Documentaries can be dull as dishwater or have that “lecturing you “feel that is guaranteed to put one off completely. The film then loses whatever message or concept they are selling. “Becoming Bulletproof” does not do either of these things. Rather, they teach the viewer humanity under the guise of art. Or in the case of this documentary, takes us behind the scenes where the educational art is being made.
Zeno Mountain Farms
Zeno Mountain Farms makes one short film per year. The artists and creatives who make the films do so sans pay. The stars of the movies are various “disabled” actors. The “able bodied” staff play supporting roles They also help care for their talent. Zeno Mountain Faims is a unique, and before now, unknown organization. We never knew they existed. The work with the premise that money should not govern art. Just as certain human difficulties should not hinder people from performing.
At its base, the group’s philosophy is clear, anyone can contribute to art and for those who have the focus to follow through their personal dreams despite suffering from conditions that society deem “unworthy.” Zeno Mountain Farms makes dreams become reality.
This documentary was put together in 2014. After which it ran the festival circuit winning seven awards and being nominated for three more. Becoming Bulletproof was helmed by Michael Barnett. It should be noted that the movie being filmed, in the documentary, was released in 2012. David Arquette had a cameo role in the short film.
The Message
Rotten Tomatoes gave “Becoming Bulletproof” a 100 percent “fresh” rating and the overall comments and reviews about the documentary were favorable and mentioned the word “inspirational” several times. One word not used was educational.
And it should have been. As a teaching aid to the “normal” folks of society, it is priceless. Certainly the film shows the difficulties and almost insurmountable problems that the disabled face everyday. More importantly, however, it shows that they are not different because of the issues they must overcome.
These challenged people are the same as those more able-bodied denizens of the world.
Each one, from A.J. who suffers from Cerebral Palsy, to Alec; who has Williams Syndrome, has dreams, aspirations and sees the world as we do; the “non-challenged” of the world. It is inspirational to see these hard working people complete their film and attend the premiere.
More than having a feel good factor of 100 percent however is the value of teaching the world of these actors’ normalcy. For, despite everything, they are us.
Being a documentary, “Becoming Bulletproof” spends much time interacting with those behind and in front of the camera. The Zeno Mountain Farms staff and the performers all talk about the project, the organization, each other and the sheer joy of allowing everyone to make art “happen.”
At the end
By the end of the documentary it is indeed inspirational and one may find that a little sentimental tear may be rolling down a cheek or two. However, as stated elsewhere in this review, it is the power of the message; the teaching of the uneducated that counts here. The use of arts to teach humanity.
If one takes nothing else from this documentary is should be this: People are people, regardless of the skin they are in or the difficulties that they face.
Zeno Mountain Farms, and all who sail her, we salute you for your effort, your art and your dedication. This is a 5 star documentary. You will walk away feeling good, and possibly with a big soppy grin on your face. Becoming Bulletproof will have entertained and educated you.
And that is a good thing.
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