Actors are unimportant, they are simply a vehicle by which a writer or director tells their story. At least that’s often how they are viewed by audiences. Furthermore, the world looks at these actors and sees people who have their lives in order, live on top of the world, and have everything that anyone could have ever wanted. The reality, however, is that many of these famous actors are just like you and I, with some added glitz and glamour, but like us nonetheless. Sure, they get to go to fancy parties, buy beautiful houses, and travel the world (and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t jealous of those things), but they also have to live their lives under a microscope and understand that their worth comes from what they can provide to the masses, and not necessarily from who they are. Camera Test Subject attempts to express this reality to its viewers and allow them to see what the life of an actor is like behind the scenes, when the excitement has come to an end.
The Test Subject (Timothy J. Cox) has been asked to step out with a cameraman in order for that cameraman to test said camera and see what shots work and don’t work. As the Test Subject follows orders and plays games like “go stand over there” (his least favorite game) he contemplates the reality of his existence and the importance of his role in the world. By the time Camera Test Subject concludes, the world’s understanding of who and what an actor is will forever be changed.
Camera Test Subject is simple. There’s nothing flashy about writer-director Sean Meehan’s production, and even though the majority of the world hasn’t experienced a camera test like this, they are easily able to understand the struggle that the Test Subject faces. Being able to pull viewers into a situation that they are likely unfamiliar with, and have that situation resonate with them is a tall task. In general, people tend to struggle with understanding others’ points of view or the hardships and difficulties in which they have been a part, but Camera Test Subject finds a way to make the sentiment behind the story stick with those watching. I am impressed with just how much information Meehan and Cox are able to provide viewers in such a short amount of time, but even more impressed with the personal connections they are able to make with audiences in that time.
Like the scenario being depicted in Camera Test Subject, the film itself is invasive. Constant close-ups of Cox’s face make him appear vulnerable, which is exactly the point. That level of intimacy allows viewers to feel like they are part of the Test Subject’s struggles as they, too, feel a level of discomfort present throughout. Camera Test Subject presents actors in a fashion that makes them appear like nothing more than an object, a medium by which others are able to express themselves. Even better, though, Meehan and Cox are able to extend this lesson past just those in the field of acting. The message here resonates with all and forces us to question who we are and how we treat others.
Films with a motive can become cumbersome because the content, acting, etc. can be lost in the shuffle, but throughout Camera Test Subject there is a beautiful marriage of metaphor and content that lends itself to success. I’m truly impressed by how much Meehan is able to fit into a three-minute film, but even more so the level of success that he has with conveying his message in an appropriate, but transcending fashion. Camera Test Subject is uberly successful in its attempt to enlighten its viewers, something that some of us can only hope to ever accomplish.
Written & Directed by Sean Meehan.
Starring Timothy J. Cox.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/10
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