Ernest Shackleton Loves Me

Ernest Shackleton Loves Me is a uniquely conceived romantic musical comedy-drama that weaves together elements of historical biography, time travel, and an escapist fantasy into a surreal and passionate ode to the endurance of love. Released in 2017, the movie showcases the exceptional talents of its two main actors, Wade McCollum and Valerie Vigoda.

“Ernest Shackleton Loves Me” revolves around the life of Kat (Valerie Vigoda) who is a sleep-deprived single mother and a gifted composer working on creating the music for a video game. Kat is struggling with her current circumstances including a lackluster relationship with her domineering boyfriend, and her worry about not being able to provide for her infant son. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she posts a video online that catches the attention of an unlikely admirer - the late Sir Ernest Shackleton, portrayed by Wade McCollum.

Wade McCollum's Ernest Shackleton is not an ordinary man but a revered British explorer who led three of the British expeditions to the Antarctic in the early 20th century. This Ernest has somehow found a way to travel through time from his ill-fated Antarctic expedition of 1914 directly to Kat's Brooklyn loft. Shackleton's admiration for Kat's talents is boundless, and he feels a deep connection with her, rooted in their shared target of overcoming insurmountable odds.

As the story unfolds, Valerie Vigoda delivers an electrifying performance as Kat, the exhausted but ever-optimistic composer. She showcases an array of emotions through her character's struggle to juggle an unfulfilling relationship, motherhood, and her dreams of making it big in the music world. Wade McCollum embodies Ernest Shackleton with panache, poise, and a charming gravitas that further immerses the audience in the fantastical tale. Their unlikely pairing and interactions provide plenty of humor, heart, and stirring musical numbers.

The movie puts Ernie's never-say-die spirit on full display, adroitly blended with Kat's adventures and struggles. The script by Tony Award Winner Joe DiPietro captures the essence of the two characters' connection brilliantly, as they inspire each other to brave their personal adversities. The blend of reality and fantasy breathe life into the film and takes the audience on an extraordinary journey.

The imaginative journey of "Ernest Shackleton Loves Me" is curiously captivating and is made even more engaging by an inventive score. Valerie Vigoda (known in the music world as part of the acclaimed band GrooveLily) shoulders the musical aspect of the project and composes a stirring and evocative musical score. Her prowess with an electric violin steers the musical helm of this film, amply backed by the performance of McCollum. Their duets are harmonious, and the film's music spans across various genres, effectively conveying the wide range of emotions the characters experience.

On the technical front, the directing by Lisa Peterson and the cinematography by multiple Emmy Award winner David Cottan stand out spectacularly. The movie's visual language is unique, creative, and captures not only the moods and emotions of its characters but also the thematic familiarization of the viewer with its complex narrative. The film's skilful blend of multimedia elements including archival photos and stylized visuals further adds to its uniqueness.

To sum up, Ernest Shackleton Loves Me is an unexpected gem that takes its audiences on a fantastical yet emotionally resonant journey of two unique characters, each guided by their passion, fiercely fighting their odds. Featuring outstanding performances from Valerie Vigoda and Wade McCollum, stellar direction, a brilliant script, and a delightfully eclectic score, this movie is a deeply touching exploration of love, dedication, and the indomitable spirit of humans, both in the bleakness of the Antarctic wilderness and the harsh realities of an artist's life in contemporary Brooklyn.