Matthew Modine writes, directs and stars in this fable-satire on today’s non-thinking culture about a man whose life slowly unravels due to his incessant interest in reading and thinking.
It starts out simple enough, but Modine’s Everyman slowly retreats into his own thinking world, one that puts his desk job in jeopardy (due to his curiosity about what it is, exactly, his company does) and his personal relationships, as his significant other can’t stand someone who thinks as much as college professor and, possibly, is heading to financial ruin because of it.
With nowhere else to turn, Everyman makes his way to the bookstore, which in his supreme moment of need, just so happens to be closed. As Everyman hits bottom, he sees a flyer for Thinker’s Anonymous, a group to help those who think too much, and Everyman is saved.
The short is light and fluffy, and doesn’t slam you over the head with any pretentious sentiment or cleverness. It’s simple, yet bitingly on-point. Our culture does not think enough, and those that do are shunned as outcasts. Where it used to be important for someone to be talented or have some sort of merit to rise the ranks in society, all you need now is some TV time and a willingness to shed your clothes. And as short clip in the film reminds us, “C” students can be President; and we’re proud of that?
“I Think I Thought” is healthy candy; it entertains, doesn’t threaten and, at the same time, puts a kernel of thought in your head about whether or not you think enough. And what more could you ask?
