The 4th Movie

Andre Hyland, the director and lead actor of “The 4th,” represents a unique phenomenon in contemporary indie cinema. His film is not a traditional comedy with a clear script and polished jokes, but rather a living, breathing canvas woven from improvisation and sincere human emotions. “The 4th” is a cinematic experiment that immerses us in the spontaneous journey of the protagonist in the midst of Independence Day celebrations.

A Genesis Woven from Improvisation:

Notably, “The 4th” originated from Hyland’s desire to explore the boundaries of improvisation in film. The film is almost entirely created based on the spontaneous reactions and dialogues of the actors, which gives it a unique vibrancy and a sense of documentary realism. It is precisely this approach to filmmaking that sets it apart from many modern comedies. Hyland deliberately abandons the rigid framework of a script to give the actors freedom of expression and allow the story to develop organically, as in real life. This approach to filmmaking is, in itself, bold and innovative.

A Plot Balancing on the Edge of Chaos and Sincerity:

At the center of the narrative is Chris, a character played by Andre Hyland himself. Chris is a “nice guy” type trying to cope with his own life failures while maintaining optimism and a sense of humor. On Independence Day, he embarks on a quest for the perfect celebration, hoping to improve his relationship with his girlfriend and simply have a good time. However, as is often the case in life, Chris’s plans are constantly falling apart, and his adventures take on a comical and sometimes absurd turn.

The plot of the film is deliberately fragmented and built on a series of episodes in which Chris encounters various characters and gets into ridiculous situations. It is in these spontaneous encounters and reactions to them that the character of the protagonist and the humor of the film are revealed. There is no clear dramatic arc or deep conflict here. “The 4th” is more of a sketch of life, a kaleidoscope of moments united by the common theme of finding oneself and one’s place in the world in the context of a national holiday. As Variety notes, “the pic has a certain homemade originality in its studied shagginess and down-to-earthiness”.

The Character of Chris: Simplicity and Charm:

Chris, as portrayed by Hyland, is an image relatable and understandable to many. He is not an action hero or an intellectual, but an ordinary guy with his weaknesses and dreams. His appeal lies in his simplicity and sincerity. Even when getting into the most awkward situations, Chris maintains his self-respect and tries to find the positive in what is happening. It is this humanity and ability to empathize with the protagonist that makes the film truly charming.

The cast of the film, in addition to Hyland himself, also consists of actors who can improvise and create a sense of live communication on screen. Hyland skillfully uses non-professional actors and real locations to enhance the documentary effect and immerse the viewer in the atmosphere of what is happening. You can see the cast details on platforms like Letterboxd.

Visual Style: Cinematographic “Truth of Life”:

The cinematography in “The 4th” is deliberately devoid of frills. The camera often remains static, observing what is happening from the side, as if capturing real events. It is this deliberate simplicity of visual style that emphasizes the improvisational nature of the film and creates a sense of the “truth of life” on screen. There are no spectacular angles or complex camerawork here. The main thing is the capturing of the moment, spontaneous emotion, live dialogue.

Critical and Audience Reception: Opinions Divided:

The reaction of critics and audiences to “The 4th” turned out to be ambiguous. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has a mixed rating based on the opinions of both professional critics and ordinary viewers. Some critics note the originality of Hyland’s approach and the liveliness of the actors’ improvisational performance, while others point to the lack of a clear plot and some chaotic nature of the narrative.

On IMDb, user reviews also range from enthusiastic to sharply critical. Many viewers appreciate the film for its humor, spontaneity, and sense of realism, noting that it resembles “sketches from life.” However, some find the film too unstructured and lacking a clear purpose. You can delve into various audience opinions on platforms like Letterboxd as well.

Roger Ebert, in his review from Sundance 2016, also noted the ambiguity of the film, pointing to its experimental nature and lack of traditional narrative structure.

My Verdict:

“The 4th” is not a film for the mainstream audience. It does not offer a light and entertaining pastime. It is more of an auteur statement, a cinematic experiment that may interest connoisseurs of independent cinema and fans of improvisational comedy. The film possesses its own unique charm and sincerity but requires the viewer to be open to unconventional forms of storytelling.

If you are looking for a light comedy with a predictable plot and polished jokes, “The 4th” might disappoint. But if you are ready for a spontaneous and unpredictable journey, for a film that balances on the edge of chaos and sincerity, then “The 4th” may become a pleasant discovery for you. It is a film that makes you think about the value of spontaneity and the ability to find joy in simple things, even when everything is not going according to plan.

Sincerely,

Ferdosa Abdi