By Eva Trieger
LA JOLLA, California –Ever meet someone who just seems to know how to make lemonade out of lemons? When the glass is half empty, someone that can see the space as free to fill with a fine wine? This very optimism and desire to find humor, promise and possibility is in our Jewish DNA, according to writer and producer, Michael Carnick.
This statement was further explored when Carnick said that as Jews “our laughter comes out of pathos” as observed in some of his formative mentors, Mel Brooks and Larry David, to name a few. Our survival is based on our ability to laugh, most especially in adverse situations. Carnick told me how he likes to makes those around him laugh; his audience, his doctors, even the EMTs in the ambulance with him!
Carnick, wheelchair bound as a result of a congenital condition, may have reasons to feel angry, bitter or thwarted, but has opted instead to create a dark comedy in Rolling Romance. This short film has already won awards including Best Screenplay at the Malibu Film Festival and grabbed the Best Show title at the Indie Fest.
This 31-one year old is no novice when it comes to scooping up awards for his writing. In 2005, Carnick took the Samuel Goldwyn award for his writing. He was the first undergraduate UCSD student ever to receive this award. Rolling Romance, though written for a college class, propelled this undergrad into the major leagues, and he was on a roll.
Using Kickstarter and some private backers, Michael Carnick was able to produce this sweet, poignant film on a “modest budget.” The story centers on Orson, a young man with multiple sclerosis who is about to meet an online potential date. Her web page is inviting, and their repartee is witty, charming and filled with sexual tension. The protagonist has a wonderful friend who alternatively coaxes and badgers him. The date appears to be moving at 78 revolutions per minute until the lovely, funny and a bit worldlier woman, Janice, stops Orson in his tracks. The shutdown is severe and painful, but something every online dater has experienced. Orson’s disappointment is palpable and inevitable.
Carnick shared that his film was based on actual events, though he took “artistic liberties.” He has attempted the online dating thing, and did not weigh in on his results.
The biggest surprise from this experience was the fact that it turned out so well. It was a first project and though they were “flying by the seat of their pants” everything seemed to fall into place. When classmate, David Conley, signed on as director, things just took off.
Keep your eyes peeled for Carnick’s opening as part of the Joyce Forum films this Monday night, February 10th, at the Lawrence Family JCC. Tickets are available at JCC box office.
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Eva Trieger is a freelance writer specializing in coverage of the arts. She may be contacted at eva.trieger@sdjewishworld.com