Not unlike the
movie that the documentary captures the filmmaking of, Becoming Bulletproof is far more admirable for the story behind the
content than for the skill going into the filmmaking itself. It is a
documentary with a message, but not one of political, economic or environmental
significance. Instead it is a movie seeking only personal significance;
obviously for the actors involved in the production, but also for anyone with a
disability, or anyone with similar aspirations to pursue their dreams
regardless of the odds they may face.
Becoming Bulletproof documents the
making of the independent low budget Western film, Bulletproof, though this is mostly just the framework for a film
about the organization that made the movie. Zeno Mountain Farm is a filmmaking
group that comes together to create an original film every year, though it is
less about the final product than it is the experience in filmmaking, made obvious
by their choice to refer to time spent on set as “camp.” The community is made
up of actors with disabilities along with many filmmaking professionals and
volunteers offering their experience and abilities to the non-profit projects. The
experience is clearly fulfilling for all involved, bringing them back year
after year.
The documentary Becoming Bulletproof enters this
tight-knit community through new member A.J. Murray, a film fan who is
handicapped and suffering from cerebral palsy. Tired of spending days cooped up
in his house, forced to rely on his mother’s unending support, A.J. jumps at
the opportunity to fill a spot in the ZMF community as an actor in their
production of Bulletproof. Having Murray
The DVD includes
an audio description option for playback, but there are no other special
features.
Entertainment Value:
8.5/10
Quality of
Filmmaking: 6.5/10
Historical
Significance: 6/10
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