Collective: Unconscious

Collective: Unconscious is an experimental anthology film that was released in 2016. This unique feature is loaded with stellar performances from Frank Mosley, Tonya Pinkins, and James Adomian, among others, and marks a remarkable exploration of uncensored creativity in cinema.

It’s as if each story stowed away within the film's frames is part of an interconnected puzzle, bound together by the concept of dreams, subconscious experiences, and the inner workings of our psyche. The picture is effectively an anthology, composed of five shorts, with each based on the dream of a different director, transforming it into an anthology unlike any screened before.

The genesis of the project came from Dan Schoenbrun who invited five independent American filmmakers to adapt each other's dreams for the screen. The brilliance of this film lies in its conceptualization and execution. With the dream premise serving as the rolled-out canvas, it vividly brings forth the distinct narrative style of the five directors, thus forging a surreal, cinematic dreamscape that marries the directors' distinct artistry in a harmonious union.

Beginning with the segment, "Black Soil, Green Grass," directed by Daniel Patrick Carbone, the audience gets embroiled in an end of the world narrative. It's an eerie, desolate tour through vanished humanity and the remains of an abandoned world. Carbone’s segment is best characterized by its strong visuals and haunting score, two elements that seamlessly mesh to reproduce the dichotomy of tranquility and anxiety often seen in dreams.

The following segment is "Beemus, It'll End in Tears," directed by Josephine Decker. This one is an abstract, quirky, and ironic dream centering on a high school fitness coach named Beemus, masterfully portrayed by Frank Mosley. With a rich, textured portrayal of characters and boldly challenging narrative, Decker’s segment brushes with the bizarre and absurd, typical features in dreams, and blends them with satirical undertones.

"First Day Out," directed by Lauren Wolkstein, delves into a former inmate's release day from prison. It streaks through social commentary and the journey's unexpected turns – strong narrative elements intertwined with some dark comedy.

Subsequently, "Everybody Dies!," directed by Nuotama Bodomo, is a public access-style short hosted by 'Ripa.' This character personifies Death, enacted with theatrical flair by Tonya Pinkins. This comedic yet thought-provoking segment explores racial dynamics, presenting the uncomfortable reality through a satirical lens.

The concluding segment, "Swallowed," directed by Lily Baldwin, offers an unsettling and vivid journey through maternal anxieties. It uses a stylistic blend of narrative and dance elements to shine a light on the altered mental state of a young mother.

One of the key strengths of the Collective: Unconscious is the synergy among the segments, effectively utilizing humor, surreal imagery, and socio-political commentary. At the same time, it is layered with individual directorial distinction, thus preserving the individual voices of each filmmaker.

Worthy of note is the masterful performances by the cast. Frank Mosley, Tonya Pinkins, and James Adomian breathe life into the intricate fabric of their characters, giving depth and dimension to each unique narrative. Their performances, along with a talented supporting cast, help maintain cohesiveness, weaving through the different subconscious explorations and thus holding the viewers' attention.

Certifying its effectiveness as an experimental project, Collective: Unconscious ambitiously plays with different genres and mediums - surrealism, satire, drama, dance - all flawlessly folding into the larger narrative quilt. It provides an uncanny yet intriguing interpretation of the role of dreams in our lives, the examination of our darkest fears and idiosyncrasies, and the more profound reviews of our social structure.

Collective: Unconscious is a film where form, freedom, and the fundamentals of creative imagination engage in a passionate dance. It’s an essential viewing experience for those intrigued by the possibilities of experimental filmmaking and its capability to push the boundaries of traditional narratives, revealing distinctive synergy between a set of diverse artistic voices.