Chasing the Blues (2018)

Movie Summary
"Chasing the Blues" is a 2018 dark comedy movie directed by Scott Smith and co-written by Smith and Kevin Guilfoile. The story, which focuses on 2 competing record collectors, checks out styles of fixation, deception, and the pursuit of an unusual but cursed relic in a narrative filled with black humor, nostalgia, and passion for music.

Plot Summary
The movie is fixated two obsessive record collectors: Alan Thomas (Grant Rosenmeyer) and Paul Bettis (Ronald L. Conner) who are arch-rivals aiming to get their hands on an uncommon blues record from the 1930s. This record guarantees more than just beautiful music, as it is thought to be cursed and was supposedly the cause of the previous owner's death. The story begins with Alan serving a 20-years sentence in jail, implicated of stealing the desirable record.

A chance visit from a high school instructor, Mrs. Walker (Anna Maria Horsford), flings Alan back to his past, kickstarting a flashback narrative that deciphers the unwind the twisted tale. The story toggles in between the past, where the competitors in between the two eager collectors unfolded, and today, where Alan is prepared to leave prison after serving his sentence.

Character Analysis
"Chasing the Blues" subtly establishes its characters, investing in their qualities, peculiarities, and interrelationships. Alan is depicted as a socially uncomfortable, slightly neurotic, yet enduringly passionate blues fan. Paul Bettis, on the other hand, is more ambitious, outgoing and is willing to bend or break the guidelines to add the record to his collection. Both characters show a deep-rooted love for music and appealing human defects that keep the narrative interesting. The performances by Grant Rosenmeyer and Ronald L. Conner are admirable, breathing life into their divergent characters.

Musical Connections and Ending
Music plays a pivotal role in this film. The coveted blues record not only serves as a trigger for the rivalry between Alan and Paul but is illustrative of their underlying fixation with music. The blues category is commemorated throughout the film in various shades and subtleties.

Towards completion of the film, Alan and Paul wind up stealing the record from two departed twins who originally owned the record. But their triumph quickly becomes a nightmare as they unwillingly become the reason for the dispersing of the record's curse, culminating in a twist ending that leaves the lead characters empty-handed and in tragedy.

Conclusion
"Chasing the Blues" is a poignant yet darkly humorous tale that acts as a commentary on human fascinations and passions. With its beautifully crafted characters, engaging storyline, and a caring homage to the blues genre, the film handles to hit all the best notes. Supplying both home entertainment and food for thought, "Chasing the Blues" is a distinctively engaging cinematic experience.

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