By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Director: M.H. Murray
Starring: Anthony Diaz | Deragh Campbell | Mark Clennon | Nat Patricia Manuel | Victoria Long
Year: 2023
Running time: 103
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt28585739/reference/
Diane says: “There’s a game going on here at Chlotrudis North: ‘What else didn’t you like about I DON’T KNOW WHO YOU ARE?’
“Some sample answers:
1. It was like a public service announcement about HIV
2. Scenes that went on too long were coincidentally those that showcased the side talents or body of the lead
3. If I hear that ear-popping sound of him biting his nails again, I’ll scream
“Writer-director M.H. Murray’s debut feature recreates an intense few days of a Toronto artist. After a sexual assault, Benjamin (Mark Clennon) desperately tries to raise $1,000 for a preventive medicine for HIV. Shame, a stalled relationship, and obligations to his parents in the Caribbean keep Benjamin from being honest about his need. It’s a ticking time bomb as Benjamin needs to start the meds within 48 hours.
“Intense and stressful, heightened by operatic music (and overly loud sound design), this autobiographical film would have benefitted from a distanced eye and some restraint. 2 cats.
Michael says: “This Canadian film finds Benjamin, a young musician/performer, emerging from a difficult break-up and taking tentative steps toward a new relationship with Malcolm. When a date takes a misstep and things get a little awkward, a dejected Benjamin finds himself involved with a stranger; an encounter that turns ugly and sends the story on its tension-filled track, and Benjamin on a path that sees hi careen from one bad decision to the next until a musical release finally allows him to take a breath.
“Unfortunately, this was a complete miss for me, my least favorite film of the festival. In fact, Diane and I spent some of the following days playing, ‘here’s what else was wrong about I DON’T KNOW WHO YOU ARE…’ a game that had many flaws to mine. There’s little I can say to recommend this film, other than the cinematography was strong, alternately making Toronto first menacing, then beautiful. The script, written by the director, and edited by the lead actor and a supporting actress, was stilted and overall a disappointment. Lead actor, Mark Clennon, clearly meant to be the break-out from this film, gave a one-note performance and spent far too much time stripping down to his underwear and lolling around his apartment for no apparent reason. I’m sure some will appreciate this, but a good film it does not make. The one surprise, and high point, was a scene where Benjamin looking for help, visits Agnes, an old friend. Agnes was played by Deragh Campbell, so riveting as the titular ANNE AT 13,000 FT. I actually thought to myself, how fantastic to see her play someone so well-adjusted! 1 ½ cats
“P.S. I tried to listen to the Q&A featuring the director and cast, but the moderator, Norm WIllner, TIFF’s Acting Lead Programmer for Canada and Industry Selects was so obsequious and annoying, that halfway through I had to leave. Unfortunately, it would not be the last time I had to endure Norm’s commentary.
“Screened at the Toronto International Film Festival, Thursday, September 7”
