Goliath

The 2008 movie Goliath, directed by David Zellner and co-written with his brother Nathan Zellner, is an independent dark comedy-drama that unearths the complexities of human nature in an intentionally offbeat, suburban backdrop. The Zellner brothers, who are well-known in the indie film scene, have deliberately made a low-key film about life's trifles that escalate into an unlikely catastrophe.

The film's central character is played by the director himself, David Zellner. He assumes the role of a dejected, mild-mannered business analyst going through an existential crisis after his wife leaves him and gains sole custody of their daughter. He descends into a cycle of desolation and apathy, which results in a growing detachment from his sterile job and his mundane existence.

The plot revolves around one seemingly trivial event: the protagonist's cat, Goliath, has gone missing. This considerably crumbles his emotional stability and sparks a series of events that exhibit different shades of hilarity, desolation, madness, and eventually, a crime. The director utilizes the character's depression and the search for his cat as a reflection of his inner search for purpose, identity, and affection.

Nathan Zellner, David's actual brother, also joins the cast as the protagonist's indifferent and subtly condescending brother. Their sibling rivalry gets a fair share of screen time, complimenting the film's overall theme and purpose. The Zellner brothers have successfully breathed real life into their roles, adding more depth to their characters.

In a standout supporting role, Caroline O'Connor paves her way into the story as a co-worker who provides a sober counterpoint to the Zellners' bleak narrative. Her character brings out the protagonist's apparent uneasiness around people adding to the layer of humor present throughout the film.

Goliath is embedded with dry humor that thrives in the atypicality of situation and dialogue. It displays different reactions to the pedestrian horror of modern life in the suburbs, drawing the viewer's attention to the inherent loneliness and disconnectedness of the characters. The film's humor is characterized by its display of extreme reactions to mundane irritations, accentuating the element of dark comedy.

The 2008 indie film subtly mirrors contemporary society in an understated manner, from corporate culture to failing relationships, while providing relief through its discreet charm and wit. Its lasting impact comes from people behaving strangely in a seemingly calm world. Through the use of a simplistic plot, the Zellner brothers explore the lengths to which a man can be driven because of desperation and vulnerability.

The visual storytelling style is distinct - Goliath's cinematography stands out with its stark and low-saturation color palette that undeniably complements the bleak ethos of the narrative. The rustic suburb, office cubicles, bars, and streets seamlessly become characters in their own rights, reflecting the protagonist’s growing sense of discontent and isolation.

The soundtrack of Goliath scores with ambient sound design that works cohesively with the narrative's tonal shifts, bringing moments of darkness and bizarre humor to life. It strategically contributes to the film’s atmospheric aura, invoking the intended feelings of uneasiness and absurdity.

Goliath is best suited to those who understand and appreciate its distinctive, dark humor and complex characterization. It isn't a typical feel-good film; instead, it's a deeply cerebral, personal satire encapsulating the simplistic and often overlooked aspects of everyday life. The subtlety of the movie allows viewers to engage with the narrative on multiple levels, including the characterization, comic timing, and overall pacing, which are all remarkably executed.

In conclusion, Goliath, through its unconventional narrative, showcases a vivid picture of a man's crumbling life, mirrored in his quest for his missing cat. It's a unique film that beautifully blends pathos with dark humor, taking you on an unpredictable and thought-provoking journey. It’s an exceptional offering from the indie film scene that deserves to be watched for its reality-bending dark strokes of humor and exploration of human frailties.