All that you Kant Leave Behind

Justice Leak and Delfo Baroni star in 'Death of Seasons'

In the case of Death of Seasons, the debut feature-length film by director Chance White, the answer for me is "yes, you can."

The film is exquisitely shot by White and Matthew Brideau, in an artistic style that belies the film's miniscule budget. 

But it's hard to describe just what Death of Seasons is about. The official website claims that it is a psychological thriller, but I would best describe it as a philosophical dissertation/music video.

The story centers around Gabriel (writer Delfo Baroni, channeling Johnny Depp), a just-out-of-college philosopher/slacker. Gabriel struggles with the purpose of life, the eternal "why are we here?" question.

He's friends with Aaron (Justice Leak), who seems to be a yin to his yang. Aaron is struggling with his own theological views as a Christian and the need for the more simple carnal pleasures - which is more important to him, God or his girlfriend (Desiree Markella)?

There's not much of a plot to speak of, which I feel is one of the film's biggest faults. Instead, there are many conversations discussing the philosophical differences between Gabriel and Aaron. The main action takes place around Gabriel, who is hired by his blind neighbor, the cantankerous Mr. Harper (Kermit Rolison), to type out his memoirs. Gabriel sees only the bad in Mr. Harper and believes that he can save him from his misery by taking his life. But his compassion is mixed with doubt, and his two sides face an internal struggle.

Internal stuggle. The main issue with Death of Seasons is that it plays a lot internally. It's hard to put on screen what is an essentially something that you cannot see.

That's not to say White doesn't try. The look and feel of Death of Seasons shows that White and company have a bright future in store.

The film is visually stunning and the score, by Nicholas Alan and Joshua Montcalm, only adds to the striking direction. The acting, particularly by Leak and Rolison, is top notch. The dialogue is swift and well composed, even when it's dwelling on the theories of Kant or Nietzsche.

I personally got a D in my one and only philosophy class in college, so I can't tell the difference, but you can tell the characters (and the filmmakers) know. In fact, I would venture to say that this film could be used in philosophy and ethics courses. They could dissect the emotional build up and break down of these characters and their stations in life.

If only I could understand it. Maybe if I paid more attention in college...

For more on "Death of Seasons" or to order the DVD, visit www.deathofseasonsmovie.com

Michael D Friedman is the online producer and an editor for CinemATL. In his spare time, he is a screenwriter and filmmaker.