Standing on Fishes

Standing on Fishes, released in 1999, is an offbeat romantic comedy-drama that delves into the complicated, intertwined lives of artists, their motivations, insecurities, and connections. This independent film directed by Meredith Scott Lynn and Bradford Tatum, who also happen to be the leads of the film, paints a delightful, thought-provoking picture of the conflict between an artist’s need for creation and personal ambition.

The plot of Standing on Fishes focuses on the lives of two central characters, Caleb and Jason. Bradford Tatum plays Caleb, a gifted sculptor, working in the unique medium of stone-carved sinks. Although talented, Caleb finds himself stuck, unable to realize his remarkable capacity for expression. His creative spirit yearns for more, but the commercial demand for his sinks ties him down, constraining his artistic vision and aspiration. The movie smartly employs this scenario to address the broader struggle many artists face when it comes to balancing their passion for art and commercial demand.

On the other hand, Meredith Scott Lynn plays the character of Jason, a sturdy, fiery woman director with a no-nonsense demeanor. Jason is relentlessly striving to produce her first feature film, which is a sexually explicit love story. She is the driving force of her project and is not going to let anyone stand in her way, not even a close ally like Caleb, who she ropes into her venture.

Although Caleb and Jason have diametrically opposed perspectives, they share a unique bond that is borderline romantic, yet complex. What connects them is their shared devotion to their art and a craving to achieve beyond the ordinary. But, their individual insecurities, ambitions, and expectations create an artistic tension, throwing their friendship into turmoil.

Adding another layer to this story is the entry of Jason Priestley, who plays the role of K.Jennings, an A-list actor who agrees to act in Jason's film. His involvement brings a stark contrast to Caleb's approach to art. Jennings’ glamorous Hollywood lifestyle and Jason's overbearing ambition coming together throws Caleb's life off balance. This triangle of personalities gracefully presents the different facets of an artist's life – from the driven-upcoming ones, the commercially successful, to those lost in their creation.

Lynn and Tatum cleverly weave humor and tender moments into the narrative, creating a remarkable balance between the personality clashes and the emerging romance. The directors have, indeed, sculpted the characters skillfully, giving each one its unique flavor. The synergy between Tatum and Lynn, both in front and behind the camera, is worth a mention. Jason Priestley brings an effortless charm and wit to his role, building a fresh dynamic in the plot's unfolding.

For an independent feature, Standing on Fishes is visually appealing. The cinematography captures the essence of the studio and artistic spaces, reflecting the personality of the characters occupying them. The film vividly displays the instance of Caleb carving out a sink with precision, reflecting his concentration and passion poured into its creation. Such moment provides an intriguing glimpse into the detail and precision that goes into crafting these everyday objects.

Moreover, the storyline of Standing on Fishes poses several engaging aspects about individuality, ambition, arts, and relationships. It has its fingers on the pulse of the creative industry, addressing subjects that haven't been dealt with in mainstream movies. There is a constant discussion over commercial success versus artistic satisfaction, the importance of an artist's vision versus the expectations of society, and the lines between friendship and love – making this film a compelling watch.

In conclusion, Standing on Fishes, though a lesser-known film from the late 90s, is a must-watch for lovers of independent cinema. Beautifully directed by Meredith Scott Lynn and Bradford Tatum, it showcases a crisp narrative about artists’ lives, their conflicts and connections while being subtly encased in a tale of friendship and love. It helps viewers explore the complicated spectrum of life, ambition, and art through its compelling and uniquely created characters.