"Random Lunacy" Review - Written by TonyD

“Random Lunacy: Videos from the Road Less Traveled”
2007
***½ out of ****
Director: Victor Zimet, Stephanie Silber


*Before I actually get to the review, let me apologize to the filmmakers of the documentary. I’ve had this film for at least three months now and I have JUST gotten around to getting the review done. Hope this review is any consolation for them to forgive me.*

I’ve seen a lot of movies before about people traveling around the world to chase their dreams, but never have I seen it in a way caught so brilliantly as the filmmakers did in “Random Lunacy.” The story is told in such a fashion that I’ve been drooling over it for a good time now. I’ve been able to show it to a few people and each one of them have told me how new the concept is. The only reason why I can’t give it four stars? Because sixty minutes is not enough.

David Pearlman, better known has Poppa Neutrino, has been traveling around the world for a lot of his life. He is a nomad, and drags his wives, kids, and friends around with him. His travels include Russia and a trip across the Atlantic Ocean… on a small boat.

I don’t have too much to say about this movie, but if there is one thing to say, it is how the directors Victor Zimet and Stephanie Silber are able to portray the Neutrino clan. As these gang of nomads travel around, you never feel any less attached to them. You are there on the journey with them, whether if it’s while you’re watching old home videos or just listening to them tell the story. “Random Lunacy” is a lot like a poor man’s version of “Man on Wire.” It’s a guy setting out his dream but it is a story better told when it is told by the right people.

Another thing I loved about “Random Lunacy” is how you can care about a few of the characters. Some of the characters aren’t likeable; they are meant not to be. There is a character mentioned that leaves his daughter with Poppa Neutrino and he raises her. But instead of focusing on the unlikeable characters, Zimet and Silber decide to focus on how good these people are for raising her. It is tales like “Random Lunacy” that keep me loving movies.