Motivational Growth (2012) (1st viewing) d. Thacker, Don (USA)
Chicago-based writer/director Thacker explodes onto the scene with his debut feature, one that rattles viewers’ synapses with an ever-changing view of reality and dazzles practical effects lovers with a wealth of impressive latex and karo syrup splatter. Adrian DiGiovanni stars as a depressive shut-in being given life lessons from an expanding fungal growth in his bathroom (a superb alliance of puppetry and Jeffrey Combs’ mellifluous vocal performance). A terrific exception to microbudget filmmaking, one that requires no forgiveness for technical shortcomings (i.e. there are none) despite its ambitious scope and vision. I was lucky enough to witness a private screening for cast/crew; rest assured, you’ll be seeing this one in your neck of the woods soon enough.