CONFESSIONS OF A SUPERHERO -- Matt Ogens, dir

© 2007
studio: Arts Alliance Amer
production company:
dir: Matt Ogens
cast: Maxwell Allen, Christopher Dennis, Jennifer Gehrt, Joseph McQueen
documentary

"Confessions of a Superhero" chronicles the lives of four mortal men and women who work as characters on the sidewalks of Hollywood Boulevard. [from IMDb.com]

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What a fascinating documentary.

This could easily have become a laugh riot at the depressing, clownish characters that we see, parading along Hollywood Blvd, looking for tips. However, director Ogens makes no outright statements and does well to not skew our feelings toward these characters.

"Batman" and "Superman" both come off as very strong personalities ... men lost in their dreams. "Superman" at least, seems to try to live the ideal life as "Superman," recognizing that he is representing an image.

"Batman" (who happens to look quite like George Clooney) is downright psychotic, telling stories with full belief of his double life, having worked for the mob, strong-arming thugs, and killing those who've gotten in his way.

"Hulk" and "Wonder Woman" both seem like representatives of the typical Hollywood story ... small-town performers trying to make it big and doing whatever it takes to get by until that big break happens. Both seem like the types who would be happy with acting jobs, not necessarily looking only for that big break. "Wonder Woman" has the advantage of having a strong, supportive family to fall back on, should she choose. "Hulk" was homeless before making enough money at his pan-handling superhero job to get an apartment.

A fascinating documentary. I had intended to only watch a small portion my first night, but ended up watching the whole thing in one sitting.

Worth the time to watch.