Four Dead Batteries

February 23rd, 2006 | Filed under Reviews

Sometimes when writing a review I feel like I’m either talking about things that people have already heard/read about, or that someone has already written all there is to say in regards to the topic. With Four Dead Batteries this definitely is not the case. I’ve been trying to read something about this great-low-budget-indie flick, and can find nothing other than the official site which is pretty light on detials.

The film, which centers on the romantic ups and downs of 4 friends who perform in an improvisational comedy group called, you guessed it, 4 dead batteries. In each of these 4 comedians we find a stereotype of the American male including the happily married guy, the having-an-affair-married-guy, the can’t-commit-guy, and the sappy can’t-get-over-the-last-girlfriend-guy. Each character presents their trials and tribulations throughout the film, and amazingly the story and pace manages to keep up with the 4 different plot lines.

While the cinematography and the direction might not always be spot on, the writing and several of the performances are laugh out loud funny (even the girlfriend laughed a couple times). I would highly suggest checking this film out if you are in any way, shape or form a fan of indie film. But be forewarned, if you are looking for a slick and gorgeous film this isn’t it. Shot on digital (trust me, you’ll notice the different in about 2 seconds) and make very cheaply, the film manages to create tremendous production value for its small scale. The editing and the sound recording, as well as several exterior scenes in NYC really give the film some big budget scope that helps in creating the world the characters inhabit. I would love to see the film get a better sound mix and color correction treatment, considering it won a ton of awards, but it is definitely watch-able and looks better than most indie flicks like Clerks.

One of best parts of the film is the soundtrack which consists solely of music by the Hot Club of Cowtown (whom my friend Matt G and I stumbled onto way back at Winfield in 2002). HCoC gives the film a very unique feel, with its own bouncy-western-swing inspired sound, that definitely pays tribute to the soundtracks of Woody Allen’s films. In many ways the film is a modern indie salute to some of the great sex-comedies such as Annie Hall, or Manhattan and in some ways the neurosis, inherited from Allen, in When Harry Met Sally.

All in all the film is smart, funny and a really great first outing from writer/director Hiram Martinez. While the entire cast delivered a very real and believable performance actors Benjamin Travers, Patrick Dall’Occhio and Alison Becker steal the show in this ensemble comedy. While you probably won’t be able to find it at your neighborhood video store, look for it on Netflix, Amazon or your preferred online renter.