Raising Buchanan

Raising Buchanan is a thought-provoking film from 2019, which brilliantly pairs comedy with darker themes of crime and desperation. Directed by Bruce Dellis and starring esteemed actors Rene Auberjonois, Amanda Melby, and Cathy Shim, this independent dark comedy unravels a narrative that is as unpredictable as it is engaging.

Set in Phoenix, Arizona, the film follows the unconventional journey of a psychologically struggling protagonist, Ruth Kiesling (Amanda Melby). Ruth is a woman grappling with various personal tribulations, including a lackluster employment history, an unhealthy fixation on death, and an embittered relationship with her family. Despite being tangled in her personal woes, Ruth does not lose her spark. She is full of sharp wit, her personality tingeing the film with humor and levity.

The unusual gets more peculiar as Ruth embarks on a decision that many would find unorthodox. Ruth, who now works in a donut shop, is broke and disgruntled with her life. In an act of desperation, she hatches an outrageous plan to have an impact on her unsatisfactory financial situation. She devises a scheme to steal and ransom the wasted body of President James Buchanan- the less popular and less acclaimed 15th President of the United States.

The narrative escalates as Ruth, with her somewhat dull-witted coworker Meg (Cathy Shim) as an accomplice, goes to great lengths to fulfill her ambitious and risky enterprise. What transpires is a twisted yet comically tinged hide-and-seek with the law, the media, and each other, where everyone is left trying to figure out what Ruth aims to accomplish.

Rene Auberjonois plays the role of the reluctant presidential corpse, who often pops up in Ruth's mind to engage in humorous banter. Auberjonois plays a wonderful Buchanan, bringing quirky charm to the less-known president, whose reputation is largely overshadowed by other historical figures. These cerebral dialogues add a unique theatrical element and flesh out the complexity of Ruth's character.

The film indulges in flavorful monologues, unfolding the personalities of its characters in layers. Raising Buchanan focuses primarily on character development, exploring the intricate aspects of each character's persona as the plot unfolds. It invites viewers to perceive the varying degrees of morality, rationality, and impulsiveness within each role.

Raising Buchanan’s rich storyline seamlessly integrates humor into an otherwise dark narrative, adeptly balancing levity and gravity. The humor is intelligent and well-placed, often arising from, and playing on, the eccentricities of the characters and situations. The antics of Ruth and Meg present a comedic escape, and the idiosyncrasies of the characters make them memorable and lovable.

The film does not shy away from highlighting the human elements of desperation, highlighting the lengths that individuals may go through when pushed against the economic wall. Yet, it paints these bleak circumstances with strokes of humor and absurdity, making this acknowledgment of harsh realities uniquely palatable.

Bruce Dellis' storytelling prowess shines throughout the film, effortlessly weaving the comedic and the bizarre into an engaging narrative. Raising Buchanan showcases a compelling balance of light laughs and soul-searching, wrapped in a storyline that is as unique as it is endearing. The characters are carefully drawn out and fully developed, making them convincing and easy to root for, despite their oddities and quirks.

The performances of the actors, particularly Auberjonois and Melby, elevate the film to greater heights. Using an elegantly crafted script, they breathe life into their characters, effectively drawing the audience in with their nuanced performances.

In conclusion, Raising Buchanan is an engaging, offbeat film that masterfully combines dark comedy and human drama. It stands out as an underdog in cinematic storytelling. This independent film serves as a vivid testament to the dynamic, innovative ideas independent cinema consistently brings to the big screen. Fans of quirky dark comedies and fantastic character portrayals are sure to be delighted by Raising Buchanan.