Italian
Exploring the intricate world of Jorge Ameer’s “Altered Perceptions”
A deep dive into the sci-fi narrative and its political undertones
Jorge Ameer’s latest film, “Altered Perceptions,” is a curious blend of sci-fi and political commentary that, despite its ambitious premise, struggles to find its footing. With a shoestring budget and a narrative that intertwines real-world politics with a fantastical pathogen, the film offers a unique yet flawed viewing experience.
The film opens with a stark reminder of its fictional nature, juxtaposed against a mounting death toll from an unnamed virus that reaches a staggering 80 billion. This sets the stage for a story that, while rooted in fantasy, mirrors the political and social turmoil of our times.
The political landscape of “Altered Perceptions”
At the heart of the film is Alex Feretti, played by Oran Stainbrook, a senate aide caught in the crossfire of a political conspiracy. Alex’s father, a gay neuroscientist portrayed by Joseph DeMatteo, adds a personal dimension to the narrative, highlighting the intersection of politics and personal identity. The film’s antagonist, Ted Demarcos (Danny Fehsenfeld), is a thinly veiled caricature of real-life politicians, embodying the worst of homophobic and racist ideologies.
The film’s political commentary is both its strength and its weakness. While it takes a bold stance against far-right misinformation, its execution often feels heavy-handed and lacking in nuance. The characters, particularly the villains, are drawn with broad strokes, reducing complex political issues to simplistic caricatures.
A sci-fi narrative with a twist
The sci-fi elements of “Altered Perceptions” are intriguing, particularly the introduction of a time-traveling figure, also played by Joseph DeMatteo, who warns Alex of impending doom. This character’s presence adds a layer of mystery and urgency to the plot, though the film’s execution often falls short of its potential.
Early scenes hint at a more inventive approach, with socially-distanced news broadcasts and a painter convinced that his TV is infected by a malevolent presence. These moments of sci-fi weirdness are among the film’s most compelling, offering a glimpse of what could have been a more cohesive and engaging narrative.
The film’s aesthetic and technical challenges
One of the most significant challenges facing “Altered Perceptions” is its aesthetic and technical execution. The film’s visual style is flat and noncommittal, lacking the dynamic lighting and visual flair that characterized Ameer’s earlier works. The sound design, while occasionally effective, is marred by inconsistent dialogue levels, making it difficult to follow the story.
The film’s pacing is another issue, with lengthy dialogue scenes that reiterate the same points without advancing the plot. At two hours, the film feels overly long, with much of its runtime devoted to repetitive exchanges that test the viewer’s patience.
A glimmer of hope in the final moments
Despite its flaws, “Altered Perceptions” manages to find moments of poignancy, particularly in its final scenes. Alex’s interactions with his father’s new husband, played by Peter Cardenas, offer a glimpse of the character-driven drama that the film could have explored more deeply. These moments of personal connection stand in stark contrast to the broader political narrative, highlighting the human cost of the film’s dystopian world.
For those interested in exploring the film further, you can watch the trailer and find more information at https://trailers.movieetv.com/search/altered-perceptions.
Reflecting on “Altered Perceptions”
“Altered Perceptions” is a film that aims high but often falls short of its ambitions. Its blend of sci-fi and political commentary is intriguing, but the execution leaves much to be desired. While it offers moments of insight and poignancy, these are often overshadowed by its technical and narrative shortcomings.
As viewers, we are left to ponder the film’s themes and the ways in which it mirrors our own world. In a time of political upheaval and misinformation, “Altered Perceptions” serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling to reflect and critique our reality. Whether it succeeds or fails in its execution, it prompts us to consider the ways in which art can engage with the pressing issues of our time.
