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Contributed by Sara Schieron
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Saturday, 04 March 2006 |
--added screening: Saturday, March 11th, 11:15pm--
CHALK is a comedy in the semi-polished, faux- reality show style of
Arrested Development. Made by the Austin filmmakers Mike Akel and Chris
Mass, CHALK begins with the statistic: "50% of teachers quit within
their first three years". Made by former and current high school teachers,
CHALK sets out to humanize this statistic. Following the stories of 4,
somewhat archetypical teachers we're initiated into the wry and
occasionally serious universe that is the secondary education. |
Partially disorganized and excruciatingly boring, Mr. Lowry teaches history and when, on the first day, a student asks him how long he's been teaching, he beats around the bush before replying, "an hour and 10 minutes". The cast that surrounds Mr. Lowry includes a veteran teacher in her first year as an assistant principle; her best friend and second year P.E. teacher; and a sophomoric social studies teacher (played by co-writer Chris Mass) who wants to win "Teacher of the Year" far more than he wants to actually teach a social studies class.
The third film by Akel and Mass; CHALK is something of a meditation on the craft and talent of teaching. Ending on the issue of "signing" for the next school term, Mr. Lowry has a hard talk with the rest of the ensemble. In interview, Lowry says, "Teaching is a talent ...and no one taught me." Repeatedly we see the challenges presented to the teachers and the Assistant Principle, but the students are not identified as the cause of these challenges, it's the awkwardness of the scholastic system that presents the greatest difficulty.
Largely improvised, the editing and camera work effectively punctuate the film's most comical elements. A mix of professionals and non-actors, the cast has a strong synergy and a clear sense of the humor intended for the film. The film's pacing is as specific as it is consistent, mixing a lithe tempo with a sense of dry and anxious pause. The jokes aren't tedious or repetitive, nor do they drag. Finally, the soundtrack is marvelous: filled with quirky indie emo. On the whole, the film's greatest strength is its consistency.
Following the film, Mike Akel, Chris Mass and a few of the film's co-conspirators answered questions. The moderator asked if the film featured many moments inspired by the experiences of the Writers. In response, Akel identified the scene in which a student's phone rings in class and tension (and swearing) ensues. Though a sturdy and affectionate comedy, the film is genuinely interested in what Mike Akel referred to as: "the goal to be an agent of change in the system". While the film does its part to comically contrast the work of serious teachers with the work of attention-starved teachers, CHALK proves the efforts of the dedicated outshine the hardships they suffer. CHALK is a great film for anyone who's ever taught or wanted to teach.
The filmmakers have plans to self-distribute the film. More information on the film can be found at chalkthefilm.com.
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