Written and directed by Ryan Fleming, Virgil, a college writing student, hopes to have his latest story published, but he must first get over one major hurdle before his work gets out to the world, his mercurial writing professor Richard Laymen. Starring: Frederick J. Todd, Timothy J. Cox and Emerson Adams.
One of the interesting things about Sisyphus Unbound is that its initial impression plays out like a meet cute, as if you’re heading into a romcom then it evolves into an interesting discussion of ethics, elitism, prejudice and nepotism. It isn’t the smoothest route to get to its main story but it is disarming and could be interpreted as a way to ease you in with a less cynical perspective. The way that Frederick J. Todd introduces Virgil gives the film an edge of anxiety, bringing a palpable nervousness. When Timothy J. Cox then introduces the aggressive, arrogant and immovable professor, it’s easy to relate to his nerves.
Putting them together creates an age old battle, the entrenched and entitled versus the young buck wanting his fair shot. They both build a great amount of tension, Cox really hits that detestable note well to get you decidedly rooting for Virgil. Todd gives him a surprising amount of composure, it’s so easy to blow up and let your frustrations out in the heat of the moment but he makes satisfyingly intelligent choices. The two of them together create an engaging battle of the wills, there was much more to say but it deals with the topic well in the time that it has. If you were to open it up, it could go down a never-ending rabbit hole of racism and legacy within universities.
The only other element which potentially holds it back is the visual, it feels quite basic. The cinematography improves once the characters step inside and it’s hitting solid notes but it can’t quite manage to elevate things with a bigger atmosphere. The same goes for the sound quality, it lacks sharpness and clarity. As well as the odd choice for a jazz club-esque track to open things up which doesn’t quite fit with the tone Frederick J. Todd’s Virgil is setting.
Sisyphus Unbound is a captivating foray into old-school elitism and the challenges young people face on the road to success. Frederick J. Todd and Timothy J. Cox create a palpable atmosphere of tension and conflict. There are a few weaker elements holding it back from really pushing a sharp, biting edge to their battle of wills but as a debut short from writer, director Ryan Fleming it’s a strong effort.
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