The Arbalest

The Arbalest, a 2016 film directed by Adam Pinney, presents a quirky yet gripping narrative defined by an intense yet oddly eccentric main character, Foster Kalt (portrayed by Mike Brune). The movie combines elements of various genres, including drama, romance, and a dash of existential angst, all moulded in a deeply unsettling character study.

As a successful inventor and toy manufacturer, Foster Kalt comes to audiences as a figure of invincible success, a rags-to-riches story that initially torches the conventional American Dream. However, the protagonist is not necessarily a dreamer. Instead, he is an obsessive, hard-driven character, whose obsession acquires focal significance in the narrative arc of the movie.

Kalt is best known for inventing a popular 70s toy, "Kalt Cube", a kind of enigmatic puzzle box. This development in his professional career propels him into the limelight, unraveling his deep-seated personal issues and mental unrest. It also offers an opportunity for the audience to delve deep into his intricate personality and explores the question: does obsession, or rather the desire and audacity to follow it to the end, lead to success?

One of the central themes The Arbalest builds upon is love, or rather the reclusive inventor's perception of it. Kalt's love interest is Sylvia Frank (played by Tallie Medel), and his infatuation with her becomes an obsession that lasts multiple decades. The purity of romance is mired in the state of ruthlessness and unhealthy fixation displayed by the main character. The fact that Sylvia remains largely indifferent to his advances further aggravates his condition.

The title of the movie may seem strange at first being a type of crossbow from the medieval era. It becomes an apt metaphor for Kalt's loaded emotional status, ready to explode at any moment – mirroring the tight potential energy such a weapon holds. The corollary of his obsession unravels gradually, presenting a raw and discomforting narrative on love and success.

The Arbalest plays out over a timeline of many years, from the fun and optimism of the late ’60s to the edgy disillusionment of the mid-'70s and to the prosperous sanitization of the early ’80s. Filmed on a shoestring budget, the movie successfully replicates the distinct essence of the respective periods. It swings between different periods through a clever use of retrospectives, interviews, and decorations to create an anachronistic atmosphere, a timeless essence that reinforces the protagonist's lifetime obsession.

Actor Mike Brune delivers a remarkable performance as Foster Kalt. He conveys the character's desperation, obsession, and loneliness with stunning realism that constantly keeps viewers on edge. Tallie Medel, while given less screen time, delivers a fantastic portrayal of Sylvia, whose unaffected personality brilliantly contrasts Kalt's.

The unsettling tone of the narrative is complemented by the film's evocative, if unconventional, visual aesthetics. The filmmakers experiment with color schemes and camera work to create a unique, offbeat atmosphere that reinforces the themes of the film. Cinematographer Hugh Braselton deserves special mention for his ability to effectively use distinctive styles to make the different periods believable and coherent.

The Arbalest is one of those movies that is meticulously built on very little, yet generates a significant impact. It doesn't shy away from exploring dark, complicated themes - whether personal or societal. It dives deep into the psychology of an inherently flawed character, portrayed with an unnerving authenticity by Brune. A masterful weave of obsession, love, success, and failure, The Arbalest is a journey into the tortured psyche of an angst-ridden inventor. Notably, the palpable tension and sense of unpredictability carry overall the film's runtime, making it a captivating watch from beginning to end.

The Arbalest has a way of sticking in your mind, gnawing at your consciousness, long after the final credits roll. It is a unique, esoteric film that will leave you contemplating about your perspective on ambition, obsession, and the fine line between success and mental illness. This is a must-watch for audiences looking for a challenging, discerning, and substantially profound cinematic experience.