This is a must for any George A. Romero fan. For a few years now (ever since this long-lost movie was rediscovered) I've known of this unique product, a movie that Romero was commissioned to do between Season of the Witch and The Crazies. Running 50 minutes and change, it was made for a Lutheran group in Western Pennsylvania who wished for a piece that was a screed against ageism and elder abuse. Presumably they never released it because those Lutherans thought this surreal nightmare was far too nontraditional compared to what they expected. Like I said, it was found a few years ago and was restored in 4K; for the moment it is exclusively on Shudder.
The only face in the cast that anyone would know is Lincoln Maazel of Martin fame. He and other elderly people in an old-timey amusement park are treated poorly in a series of metaphors to real life situations; it isn't subtle, although perhaps that isn't a surprise. Also not a surprise: expert sound design and editing play a key role in creating the chilling atmosphere, not to mention creating sympathy for the lead... although Maazel also delivered with his performance.
As this was released just a week ago, it'd be a crime to reveal much more. Thus, no more spoilers on what occurs in The Amusement Park. Instead, I'll mention that I was reminded of my father and his two older siblings... they are all senior citizens-it's also a reminder to all of us that we should respect our elders & treat them better. Maazel certainly led a long life... he passed away at the age of 106. One of the (many) ideas for what to see later in the year is to visit or revisit various Romero movies-it's a relief this lived up to the lofty praise I've seen in the preceding week.
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