Charlie (David Sullivan) is a writer who has spent the last four years of his life chronicling the life of legendary comedian Sid Freedman (Bob Colonna. Married with a baby on the way, Charlie needs a big hit and he needs it now. When his manuscript is deemed "too tame," Charlie's agent (Jerry Bisantz) arranges for a face-to-face with Freedman and his granddaughter (Melissa Penick) in an effort to spice up the manuscript. 

What is the price of a man's dignity? 

Written by Bisantz and directed by Christian de Rezendes, Memories for Sale is a sensitve and thought-provoking 25-minute short film that feels particularly meaningful given that we live in an age when privacy seems non-existent and reality television often compromises any semblance of human dignity in favor of a few minutes of fame or a few dollars. Much like the story it's telling, Memories for Sale doesn't exploit or sensationalize is subject matter in favor of telling its story in a rather simple and straightforward manner. 

David Sullivan gives a convincing performance as the young writer who is torn between the job he needs to do and the way he lives his life, two points on the map that might be miles apart in this case. As the comic legend, Bob Colonna exudes a sort of vaudevillian charm that leaves you wishing he'd do one of his stand-up routines. As key yet supporting players, both Melissa Penick and Jerry Bisantz do a nice job. 

Memories for Sale isn't quite a "blow you away" film, because that's not the point of it all. The film is telling a story, a story that needs to unfold with intelligence, sensitivity and grace. 

It does. 

It's a credit to both Bisantz and director Christian de Rezendes that the film never feels like we're waiting for a "punch line" but we are waiting to see exactly how all of this is going to end up. While the film doesn't necessarily "feel" dramatic along the way, as the story winds down it leads to a welling up of thoughts and emotions that will have you contemplating Memories for Sale for quite some time after you've seen it. 

The recently completed film is just beginning its festival run and should have no problem finding a home on the indie film fest circuit. If you get a chance, check it out. 

© Written by Richard Propes 
The Independent Critic