Tommy Battles the Silver Sea Dragon has to be the bravest and most artistically ambitious movie premiering at Cinequest. In his debut feature as director, writer, composer and star Luke Shirock has imagined a guy put on trial by his own subconscious. Tommy (Shirock) has feeling of unresolved guilt about his mother’s death that have troubled his life and impacted the relationship with his girlfriend Carolyn (Celine Held).
The trial is a nightmare, surreal and Kafkaesque. We see Tommy’s life in flashbacks, and learn just how accurate his own view of his life may or may not be.
And here’s what makes Tommy Battles the Silver Sea Dragon so singular. It’s a musical – all set to Shirock-composed music. This could have been titled Inner Torment: The Musical.
Held is very good as Carolyn, and David Andrew MacDonald is compelling as The Prosecutor.
Reportedly, Tommy Battles the Silver Sea Dragon was made on a $500,000 budget, which is difficult to imagine given the rich look of the film and some of the special effects and the shots on the water. Certainly, Luke Shirock is an artist swinging for the fences. Cinequest hosts the world premiere of Tommy Battles the Silver Sea Dragon. Here’s a link to the trailer.
My first behind-the-scenes gig! Bravo Luke!