Afterschool

Synopsis: Feature film. Robert (Miller) is a sensitive young boy finding it difficult to fit in at his elite East Coast preparatory school. He attends sessions with the school counsellor, takes his medication, and spends a lot of time in front of a computer screen, watching images of sex and violence. Robert’s friend roommate Dave (White) is dealing drugs. Robert plucks up the courage to get closer to attractive Amy (Timlin). Paired to make a video project together until a tragedy occurs that affects the whole of the school, and has consequences for Robert in particular. At one point there is a scene in a classroom where Hamlet is being discussed (Act II ii ‘Now I am alone...' ) during which the audience is made to look through the hero’s eyes, staring lasciviously at the teacher. She either appears reduced by close-ups to bits of sexualised body or, if in long shot, out of focus. The question of the re-enactment of crime ties in with the ‘memorial video’ that the hero makes in memory of the two dead girls.
Language: English
Country: United States
Medium: Film
Technical information: Colour / Sound
Year of release: 2008
Duration: 122 mins
Availability: No distributor found (10/2008).