Mazurkas

We have become so accustomed to overblown production values-including the creepy magic of CGI now-that power of independent films is too often overlooked. Mazurkas, written, produced, and acted by Marty Kryzwonos, is one of those true gems of independent work that needs to be seen! The story is touching but not melodramatic. While we not be able to relate directly to the conflicts the main character faces, we can sympathize and even empathize with his grief and the burden of guilt he carries. Watching the main character spiraling in as his sources of income begin to disappear is painful. He is not entirely without blame for his situation; he has made choices that certainly don't help. But to some extent he is a victim of contemporary life. There is so much truth to the decline in music education as kids are busy with sports and other activities that consume their days. The closing of so many churches as membership declines has led to the loss of jobs for organists and singers. As his best friend admonishes him early in the film, he needs to move on. That is his choice.

The filmmaking itself is excellent. The sound is amazing. It adds so much texture to the film. The use of color contrast is very effective as well. And the music is simply wonderful. Marty assembled a great cast. The young waitress is especially good. But Marty is the standout, revealing a wide range of emotion from the depths of despair to tenderness to violent rage. We want to hug him and yell at him at the same time!

I highly recommend this film, especially to anyone who has experienced painful loss that is so profound grief cannot come.