It’s scary to think of where overwhelming anxiety and obsessive compulsions come from, especially when listening to the words of Robert Hall, a man who, within this short piece, tells of how at 32 he discovered that his anxieties were born of his childhood abduction and sexual abuse, both of which he had repressed the memories of.
Robert Hall’s story floats over a collection of black and white images, some found and others shot specifically for the piece, which include dancers seemingly spinning out of control, a little boy helping his mother with household chores and an elderly Japanese woman methodically preparing tea. These images, as striking as they are, serve only as a backdrop for Hall’s words. Never do they distract from his story, but rather compliment it.
Thankfully, Hall’s story does present some light at the end of the tunnel. He offers hope to viewers who struggle with their own anxieties, perhaps from a childhood trauma, that they will be able to lead a normal life if they learn how to focus on their fear, understand it and ultimately whup that fear’s a*s, resulting in somewhat of a rebirth.
“Downpour Resurfacing” has a lot to offer its audience. It’s an experimental film that matters.
