DRAGONSLAYER

Every once in a while a documentary comes around that is so raw and honest; it seems almost like a work a fiction. DRAGONSLAYER is definitely one of those films. With unprecedented access to the films subject, Josh Sandoval, it paints a portrait of a kid who has lived his dreams and is now growing up. It is what I can only describe as fast paced New York style meets California cool, making it one of the most originally shot and composed films, documentary or narrative, I have ever seen.

Director Tristan Patterson was able to inject himself and his small crew so far into the life of Josh Sandoval that they were able to get footage of real life usually reserved only for fiction films. Somehow the team shot footage of Josh and his girlfriend during the early stages of their relationship, and continued capturing all of the ups and downs that lead to the solidification of their relationship. The fact that they were able to capture moments when the couple was drinking, smoking pot, laughing, fighting, and sipping soda at the movies would not be impressive if the film were a scripted narrative, but those are often the scenes that go overlooked in documentaries, either because the subjects weren't comfortable being filmed in those situations, or the director's just decided they were unimportant. In this film, however, Patterson made sure to show the small moments that make a person who they are, and it made the film so much better.

Something else that should not go unnoticed is the amazing cinematography throughout the film. I have been a skateboarding fan since childhood, and never have I ever seen it filmed with such brilliance. The focal adjustments and fluid motions, combined with vibrant colors and perfect editing made the film simultaneously poetic and raw. Shot on a 5D, there is no comparison in style, this film was the definition of unique and perfect in its imperfections.

In the Q&A with director Tristan Patterson, he described Josh's outlook on life as oddly optimistic, which is a perfect description of the overall feel of the film. There is just something about the way Josh never lets himself get down for the count that makes the audience smile, even when he seems to be the most self-destructive character ever put on film. It's not a feel good movie, but it isn't a depressing one either. It's a film about a boy who skates, a boy who meets a girl, and a boy who is beginning to grow up. It is raw, delightful, and beautiful. I would recommend this film to anyone, which is an idea to be spreading. DRAGONSLAYER won the award for best documentary at SXSW Film Festival, and has that seems to be have been making its way along the festival circuit. To follow their journey, you can fan them on facebook.