Dumbstruck

 

Three of Four Stars 

 

Dan Horn

Possibly my favorite line in any movie this year comes from “Dumbstruck,” as an entertainer who’s on the road all the time explains the dissolution of his marriage: “After 25 years, she decided she didn’t want to be alone anymore.”  The irony, at a time of personal heartbreak, shows why Dan Horn is one of the more talented of the five ventriloquists director Mark Goffman follows for a year in his documentary.

Perhaps unintentionally, “Dumbstruck” also happens to be the downer of the year.  Only one of its five subjects hits the jackpot, as Terry Fator wins “America’s Got Talent” and instantly becomes the best known “vent” (as they call themselves) since Edgar Bergen.  After winning a million dollars on television Terry goes on to sign a five-year contract for $100 million at the Mirage in Las Vegas.

Horn, the film’s other success story, has hit the normal pinnacle of the profession: performing regularly on cruise ships.  It’s steady work, a chance to see the world – and hell on a marriage, as he finds out.

The other three subjects are sad stories.  Dylan is 13 and just getting started.  He may develop some talent but he has to fight his macho father, who doesn’t like his son playing with dolls.  Dylan compromises by doing Motocross with his dad, using time he could spend polishing his act.

Kim Yeager

Kim, 31, is torn between show business and a normal life as a wife and mother.  She works steadily putting on shows for schoolchildren but is eager to reach the next level and get some cruise ship gigs.  From what we see of her talent she’ll never make it.

Wilma is an older woman who learned ventriloquism when she had her jaw wired shut after an accident and refused to stop talking.  She can entertain in nursing homes and such but is not very good.  When she gets an eviction notice she asks for help online on a ventriloquists’ board and her fellow vents come to her rescue, giving her story a happy ending.

Whatever it started out to be, “Dumbstruck” is a cautionary tale that should discourage all but the most driven from pursuing a career in show business.  It’s got some funny bits from the various acts too, but only a dummy would miss the point.

After eating his way across the US, Canada and the U.K., Ivan (Steve Warren) has invaded France in SCARCE (www.myspace.com/scarcemovie). Mmmmm, crepe suzette made with real Suzette.