Did you know that New Jersey law prohibits customers from pumping their own gas?
What is the sound of one eye blinking?
GAZER (2024): A Glimpse into a Fractured Reality
GAZER is a captivating cinematic journey directed by Ryan J. Sloan, with a screenplay co-penned by Ariella Mastroianni (who also stars) and Sloan himself. Presented in a stunning 2.35:1 aspect ratio by the talented Matheus Bastos, this film runs for a compelling 114 minutes under the banner of Metrograph Pictures. Dive into the intriguing world of dyschronometria, or “lost time syndrome,” where time becomes a nebulous entity for the protagonist.
The Struggles of Time and Existence
Meet Frankie Rhodes (Mastroianni), a gas station attendant teetering on the edge of despair in New Jersey—a state where customers are legally barred from pumping their own gas. The film opens with a powerful juxtaposition of old-world charm and modern despair as Frankie grapples with a fading dream and an imminent unemployment sentence.
In a series of haunting moments, Frankie witnesses a shocking incident—a man assaulting a woman through the window of an apartment across the street. Yet, her shift manager remains oblivious, fixated only on Frankie’s lack of speed and accuracy at work. With a mind clouded by uncertainty and fleeting reality, Frankie finds solace in daydreaming about the lives of others, a stark contrast to her own fractured existence.
Echoes of A Mother’s Love
Never without her Walkman, Frankie uses it as a lifeline, recording messages to herself and her daughter Emma, who is residing with her unsympathetic grandmother (played by Marianne Goodell). Trapped in an uncertain future, Frankie struggles against the advice of her doctor, who suggests a hospice for the cognitively impaired. Torn between her dire condition and her desire to connect with her daughter, the stakes are unusually high, setting the stage for a journey that blends moments of suspense with touching familial bonds.
A Dangerous Proposition
When Frankie crosses paths with Claire (portrayed by Renee Gagner
As Frankie becomes embroiled in the lives of those around her, she transforms into an amateur sleuth, shedding light on a world where she struggles to find her footing. Yet, a looming question persists: how can one investigate a crime when time itself is slipping away? While the filmmakers borrow stylistically from greats like Scorsese and Nolan, the film often feels like a mosaic of influences rather than an original tapestry of storytelling.
While GAZER aspires to capture the essence of lost time and fractured lives, it occasionally succumbs to pacing issues and a narrative clutter that detracts from its poignant premise. Despite this, the film holds a mirror to humanity’s struggles through captivating performances and striking visuals.
Secure your cinematic experience by catching GAZER exclusively at the Angelika Film Center & Café – Carmel Mountain, where the world of Frankie Rhodes unfolds in its raw, unfiltered form. If you’re ready for a thought-provoking journey through time, this film is sure to leave an impression.The Quest for Identity and Purpose
Final Thoughts: A Complex Reflection
