L for Leisure

L for Leisure is an indie digital film shot between 2011 and 2013 making its debut in 2014. It stars Gabriel Abrantes, Melissa Barrera, and Bene Coopersmith, among other ensemble cast members. The film is the cinematic brainchild of Lev Kalman and Whitney Horn, both of whom co-wrote and co-directed. Known for their distinctive narrative style - a kind of sardonic, absurdist humor tempered by a rich visual feast reminiscent of vintage advertising footage - the duo offers a refreshing and unconventional take on the '90s.

The film is an amalgamation of episodes or vignettes, taking place across the globe in idyllic tourist destinations such as Laguna Beach, Iceland, and the French Alps, to name a few. Set in 1992-93, it revolves around grad students enjoying their vacations and the idling around leisure time. The plot doesn't follow a traditional, linear storytelling mode but rather a fragmented narrative that tunnels through a kaleidoscope of settings and characters, subtly exploring themes of time, place, and identity.

The movie takes the form of about twelve loosely connected vignettes. L for Leisure is a dramatization of the Global North privileged academics and their daily routines during school vacations, their intellectual musings, physical endeavors, and quirky interactions. As they shift between tranquil retreats and extreme sports, they chat up a storm on topics such as relaxation techniques, the nature of time, metaphysical realities, and scientific phenomena. There's a rhythmic pattern to the dialogue, almost seeming like a stream of consciousness played out against delightful 16mm images in neon colors and over-saturated hues.

Gabriel Abrantes animates the film with his eccentric comedic style and easy-going demeanor, Burrera's performance lends an effervescence and optimism, and Coopersmith's deadpan delivery provides a rounded balance to the ensemble. In the backdrop, characters enjoy jet-skiing, wine tasting, and shoot hoops, indulging in various forms of leisure activities, emblematic of the '90s nostalgia.

Despite its seemingly frivolous narrative, the film manages to sneak in an underlying social commentary that is both insightful and compelling. However, L for Leisure doesn't adopt an 'in-your-face' critique of the characters' self-indulgences. Instead, it subtly satirizes their privileged naiveté, their detached intellectualism, and the absence of any profound existential concern.

One more noteworthy aspect of L for Leisure is its stunning cinematography and visual aesthetics. The film is shot on varied locations using 16mm film which gives these global locales a unique identity via beautifully composed shots. Jerky handheld shots and static tableaux are artfully interwoven, reflective of the filmmakers' homage to the early '90s visual culture. The pastel color palette and dazzling sunlight captures the essence of summer breaks and leisure time, adding visually vibrant, pulsating vibes to the movie.

To top it off, the outlandish synth-heavy soundtrack sets the tone for the movie, subtly encapsulating the vibrations of the '90s era, tickling the audience's nostalgia through auditory stimulation. The music, which is composed by John Atkinson and Talya Cooper, transports you straight to the '90s, syncopating perfectly with the visuals to offer a complete sensory experience.

To describe L for Leisure in one sentence, it's a psychedelic love letter to the '90s. It's a sparkling cocktail of indie aesthetics, academic satire, and avant-garde humor set against the cultural, economic, and scientific backdrop of the era. Despite its languid pace and lack of a straightforward narrative, the film offers an engaging viewing experience that is by turns visually intoxicating, cerebrally stimulating, and surprisingly introspective. The charm of this film rests in its delicate balancing act between snappy humor, intellectual debate, and the haunting beauty of endless leisure time.