| 72; 3.5 stars; B+ | dir. Kentucker Audley, Albert Birney | English | 80 min | Not rated |
A gorilla, toiling away at a debt-collection agency, leaves his job in search of happiness, trying his hand at puppeteering.
‘Sylvio’, by duo Kentucker Audley and Albert Birney, is quietly affecting and inspiring, a quirky if sometimes preachy call for progressive acceptance. Based off a Vine series featuring its titular simian, and funded by Kickstarter, the film begins with a backstage sequence as Sylvio prepares for a performance. The audience chants “What’s the ape gonna break?” as Sylvio raises a baseball bat, about to demolish a vase.
We are denied the cathartic smash; the film cuts to an office cubicle in which the gorilla sits. He cannot speak, and delivers phone calls by computer. To maximise efficiency, his boss sends him on a house visit to collect unpaid debts. The house, however, is home to a fledging TV programme helmed by Al. Sylvio is mistaken for a performer and botches its juggling segment big time, but upon receiving congratulatory calls from viewers, he is recruited.
What follows is a simple narrative that sweetly extols passion and creative pursuit. Sylvio’s pet hobby, a one-man puppet show, reflects his understanding of modern daily life – making tea, going to bed, spousal arguments – which are the very things embodying the normalcy he desires. Yet, his genetic differences, along with blind prejudice and ever-more debt, prevent just that.
‘Sylvio’ premiered at SXSW, a festival known for its feel-good, indie movies. In a way, ‘Sylvio’ is one such featurette, but it also intelligently explores the impassioned frustration and self-doubt that often accompany aspiring artists. Sylvio, silent and gentle, resembles a pre-talkies comedian, fighting to survive in a world of increasing discrimination and commercialisation. His plight resembles James’ from ‘Brigsby Bear’, but is by far more convincing and touching.