Proper Care and Feeding of an American Messiah

Proper Care and Feeding of an American Messiah is an avant-garde independent film that was released in 2006. The film stars Dustin Olson, Joseph Frost, and Ellen Halper and explores the idiosyncrasies of the human condition in contemporary society, as observed from a uniquely American perspective.

This mockumentary-style film is directed by Christopher J. Hansen for the independent lens with a rare and unconventional wit that successfully catches the viewers' attention during its entire length. The film is a combination of genres, a hybrid of satire, drama, and light-hearted humor, touched with a splash of social commentary and tinged with character-focused introspection.

The story revolves around the central character, Brian (portrayed by Dustin Olson), a not-so-average Joe who believes he is a religious messiah - but for suburban America. Taking the self-proclaimed title of "Local Messiah," Brian doesn't think of himself as the second coming of Christ or Buddha reincarnate, but rather as a guide for the average, mundane individuals trying to navigate the bewildering mazes of modern life.

His mission is not to perform grand miracles or herald the apocalypse, but to undertake more practical, approachable tasks, like helping people find car keys or decide what television shows to watch. He doesn't command the seas or turn water into wine, but he attempts to understand the human condition and make life a little more bearable for others through his supportive, albeit slightly misguided, deeds.

We get to follow Brian through various trials, tribulations, and mundane experiences of his life, via documentary-style interviews. Both his younger brother Aaron (Joseph Frost) and his so-called “spiritual concubine”, played by the talented Ellen Halper, provide unique insights into his eccentric, comedic world. Brian's journey is complemented by a variety of equally quirky sidekicks, including a beleaguered community college professor who studies self-proclaimed messiahs, and a pair of zealous local news reporters hot on the trail of the next big story.

The film effectively uses humor and satire to engage viewers while stimulating them to consider the deeper questions it poses about faith, purpose, and identity in the modern world. It invites us to reflect on heady subjects even as it makes us giggle. One cannot help but start to ponder existential questions about religion and its place in society, the human need for purpose, and the lengths people will go to create meaning in their lives.

Proper Care and Feeding of an American Messiah is a deliciously clever commentary on the American cultural landscape's idiosyncrasies, fueled by a profound desire for individual significance and divine intervention. Through its humorous and incisive lens, it takes a long, hard look at reality, exploring the idea of self-appointed redemption and the complex nature of belief systems that are uniquely human.

It's a cinematic gem that takes its time to unfold its narrative thread but never fails to strike a chord with the viewer. From Dustin Olson's earnest portrayal of the everyman turned suburban messiah to the delightfully wry twist of Ellen Halper's role, the cast gives a hearty performance that showcases the grassroots storytelling of independent filmmaking at its best.

In summation, Proper Care and Feeding of an American Messiah is a film that presents viewers with a charming and thoughtful comedy while offering a profound exploration of what it means to be a normal person in a society full of expectations and labels. Despite its unusual storyline, it retains relatability by dealing with themes and questions that are quintessentially human. This film is a testament to director Christopher J. Hansen's skill, managing to leave a lasting impression by pushing the boundaries of convention and challenging audiences to probe deeper into their psychological landscapes and societal norms.

Unique and quirky, Proper Care and Feeding of an American Messiah is a must-watch for those who appreciate independent films that do not shy away from weaving comedy, existentialism, and subtle social critique into an engaging tapestry of cinema.