Notes On An Appearance

Notes on an Appearance is a 2018 American independent film directed by Ricky D’Ambrose. The film stars Zia Anger, Michael M. Bilandic, and Bingham Bryant in leading roles. Conceived as an experimental narrative, Notes on an Appearance is a modest but ambitious piece of surrealist cinema that explores the complexities of obsession and intellectualism, taking the audience on an elliptical journey through the labyrinth of reality and illusion.

The film depicts the enigmatic disappearance of David (Bingham Bryant), a young research assistant for an influential and controversial philosopher named Stephen Taubes. David is drawn into the expansive and elusive world of radical politics, entangled theories, and intellectual pursuit. His journey is primarily narrated through the perspective of his concerned friend, Todd (Keith Poulson), who embarks on a search for him, unraveling various aspects of David's life, which he discovers through letters, diary entries, and vague recollections of their conversations.

A parallel narrative unfolds simultaneously, where David's girlfriend, Madeleine (Tallie Medel), starts her own investigation, which lends a relational perspective to David's disappearance. The film, beautifully balancing between the abstract and the precise, highlights Madeleine's and Todd's contrasting approaches to understanding David's life and attempts to solve the mystery of his disappearance.

Showcasing a brilliant cast, the film's impressive performances rendering a profound depth to their characters. Zia Anger delivers a strong performance, even in her limited presence, while Bilandic's portrayal of Stephen Taubes is intriguing, adding a layer of skepticism and intellectual fanaticism that fuels the narrative.

Notably, Notes on an Appearance does not conform to conventional storytelling. D'Ambrose experiments a lot with form, selectively presenting fragmentary information that drive the narrative. His stylistic choices, including the use of stills, minimalism in the production design, and an absence of the score, forge a unique aesthetic that significantly aids in maintaining the suspense and pushing the storyline forward.

The film is rather contained in its cinematic scope, primarily confined to interior spaces or close-ups, with sparse, precise dialogues. However, these elements contribute to the buildup of suspense and a growing sense of unease. The stark easiness with which D'Ambrose handles the cinematography creates a transcendent atmosphere that further strengthens the metaphysical aura surrounding David's existence.

Arguably, the most striking feature of Notes on an Appearance is its attempt to explore the avant-garde intersection of intellectualism and radicalism. David's obsession with the enigmatic philosopher, Taubes, who is known for his radical political theories, perfectly encapsulates the clash between the cerebral and the emotional. The narrative subtly poses questions on the authenticity and impact of Taubes's philosophy, throwing an interesting light on the echo-chamber of academia and raising questions about intellectual responsibility.

D’Ambrose's ability to manipulate the viewer's perception through his narrative and visual choices adds to the fascinating puzzlement that is Notes on An Appearance. The film's abstract temporality - denying the audience a clear idea of when the events take place - creates an elusive chronology that adds to the enigma of David and the unresolved mystery lingering around his disappearance.

In sum, Notes on an Appearance, with its minimalist approach and enigmatic storytelling, successfully explores the realm of intellectual fanaticism and obsession while questioning the means and consequences of radical philosophies. Engagingly puzzling, the film leaves its viewers in an introspective state, forcing them to question their perceptions of reality.