The title to this independent film sounds like a porno. I'm being honest when I say this (scout's honor - though I never was a scout), it is not. If anything, it's very difficult to place this movie in a genre. I suppose the closest genre this could fit in would be "romance", but that categorization doesn't seem to give this film any justice. It inspires thoughts of cliches, formulaic plot structures, and cheesy, unrealistically tender moments between two passionate lovers. 'Good Dick' is far from any of that bollocks.
I felt compelled to write about this film in the same sense that, while I was apprehensive about turning it on, I was quickly engaged and compelled to see this movie through. It's a darker love story - a low budget, dim, dreary-colored film that's undeniably beautiful and has great characters. The craftmanship of it feels nearly perfect as each scene is meant to relay some new information about our main characters; this information draws the viewer in hungering for more, and it subtly hints at elements that make the audience feel intelligent for playing detective and guessing right. It's this structure of making each scene important, often taken for granted and ignored in major productions, that really evokes part of this captivating effect. It's the subtlety of showing and hinting at who these people are, what lives they lead, and where they are from that does it.
Beyond that, this film is centered on a gritty, down-to-earth world that requires little suspension of disbelief. For all the viewer could know, this film could be a biopic with its characters who not only look average and human but also feel real. They aren't questing for some undying fountain of love or praying to God for some unrealistic, suave lover to take them away in a heartbeat. They're real people, each with his/her own serious issues who come together. One notices the other and pursues for seemingly multiple reasons, and an odd bond forms. This is difficult to write about specifically without giving away what feels like precious information and revelations revealed with each passing scene, but this odd bond is unlike anything I've ever seen in a love story before. It's that dirty realism of what could be the lower income sections of any urban sprawl that make this love story one of the most human I've ever seen.
The camerawork and editing, combined with the dim lighting, make for a beautiful piece. The look and feel just from the technical side alone make one think that a lot of time, effort, and patience was put into this to create a truly artistic and relatable film. Tied with a carefully-crafted story, it's a rare film that, while not deep in some social commentary or big statement, will nourish the mind and touch the human soul.
Sorry I couldn't be more specific. I usually try to be. It's just that part of the intrigue comes from learning about these characters little bit by little bit. Nothing is given all at once. It's a slow climb, but that's partly makes it beautiful.
I will note that it's written and directed by the lead actress, Marianna Palka - a rarity still within the film medium. I hope her career goes far.
