Dumbstruck
(2010/Magnolia DVD)
Picture:
C Sound: C Extras: C Documentary: C+
Welcome
to Ft. Mitchell, Kentucky, the Vent Haven ventriloquism
convention. Come and meet ventriloquists
from all over the world, from United States
all the way to Japan.
Puppets of all shapes and sizes, sharing
their passion and love of ventriloquism, listen to the story of five
ventriloquists their hopes, dreams, challenges, hardships and successes. This is the subject of a new documentary
simply called Dumbstruck.
This is the story about five extraordinary people who have devoted their lives
to the talent entertainment and performing puppets. From a young budding 13 year old Dylan who
wishes to become a professional ventriloquist, Kim a former beauty pageant winner,
Dan a cruise line performer, Wilma a former security guard, and Terry after
years of struggling became a winner on "America's Got Talent" to a Las Vegas star performer. They share their stories in what got them
started and what keeps them going.
This is a great documentary for those who ever wondered who is behind the
puppets we have seen on TV like Sesame
Street or the many incarnations of Jim Henson's Muppets, the people who are
behind them and bring the characters to life.
Life isn't always like the fairy tales, the years of training, the
things they gave up to be able to perform, while loved by their audiences their
careers have taken them far from home and their even loved ones. But regardless of their struggles one thing
that they all in common is their passion, their drive for ventriloquism, in
which they share with their stories. Extra includes additional scenes, interviews,
and commentary with writer, director, producer and photographer.
- Ricky Chiang
