The Wizard of Speed and Time

A hidden gem to those who love the independent cinema scene, The Wizard of Speed and Time, released in 1988, weaves a dynamic, magical and, at times, hilarious tale that engages audiences in a memorable cinematic journey. Directed by and starring Mike Jittlov, and co-starring Richard Kaye, and Paige Moore, the film presents a peculiar fusion of fantasy, comedy, and drama allied to purposeful social commentary about the Hollywood film industry.

The Wizard of Speed and Time pulls its audience into the oddball existence of a unique protagonist named Mike Jittlov, played by Jittlov himself. Jittlov projects a perfect representation of the passionate, quirky artist - an aspiring filmmaker and visual effects wizard who holds an extraordinary talent for creating unusual and captivating special effects. His passion is boundless, and he dreams of sharing his magical creations with the grander audience.

An eccentric loner in real life, Jittlov is a genius at stop-motion animation, an intricate technique requiring an immense amount of patience and technical skill. The film's title reflects Jittlov's mastery over these aspects, as much of his character's wizardry manifests in crafting moments that both speed up and slow down time itself through the magic of visual effects.

Alongside Jittlov on his journey is his good friend and business partner, Richard Kaye, who plays the character of Richard. Together, they navigate the challenging and often frustrating terrains of Hollywood to transform Jittlov's creative visions into reality. Richard is the realist to Jittlov's dreamer persona, but the genuine camaraderie between the two is unmissable and forms a key element of the narrative.

However, their journey is an uphill battle against the corporate powers of the Hollywood studio system. Throughout the film, we see the duo confronting the hurdles between independent artists and filmmaking success, including eccentric personalities, corporate bureaucracy, and the ruthless grind of the studio system that often squashes the dreams of talented artists.

Paige Moore adds to the film's allure with her charming portrayal of Cindy, a comic book artist, and the object of Jittlov's affections. Her character acts as a beacon of hope and affirmation for Jittlov as he navigates the often harsh realities of the Hollywood scene. Her support and belief in Jittlov's talent further drives him against the odds to achieve his dream.

Injecting a remarkable playfulness into the narrative are the fantastical elements of the film. There's a striking display of Jittlov's stop-motion wizardry, which is essentially the film's heart. These mesmerizing cinematographic sequences consist of rapid motion, speeding lights, and enchanting patterns that coalesce into a spectacle quite unlike anything else. Through the Wizard's magical escapades, we're given a precious glimpse into the realms of boundless creativity and imagination that exist outside the confines of standard Hollywood filmmaking.

The Wizard of Speed and Time isn't just a well-crafted narrative laced with dynamic performance, humor, and charm. It is an ode to the artists who dare to dream and the challenges they face trying to realize their visions. The film artfully showcases the dichotomy between personal creativity and the corporate machinery of Hollywood.

Interestingly, many fans and critics alike might suggest that the film's narrative parallels the real-life experiences of Jittlov himself, adding an extra layer of depth to the narrative. This sense of realism allows the audience to empathize even more with his charming yet tumultuous journey through the Hollywood system.

In a nutshell, The Wizard of Speed and Time is a highly inventive and unique cinematic experience that blends reality with fantasy, delight with struggle, and magic with the reality of Hollywood. It merges elements of the biopic and the fantastical into a remarkable standalone narrative that leaves audiences pondering the value of dreams and the importance (and cost) of staying true to oneself in a world that prefers conformity.