This is Taylor Guterson's second film...and, incidentally, it stars the same folks that starred in his previous movie. The same three non-actors who appeared in "Old Goats" (Bob Burkholder, Britt Crosley and David Vander Wal) are here in "Burkholder" and like its predecessor, it's a real treat to watch.
The film begins with Barry (Britt Crosley) in a counseling session. He's complaining about his annoying tenant, Teddy (Bob Burkholder) and at times, these sessions sound much more like marital counseling sessions than anything else! It seems that practically everything Teddy does annoys Barry and he wants his old friend to leave-- presumably to move into a nursing home since both of them (especially Terry) are extremely old. However, through the course of the film, the two have some adventures together and it's obvious that despite his complaining, Barry loves his friend down deep...but he's just so used to complaining that it's become habit! The ending, by the way, is extremely touching...be sure to have a few Kleenex handy just in case.
These Taylor Guterson films both are very daring because they deal with aging and the problems associated with it. Most movies, particularly Hollywood ones, ignore the elderly--and this one deals with this head on. Dementia, aches and pains and other issues of the aged are fair game in the movies. In "Burkholder" in particular, dementia is a major issue and because of this the film really makes a strong emotional impact. What's even more amazing about these films is that everyone is new to acting and they really are realistic folks with realistic problems. Yet the film is well constructed and exceptional throughout. Well worth seeing.
