The world of ventriloquists is a fascinating one and that quality comes across in “Dumbstruck,” a documentary written and directed by Mark Goffman. The movie opens at the annual ‘vent’ gathering, the Vent Haven convention in Fort Mitchell, Ky. As the camera makes the rounds of workshops and performances, Goffman introduces us to his cast of characters. There’s 13-year-old Dylan, a white kid with an African-American puppet. Kimberly is a former Miss Ohio in her early 30s, who’s been performing at elementary schools and longs to break into the cruise-ship circuit. Dan is king of the cruise-ship vents, but his marriage is crumbling because of his lengthy absences. There’s Terry, painting houses and mowing lawns for a living, unable to get away from work to attend the convention. And, finally, there’s 6’ 5” Wilma, who performs at nursing homes where the entertainers outnumber the audience and is barely making ends meet. In fact, she comes home to find an eviction notice posted on her front door.
Goffman weaves a gentle narrative as the camera moves easily from one character to another. Kimberly goes on a cruise with her sister and tries to talk the ship’s entertainment director into letting her do a brief performance. Dylan’s efforts to get his first ventriloquist’s gig prove awkward and embarrassing. Dan tries desperately to hold his marriage together via email and phone calls. With Terry, we see him with his break-through performance on “America’s Got Talent,” when his puppet sings ‘At Last’ in perfect Etta James fashion. After winning this competition, Terry goes to Vegas, first at the Hilton and then at the Mirage with the most lucrative contract ever. Each character is open about his/her passions for ventriloquism, but it’s clear that not all have the requisite talent that will allow them to make a living ‘playing with dolls.’ “Dumbstruck” demonstrates that ventriloquists are lonely, shy and socially challenged people who need the help of a ‘friend’ to say things that they can’t. Nonetheless, it’s an engaging film. 5/29/11
2 comments:
Very enjoyable documentary. Like any other form of entertainment only the strong survive. Its amazing how the puppets often become the alter ego of some shy ventriloquists. Go see this.
This strange lifestyle attracts shy, quirky people who have trouble making connections in the world and who use puppets to mask their fears. Many "Vents" perform as a hobby or to entertain friends and family never expecting to make a living at it. Others are quite successful and do earn a living but at what cost. Out of all the performers only one seamed to hit the big time and then there's Terry who really makes it big. Interesting story and worth seeing.
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