Screens & Tech
Good intentions can’t salvage Tyler’s Gift as cliché melodrama
Published: July 25, 2012
There's no denying the strength and courage local actor John Lambert and son Johnny must've summoned to star in the short film Tyler's Gift. This past March, Lambert's wife of nearly 15 years, Ivania, succumbed to cancer at the age of 48. In this 10-minute drama, which is directed and co-written by Rogelio Salinas III, tragedy is a major theme. While some might consider taking the role a coping mechanism, it is evident the narrative is a very personal poem to a wife, mother, and friend. Aside from that, Tyler's Gift, unfortunately, doesn't make much of an impact.
The movie centers around Connie (Rachel Salinas), a mother and wife who suffers a double devastating tragedy. In spite of some satisfactory camera work, the film's fixation on conventional images and slow-motion techniques does nothing for the heartfelt emotion Salinas tries to convey. Do we really need a scene where a stray basketball rolls across the street to know something bad has happened? Do we need to see a spilled bottle of pills to know anyone is overcome with depression? They're all cliché and ineffective ways to cut corners, as is the uninspired narration.
Tyler's Gift misses its opportunity to make its own statement on mortality. At best, it's about as proficient on the topic as a commercial for MetLife or a compassionate slide show at a wake.
Tyler's Gift
7pm Thursday, July 26
$9
Alamo Drafthouse Westlakes
1255 SW Loop 410
(210) 677-8500
drafthouse.com
> Email Kiko Martínez
To comment you must first create a profile and sign-in with a verified DISQUS account or social network ID. Sign up here.
Comments in violation of the rules will be denied, and repeat violators will be banned. Please help police the community by flagging offensive comments for our moderators to review. By posting a comment, you agree to our full terms and conditions. Click here to read terms and conditions.
