Classical Period

Classical Period is a 2018 film directed by Ted Fendt that captures a unique take on modern life, embedded in academia and enriched with the virtues of classical Italian culture and literature. At the heart of the story is the introduction and study of Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy, making it an interesting watch for history buffs, academics, and cinephiles alike.

The film centers around three main characters, played by Calvin Engime, Evelyn Emile, and Sam Ritterman. Each character is portrayed with rustic authenticity, while still holding distinct qualities and characteristics that make their introspections engaging to witness. This movie encapsulates human nature in its rawest form, balancing humor with existential musings and a sense of real-life drama.

Calvin Engime, renowned for his compelling performances, plays the role of a Philadelphia-based Latin scholar, Cal. An absorbed academic, he presents his character as a Kevin James look-alike, who seemingly spends almost all of his time reading classic literature and attending local reading groups. Engime's portrayal is brilliant in its intensity and nerdish charm, making for a captivatingly realistic performance that functions as the heart of the film.

Evelyn Emile takes up the role of Emily, who appears to be a casual acquaintance of Cal. Her character's contribution to her Philadelphia Dante reading group sets into motion an in-depth study that forms a central pillar of the movie’s narrative. Emily's quiet fascination with the mundane and extraordinary, her willingness to learn, and the exchanges of knowledge between her and Cal, create an effectively intriguing dynamic.

As the story unfolds, we meet a third character, played by Sam Ritterman. This mysterious figure brings a change of tone to the narrative, juxtaposing the mundane with the thrill of the unknown. Ritterman’s performance adds an extra layer of depth to the evolving storyline, contributing to the film’s engaging exploration of intellectual pursuit and personal relationships.

Classical Period combines dry, unconventional humor with the study of human behavior and intellect against the backdrop of intellectual pursuits. Yet it is more than a simple study of academic life. The film manages to carve out a niche for itself by merging the joys of learning with aspects of human relationships, friendship, ambition, and the questions of meaning that come with intellectual pursuits.

The director, Ted Fendt, walks the fine line between presenting a heavy, intellectual movie and offsetting gravity with light-hearted tonal shifts and moments of laid-back humor. He utilizes a minimalist aesthetic defined by the usage of static, often single-shot scenes. This technique contrasts the rapid pace of a discussion or confidential conversation, which flesh out the characters' personalities and their respective social interactions.

Approximately 60 minutes in duration, the feature is a prime example of quality over quantity, never rushing its narrative or character development. Viewers are able to witness the progression of character relationships at their own pace, soaking in the microcosm that Fendt has created. It’s a film that values intellectualism, offering debates and discourses about literature and language that can infuse the viewers with a newfound appreciation for classics such as Dante's Inferno.

Classical Period is a densely packed, incisive meditation on intellectual life, brimming with memorable moments of philosophical exploration. Its unique narrative, combined with the realistic impressions of its characters and their dynamics,offers a thoughtful and rewarding cinematic experience. It serves as both a celebration of intellectual curiosity and a gentle critique of the isolation that can come from such pursuits. This distinctly distinctive and brilliantly executed movie stands as a hidden gem among its contemporaries and echoes a profound message: even in our own isolated pursuits of understanding, we are inherently connected through the shared experience of being human.