This film is compelling on a number of levels. First, there is the story itself that is unique; the total loss of memory of identity and past events, but no physiological damage; according to doctors interviewed, an extremely rare condition. We (and he) learn that he lives in a loft in New York, made lots of money as a stockbroker and quit to study photography. His father and sister live in Spain (mother recently deceased). Thus, he has no wife and children, no job. No built-in life to re-assume. He spent part of his childhood in Paris and lived in London for a number of years in his twenties. There he met Rupert Murray, the filmmaker. When Rupert (who does narration) learns of his condition, he calls Doug and says he wants to do a film. The cinematography runs the gamut from home movies of Doug's past, to interviews with Doug taken by amateur interviewers shortly after his discharge from the hospital; to interviews of Doug, various doctors, Doug's family and London friends by the director. Early on, Doug carries a camcorder to record his rediscovery of himself. Particularly poignant, is the reunion with his father and sister at an airport in Spain; the arrival area is chaos and Doug records it all as he comes off the plane to find them, walking up to them, camcorder in the face. Then there are some weird, wonderful, and sometimes jarring, visual and musical images, meant to portray what it must be like in Doug's head as he is disorientedand everything, everything is new to him. Nobody knows if Doug will ever regain his full memory, but does it really matter? He has a new life. It's incredible that Doug was totally open in inviting us into his condition and world and that Rupert Murray was able to tell the tale with skill and imagination. Put this one on your must see list.
Review of Unknown White Male
