This month, audiences can stream Self Portraits created by the Bomar Brothers – Grant Lee and Dean Lee Bomar on the Planet Classroom Network. This film is curated by Planet Classroom.
Self Portraits, a gripping short film by the Bomar Brothers—Grant Lee and Dean Lee Bomar—delves into the complexities of guilt, identity, and self-reflection. This thought-provoking drama follows Quinn, a second-grade teacher whose life spirals as his guilt manifests in surreal ways, challenging his relationships and self-perception. Known for their inventive storytelling and visually striking cinematography, the Bomar Brothers have been making films together since childhood.
Hailing from Scottsdale, Arizona, Grant and Dean’s collaboration has evolved into a creative powerhouse through their production company, Big Board Films. Their ability to blend evocative narratives with philosophical depth shines in Self Portraits, a film that is as visually arresting as it is emotionally profound.
The Global Search for Education is pleased to welcome Grant Lee Bomar.
Grant, what inspired you to explore themes of guilt and self-reflection in this unique format?
Our prior film, My Dinner with an Android, explored identity as a construct pieced together from external influences. Self Portraits flips this concept, examining the deconstruction of identity under external control. Through Quinn’s guilt, the film illustrates how self-perception can spiral into passivity, where external forces dictate one’s reality. It’s a cautionary tale about how surrendering responsibility for your life can make you a victim of your own mind.
Can you discuss how the characters’ internal struggles are represented visually through their interactions?
Quinn’s interactions are designed to reflect the surrender of control to external influences. His guilt creates a vacuum, filled by characters like the manipulative siren and Wilbur, who embody forces vying for dominance. Caitlin’s character, for instance, represents the allure of external validation, while Wilbur symbolizes systemic control. These interactions mirror the broader idea that our identity is shaped by what we consume and allow into our lives, whether relationships or media.
How does the film balance the heavier themes of guilt with moments of emotional intimacy?
Guilt and intimacy are inseparable in the film. Quinn’s guilt drives his emotional vulnerability, which in turn makes him susceptible to manipulation. The surreal, vivid depictions of his mental unraveling juxtapose his moments of flawed human connection, creating a delicate balance that reflects the complexity of his psyche.
What do you hope viewers take away from Quinn’s journey in the film?
I hope audiences reflect on the dangers of surrendering to guilt and external control. Quinn’s detachment shows how abandoning self-accountability leads to a life lived by others. The message is clear: Create your identity and take ownership of your narrative, or risk becoming a passive participant in your own life.
Thank you, Grant!
C.M. Rubin and Grant Lee Bomar
Don’t miss Self Portraits, now streaming on the Planet Classroom Network. Experience this hauntingly beautiful exploration of guilt, identity, and self-reflection by the Bomar Brothers, curated by Planet Classroom.
Related posts:
The Global Search for Education: Tomato Records – A Surreal Musical Journey with Grant Lee Bomar
Self Portraits: An Alternate Look Into Yourself
The Global Search for Education: SIMA Sets New Standards for Creativity and Integrity in Storytelling
The Global Search for Education: A Conversation with the Director of The Happiness Diaries
Recent Comments