker within the system he abhors, resorting to petty scams and by no means a traditional protagonist. He resembles, in more ways than one, an everyman who dares to challenge the status quo.

As the tale unfolds, we find Marty further wrapping himself into the world of small-time scams. He resorts to fraud, intercepting and cashing company checks made out to the company’s out-of-touch employees, in his pursuit of a lucrative life. His every action is steeped in a subtle yet swooping critique of the capitalist system, but at no point does the plot get preachy. This careful portrayal contributes to the authenticity and impact of Buzzard.

Joel Potrykus, who dons two significant hats in the movie as the director and supporting actor, deserves special mention for his gallant efforts. Potrykus plays Derek, Marty's only friend who shares his disillusionment but dwells in a constant state of fear, making him abstain from any rebellious antics. Their bond, their shared views on society, and how they grapple with their realities add texture to the film, while simultaneously addressing the dichotomous relationship the 99% have with the capitalist system.

The character of Stacy, portrayed by Teri Ann Nelson, adds yet another layer to the diversely populated narrative. As Marty's seemingly oblivious and romantic interest, Stacy’s role serves as a grounding point of normalcy for Marty and offers audiences a contrasting perspective.

The cinematography of the movie is stripped down to bare essentials, mirroring the minimalist ethos that the narrative follows. The frames pulsate with a sense of rawness, adeptly reflecting the tumultuous interiors of the primary character. The ambient score complements the narrative, amplifying the sense of tension, suspense, and anticipation that Marty’s journey engenders.

Relishing in its subversive nuances, Buzzard becomes more than just a movie about a slacker scamming a system. It's an exploration of the challenges posed by corporate America and the lengths one might go in this filed environment when devoid of hope, ambition, or means. It's about the struggle for identity, independence, survival, and above all - about how a seemingly ordinary man wrestles through life in the underbelly of capitalism.

The nefarious humor is a characteristic ingredient of Buzzard, often veiling its serious undertones. The film doesn’t shirk away from the darker corners of livelihood, showcasing an honest depiction of a man immersed in the world of thieves and liars while spinning a mesmerizing tale around his scams and rebellious adventures.

While the plot revolves around a man riling against a corporate machine, Buzzard isn't a simple vilification of the capitalist system. It instead offers an examination of the inconsistencies, ambiguities, and dehumanizing tendencies inherent in such systems. It's about the struggle of fitting into a world that constantly screws you over and what happens when an ordinary man decides to hit back.

All in all, Buzzard isn’t your run-of-the-mill film. It's an enthralling mosaic of chaos, rebellion, humour, and critique that will leave you with much food for thought. It's a cinematic experience that dares to delve deep into the chasms of human life in a capitalist society. In the end, it's not just Marty's journey that resonates with the viewer, but also the unvarnished portrayal of life at the bottom rung of corporate America, making Buzzard a film worth watching for the discerning viewer.