Who is Elmore Dean? Well, Elmore Dean (Timothy J. Cox) is a songwriter on the verge of something great. But on the day that may potentially provide Elmore pleasure and success, he can’t help but to stress himself out. While Elmore struggles with his emotional plights, his house appears to have a mind of its own, adding to the tension and pushing Elmore to the brink of insanity.
The placement of music and sound is uncanny. The frying of bacon, running of water, a tumbling trashcan–all things that have no place in the grand scheme of relevant music, but somehow Jared Paul takes the mundane and makes it spectacular. He’s a veritable Houdini when it comes to sound play, and Who is Elmore Dean? is successful because of what he’s able to accomplish. This symphony of sounds is interestingly beautiful (I mean, who really cares what a trash can sounds like when it falls over?), and it propels the entire film forward. Well, that’s kind of the point–sound plays a pivotal role in the titular Elmore Dean’s life, so why not have every day things around the house take part in the soundtrack of life and of Who is Elmore Dean?. Sometime last year Charlie Puth recorded himself making music using the sound from a lightswitch and other unexpected places–and the world went crazy. They labeled him a genius (and they may not be wrong), but Who is Elmore Dean? did it first–and it’s incredibly impressive.
Sound ultimately plays the role of a character in Who is Elmore Dean? and plays opposite the film’s lead, Cox. It seems strange to expect sound and a person to have chemistry with one another, but the fact of the matter is that the score and Cox work together like old friends–harmoniously and in sync. Beyond the use of sound as a character, there is no one else to work with Cox on screen, and he is ultimately tasked with presenting the world with emotion–and he doesn’t disappoint. While his character may feel tension, he gives viewers something lighter, and he conveys the reality of his situation through unique humor. As Cox’s prowess permeates Who is Elmore Dean? viewers feel enveloped by the titular character’s story and surrounded by the brilliance of the film.
Like the chemistry between the sound and Cox, another unexpected puzzle piece plays an integral role in the development of Who is Elmore Dean?, and that’s the choreography. The choreography plays a role in how the objects on screen react to one another and to Cox as he navigates his morning. As things fall to the ground, vibrate, or simply take on a personality of their own, the film continues to flow effortlessly, presenting viewers with a truly fun experience.
Who is Elmore Dean? is one of the more unique films I’ve ever seen (but it’s not necessarily strange like other unique films). Even through the abnormalities of Elmore’s morning nothing feels unusual or out of place as a result of the chemistry of each and every aspect of the film. There’s a beautiful union created using Cox’s acting ability, Paul’s score, and writer-director Max Rothman’s choreography that drives Who is Elmore Dean? forward–and this combination refuses to allow viewers to look away. The film is magnificently well done, and I instantly fell in love with what Who is Elmore Dean? has to offer.
Writer & Directed by Max Rothman.
Starring Timothy J. Cox.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/10
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