Ghostlight is a film that you will love. Unconditionally. Writer and director Kelly O’Sullivan has given us theatre, and the artists filling it, as therapy and not the quite the main story.
Michael Caine once said, “No one likes movies about actors.” He was right. The film Noises Off; a comedy with Caine and a number of top performers, including Carol Burnett, initially bombed at the box office. On a bright note, the film has increased in popularity since being released through home entertainment.
Ghostlight shines a light on acting and the theatre as more than just a creative outlet. It is a film that you will love I can almost guarantee it.
Ghostlight – a tradition of the theatre. A light is left burning when the theatre is empty.
The Story
Dan (Keith Kupferer) is a manual laborer. He appears to be fairly stoic but a family tragedy makes his silence intense. Dan is not the only one having problems dealing with the problem.
Daisy, (Katherine Mallen Kupferer) is Dan’s daughter and her way of dealing with the problem causes her to act out. She also swears like a sailor.
Sharon, wife of Dan, and mother to Daisy also has a issues with dealing with the family’s tortured past.
Dan is recruited by Rita (Dolly De Leon) to stand in for Romeo and Juliet.
Community Theatre
The second act of the show involves the people who inhabit the community theatre world. They help the silent dysfunctional family open up with one another. The entire idea is genius.
Anyone who has been a part of the amatuer acting world will recognise this scenario. The egos, the excitement and having the courage to be someone else for a short period of time. And the ability to “open up.” For Dan, Daisy and Sharon this bit is the most important.
*Side note: Community theatre is a wonderful place that allows actors from all parts of life to be someone else. They can be doctors, lawyers, cops, murderers and list goes on. It is an addictive experience. O’Sullivan, and the real actors who fill her world, have struck a note of truth in Ghostlight.
Thoughts
The idea of having a real life acting family play the main roles is sheer genius. Although the cast, regardless of the role, have brought this world to life. The family Kupferer rock this one. I felt their pain, their grief and the toll it took upon them.
The learning process was tear worthy. I watched the movie and got swept up in their ordeal. Their pain felt all too real and this helped move the tale forward.
The deposition was difficult to watch.
The Play’s the thing
Mike says it best. “Dude, you made me cry.” Ghostlight may not make you cry. You may well be made of sterner stuff. Me? I suffered leaky eyes and had a lump in my throat the size of Texas. This is a full five star effort. This is one that you will love. Trust me.
Ghostlight should be showing in a cinema near you. Go and immerse yourself in this world.
“For never was a story of more woe, Than this of Juliet and her Romeo,”
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