As a film journalist long devoted to the world of low-budget indies and microcinema, I've had the pleasure more than a few times to follow up-and-coming filmmakers throughout their career.
Some of these filmmakers, Adam Wingard being a great example, would eventually become household names.
Others? Not so much.
Yet, there's an amazing number of indie filmmakers who work their entire careers in the world of independent cinema. For some, it becomes a lifelong endeavor. For others, there simply comes this point where it's time to move on.
As I prepared to sit down with Durden Godfrey's latest film Don't Push That!, also rumored to be his last, I reflected somewhat wistfully on a filmmaker who has existed for years now in the world of low-budget cinema with such titles as Q: A Dark Comedy, I Am Going to Kill Someone This Friday, Far From the Tree, and a host of others. Always bold and provocative, Godfrey weaves a tapestry of urban grit and psychological depth whether he's crafting a comedy, horror, a psychological thriller, or whatever.
I've appreciated all of Godfrey's films, including this latest one, even if I can't say they've all blown me away. I think that's nearly impossible given Godfrey's absolute willingness to change things up from film to film.
Don't Push That! finds Godfrey collaborating with some usual folks while also handling much of the production requirements himself along with the support of wife Angela Petlansky, who handles cinematography and is a co-producer here.
In the film, three friends (Taurean Royal, Domanick Graham, and Dalaiah Simeon) come face-to-face with a mysterious government device tagged with a simple warning - Don't Push That!
Yeah, you know what they do.
With a button that triggers a multiverse scan for the worst possible outcome of the given moment, the three are forced to keep pressing the button every 11 minutes in order to save the world. Again and Again and Again.
Godfrey has noted that with this final flick he really wanted to go for it. He correctly proclaims that Don't Push That! is very likely his best looking film, a film that weaves together Wes Anderson's visuals, a little Coen mayhem, dark humor galore, and smashing sci-fi satire brought to life by an ensemble cast that completely gets it and has a whole lot of fun with it.
I've long been a fan of Taurean Royal's collaborations with Godfrey and, indeed, Royal has a blast here as the stylish, off-kilter Dez. Domanick Graham and Dalaiah Simeon are similarly impressive as Romy and Sunny.
I occasionally have my reservations when a filmmaker chooses to tell a story beyond their financial means, however, Godfrey chooses to use those limitations to his advantage while making a film that may not make you forget the many films that inspired it but will for sure give you a couple hours of a really good time.
Set for its world premiere in Jacksonville, Florida later this month, it's no surprise that the screening has sold out weeks in advance thanks to the grassroots vibe and general likability Godfrey and his cast/crew always project even when tackling their darker material. While it's likely true that not every moviegoer will be able to set aside their polished multiplex expectations, those who do will be rewarded greatly.
In addition to the top-notch leading trio, Daisy Annel Gasca is terrific as Tru Vega, DeMeka Gaddy is a definite scene-stealer as Lenora, and Keith Brandt is absolutely inspired as Wesley Anderson among others.
Don't Push That! is one of those films you can't help but think about long after the closing credits have rolled. It's the kind of film you'll spend a little bit of time picking apart until it suddenly occurs to you "I can't stop thinking about it."
Indeed, you won't stop thinking about it.
I'm not sure where Durden Godfrey is going from here, though hopefully he'll keep his creative juices flowing because the world needs a creative spirit like Godfrey in it. Will you recognize Godfrey's influences here - with around 150 lines from 150 different flicks, there's a pretty good chance you'll spend most of Don't Push That! laughing and thinking to yourself "I've heard that somewhere before."
Yep, you have.
Despite those inspirations, Don't Push That! is a Durden Godfrey film for sure and here's hoping he keeps pushing it because, well, cinema like this saves the world.
11 minutes at a time.
Written by Richard Propes
The Independent Critic
