By Naomi Gish
Screened at the Port Townsend Film Festival along with other compelling documentaries, Becoming Bulletproof really was a stand-alone idea in the mountain of creativity that was present at the festival.
The idea of making a documentary about the creating of a movie is certainly not a new one, what’s new however, are the unconventional characters that the camera follows.
An acting camp that welcomes people of all kinds of backgrounds and abilities ranging from severe cerebral palsy and Down syndrome to milder cases of learning disabilities, puts on the entire operation cost-free for all involved. The Zeno Mountain Farm, based out of Bristol, Vermont runs the annual camp in Los Angeles where Hollywood producers, film-scorers and big movie companies get involved free of charge.
Becoming Bulletproof, is really about its characters who, like most film plots, must overcome adversities. These are not their being disabled, but the disabling mindsets with which people treat them.
The audience meets Jeremy Vest, a spunky curly-headed ambitious-if not aloof-actor who will be playing the hero of their short film Bulletproof. Jeremy has Williams syndrome and viewers are whisked into his world where they are shown the limitations of the character, but also his abilities that make him a unique candidate for the audience’s attention throughout the film.
Over and over the viewer hears how regular or average these people actually are and how they just want others to understand that as well. They don’t want sympathy or to be ignored; they want to be a part of their community and contribute just like anyone else.
The other central actor, A.J., who has cerebral palsy, says of the reality of getting roles in Hollywood, “I know I won’t play the leading man but If there ever is a movie that needs a man with CP, then hey I could do that.”
The importance of the theme that these people want desperately to be ac- cepted for who they are as legitimate people with real romantic relationships, coping issues, and senses of humor is central to the doc. In one scene a marriage proposal takes place, in another a friendly talent competition is held, lending more to the humanity within an often secluded community.
Running through a few more typical blockbuster themes, the actors are stressing about remembering their lines and performing well as the wrap date is approaching fast and the director is getting frustrated. On-set gaffes are on the regular and provide the comedic elements that are often and undeniably funny.
Director Will Halby of the film within the film says “We’re not here to change anything or make a point. I’m just here to make great movies with awesome people.”
As much as Mr. Halby’s film “Bulletproof Jackson” may not be a mind-changer and trendsetter, the film that shows what goes into the creation of it, ‘Becoming Bulletproof’ certainly is.