“I guess that the way I like to think of myself and the way I actually am are, um, maybe more different than I’d like them to be.”

Lynn Shelton sadly passed away about a year ago at the age of 54, but left a mark on the independent film scene with the personal stories she created. Her third theatrical feature film, Humpday, got a lot of attention when it premiered at Sundance, and that gave Shelton the boost she needed to get more of her storytelling out into the world. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we kick off our Lynn Shelton series with her 2009 indie hit Humpday.

We talk about the mumblecore film movement, what these types of films consist of, and why perhaps so many involved (and critics as well) aren’t a fan of the moniker. We look at Shelton and her personal storytelling here, and perhaps why this story idea was an easy one to latch on to and one to make to get noticed. We chat about the characters in the film and why elements of them work so well for us but why others don’t. We discuss the concept of friendship and manliness and what Shelton and the story are saying about that. We touch on our frustrations with how the film ends. And we revel in a few scenes that really stand out, including one character moment that we really don’t like.

It’s an interesting film that has a lot to say, even if there are issues we have with the film itself. Regardless, it’s a film worth checking out, so see what you think then tune in! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!

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