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AN L.A. MINUTE: The Velocity Of Fame & Fortune

AN L.A. MINUTE: The Velocity Of Fame & Fortune

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AN L.A. MINUTE: The Velocity of Fame and Fortune

A lover of the city of Los Angeles, I’m always on the prowl for L.A.-centered films. Los Angeles is a sprawling city – of which its essence is hard to capture honestly on film. Every filmmaker tackles it differently depending on their experiences and filtered views of the city. The latest of the films I’ve viewed, Daniel Adams‘ An L.A. Minute, is a satire that sheds light on the fleeting nature of fame and fortune with a focus on the city’s homeless crisis.

With a distinctly nineties feel, An L.A. Minute is surreal and thought-provoking, even in its imperfect moments. In fact, An L.A. minute is reminiscent of a little known nineties film called Naked in New York, which has a similar foreboding message on the effects of success in showbiz.

A depiction of L.A. that fully displays the haves and have nots

There are hundreds of films set in L.A., but most decide to cherry pick what parts of the city they put on display. An L.A. Minute juxtaposes two vastly different sides of the city, the affluent Beverly Hills and Malibu, and the downtrodden, poverty stricken side – primarily concentrated in Downtown Los Angeles. The shots often cut to the grittier side of town, with homeless encampments lined with tents and their owners.

This aspect is done creatively, showing a rare comparison of the different sides of the city. If you’ve ever been to Los Angeles, the difference a couple minutes (and miles) makes is staggering. One minute you’re surrounded by trash-lined, piss stained sidewalks- trying not to rub elbows with disgruntled people of all colors and creeds, the next you’re walking by restaurants that sell $13.00 avocado toast, and see wannabe Ari Emanuels in their navy blue suits and colorful socks, whispering about fancy companies with three letters. 

AN L.A. MINUTE: The Velocity of Fame and Fortune
source: Strand Releasing

Los Angeles is an enigma of a place that transforms even the most well-meaning individuals – and most of the time it’s for the worse. Ted Gould (Gabriel Byrne) is a Pulitzer winning writer that has become spoiled by excess. His whole life has become a shell of what it once was. Blinded by success, Ted, once a talented and thoughtful writer, has become a sellout writing mainstream fare to appeal to the masses. Ted lives in a posh beach-side mansion in Malibu, exists in a loveless marriage, and is surrounded by yes men (and women). In plain terms, he’s an asshole who’s become detached from the real world.

Ted’s latest book entitled Kinky Cadavers, is about a homeless serial killer – a book of which appears to be offensive and out of touch with its audience. At the beginning of the film, Ted is scheduled to spend some time among the homeless in order to promote his book. However, his press tour doesn’t go as expected.

After getting mugged at an ATM, Ted Gold meets a charismatic performance artist named Velocity (Kiersey Clemmons). Familiar with his work, Velocity calls out Ted on his superficial existence and writing. Enchanted by the mysterious young woman, Ted follows Velocity the remainder of the night. She helps to shape his outlook on life – causing Ted to return back to his humble roots.

Integrity: How can you maintain it when you have your 15 minutes?

Inspired by her honesty and passion, Ted strings Velocity along on his press tour in order to promote her talent and message. After an appearance on a Jerry Springer-inspired television show, Velocity catapults to internet stardom. As Velocity quickly becomes a celebrity in her own right, we realize that she is not what she seems. Velocity is not just a performance artist, she’s an opportunist.

AN L.A. MINUTE: The Velocity of Fame and Fortune
source: Strand Releasing

She uses Ted to build her platform and achieve fame instantly. After Ted’s media towards takes a turn for the worse, Ted’s agent Shelly (Bob Balaban) decides to drop him as a client, and Velocity quickly disposes of him. It’s evident she lied, but was she in any way sincere about anything else? Wouldn’t her behavior make her another sell out just like Ted? As the film closes, we see that Velocity has become a tabloid sensation, acting out for shock value. After she becomes famous, does she still display her real talent, or does she merely do whatever puts her name in the headlines?

An L.A. Minute is a satire that aims to tell us how quickly our fortunes can change. In a world driven by social media, one day you can be an anonymous citizen, and then after viral exposure can find yourself with fame and fortune, and rubbing elbows with the world’s elite. On the flip side, the internet is a place that has caused many witch hunts. With a few keystrokes, your career can be over. 

Over the span of a couple days, Ted’s life crumbles. He loses his wife, publicist, agent, and a good deal of his money. After being conned by Velocity, Ted decides to change his ways. Inspired by the encounter, Ted goes back to writing out of a place of sincerity. At the conclusion of the film, Ted decides that he can use his whirlwind experience with Velocity as a point of redemption.

An L.A. Minute: Kiersey Clemmons is a leading woman who deserves more of our time

An L.A. Minute proves that Kiersey Clemmons is a leading lady. She drives the film with her fearless performance. She’s endearing and interacts well with industry veteran Gabriel Byrne. With films such as Hearts Beat Loud and Dope, Clemmons has proved that she’s capable of diverse roles and can carry a film.

Of the films she’s starred in, An L.A. Minute allows Clemmons to give her all. Hopefully more people will see what she can do. She deserves out time and attention. She may not be as ruthless as Velocity, but she deserves every bit of fame she has. 

What did you think of An L.A. Minute and its portrayal of fame? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

An L.A. Minute released in the US on August 24, 2018. For all international release dates, see here.

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