Curse of the Man Who Sees UFOs

Curse of the Man Who Sees UFOs (2016) is an engrossing documentary film directed by Justin Gaar. It unveils the life of Christo Roppolo, a Californian local who claims to be haunted by a multitude of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs).

The story revolves around the compelling narration by Roppolo, who stretches far beyond the stereotypical 'UFO enthusiast.' He lectures on his uncountable instances of UFO sightings around Monterey, California, and offers a large amount of self-shot footage to substantiate his claims. While the film could have been another one-sided series centered around his sighting footage, Gaar cleverly extends the narrative to Roppolo's own existence and past, curating an empathetic story of hope, obsession, and the human desire for connection.

Curse of the Man Who Sees UFOs introduces us to Christo Roppolo, an energetic man connected to numerous backgrounds - from music production to horror movie creation. Behind his exuberant character, however, lays a history of trauma including a devastating childhood accident and a battle with a debilitating disease. Gaar adeptly captures both the excitement and sadness in Roppolo's life, painting a gripping portrait of a man in search of meaning and understanding in an unpredictable universe.

Roppolo's amateur video footage is integral to the narrative of the film. His hours of UFO footage, shot on handheld cameras, oscillate between hazy lights in the sky and peculiar objects performing a synchronized dance. The footage might not convince everyone, but Gaar is less interested in the authenticity of the footage than the impact these experiences have on Roppolo personally. Through Roppolo's lens, we elevate the discussion from mere sightings to their impact on the observer's perceptions and philosophies.

As Roppolo declares steadfastly, these are not just sightings, but interactions. He regards the UFOs as non-hostile entities with whom he has an inexplicable link and regards the sightings more like rendezvous than encounters. The film implicitly invites viewers to experience the notions of hope and longing that come with apparent 'UFO interactions.'

Dennis Deakin and Laurence Cefalu make crucial appearances in the film. Deakin, appearing as himself, gives us more profound insight into Roppolo's life. As a supportive friend, he diligently articulates his understanding of Roppolo's journey and bolsters the humanity embedded in the story. Laurence Cefalu, a fellow Monterey resident who has experienced UFO sightings herself, lends authenticity to Roppolo's feeds, having witnessed a similar event herself once while walking her dog.

The film raises inevitable questions about the existence of extraterrestrial life, but the discussion of UFOs persists less in the realm of the cosmic and more in the realm of the personal human experience. As we follow Roppolo's journey, the question subtly moves from 'Are we alone?' to 'Am I alone?' as we grapple with Roppolo's quest for connection, his desperate need to be understood, and above all, the exploration of his own humanity.

Curse of the Man Who Sees UFOs takes this universe of UFO sightings and blends it effectively with the psycho-social dimensions of its main character, creating a film that is at once examining and sympathetic; earnest, but never making a mockery of its subject. As such, it moves beyond the byways of documentary storytelling around the phenomena of UFO and navigates toward a broader study of human identity, perception, persistence, and self.

This documentary is an engaging mix of paranormal reality and the profound human saga, providing viewers with a fascinating look into another's life while also challenging our notions of normality. It excellently communicates the passion and commitment of those driven by belief, capturing the audience's imagination with its openhearted and humanistic approach toward its subject.

Curse of the Man Who Sees UFOs is an intriguing cinematic journey, not just for the UFO enthusiasts, but for anyone interested in explorations of human nature and the relentless quest for meaning in a vast and mysterious universe. Gaar has adeptly manipulated the milieu of UFO phenomena, reminding us that there are more dimensions to examine beyond the unexplainable sightings – the dimensions within the observer, their beliefs, their despair, and their overwhelming hope.