Janey Makes a Play, 2015.
Written and directed by Jared Callahan.
SYNOPSIS:
Follow 90-year-old Janey as she writes and directs her latest original, socially relevant community theatre production for her small town. Experience the creative process unfold with a cast of colorful townspeople, as they engage with the arts amidst a local economy devastated by the recent recession.
Everyone loves an underdog. We all love to root for someone who goes against the grain and defies any obstacle that should ordinarily stand in the way of achieving their goals. One obstacle could be age. I’m 35 this year and earlier today I groaned when I bent over to pick something up. So this brings us to Janey Makes a Play, with the titular Janey, a 90-year-old, defying her years to write, direct and put on a play in her local community.
Two thing become apparent quite quickly with Jared Callahan’s (Janey’s grandson) documentary. Firstly, that this isn’t as dull as it sounds: 90-year-old woman puts on an am-dram production. Secondly, Janey is full of beans. She’s energetic, charming and passionate and it’s easy to see why she was deemed a suitable documentary subject. She’s a charming protagonist, but it’s not merely her story, nor the “quest” to get the play brought to reality that drive this, it’s a quaint picture of small town America, affectionately shown.
The film is almost entirely positive (of course there are struggles that the subjects have all gone through, from loss, to coping with economic crisis or 9/11). It’s filled with positivity. It certainly ticks the “feel good” box. Janey’s love of music and the arts is quite clear, as well as her love for her local community of Rio Vista. She does a lot for people and the musical itself is something for the town, something to involve local youngsters aside from sport (the predominant young interest in Rio Vista).
As for the play itself, if you’ve ever tried to put on a play, or make a film, or anything requiring pooling resources and talents together for little/no money and getting a result, you will know how difficult it is. I know this from experience having produced films on uber low budgets. It’s hard work and people let you down and you always have to find a back up, even if it’s at the very last minute. If you achieve that goal though, and you get it done, it’s amazing. We definitely root for Janey and will her to succeed in her quest. The fact she faces every obstacle with a smile and a laugh makes her all the more likeable.
Whilst this isn’t the most scintillating and involving documentary you will see, it is uplifting and warming. With unintrusive and deft direction, a nice score and universally amiable subjects (not least Janey herself) you’ll be left with a smile on your face. The actors (in the play) may not be very good but their passion and enjoyment shines through.
Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★
Tom Jolliffe
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https://youtu.be/b7Ozs5mj5ao?list=PL18yMRIfoszEaHYNDTy5C-cH9Oa2gN5ng
