Random Lunacy Runs Amuk at Film Festival

REVIEW by Bonnie King
"RANDOM LUNACY: Videos From the Road Less Traveled"

Art courtesy: hometeamproductions

(SALEM, Ore.) - I'd say this is a rags to riches story, but it's not. Unless, that is, you believe that "riches" are equated by more than mere wealth.

Living outside the system, out of accordance with all social expectations, the subject of this documentary, Poppa Neutrino, led his “tribe” on a quest for pure freedom and adventure. No, it's not about a cult, it's just a family.

The documentary, "RANDOM LUNACY: videos from the road less traveled", directed and produced by Victor Zimet and Stephanie Silber is more about survival outside conventional society than a story about a man. It's a completely unique portrayal of human inventiveness, persistence, and the longevity and strength of family.

Theirs would not be most people's lifestyle choice.

Footage captured on a camera rolling since the 80’s shows the self-taught family band as they sang for their supper and roamed the world, a life of sleeping in cars, trucks, and on remote beaches, as well as their time spent traveling with a Mexican circus.

This program doesn't defend his lifestyle, or explain it. That's not the point. He's a teacher, a mentor, but no martyr, and certainly no "normal" father. He is an example of the extremist supreme, and very successful through life's own proof. His children are happy and healthy, he never hurt anyone, and he gives generously of himself to the world.

The family built rafts from street scraps, which they would then live aboard, exemplifying their consummate ingenuity. Eventually Poppa Neutrino, his wife and two others successfully pitted one such vessel against the Atlantic Ocean, making world headlines.

As Poppa was a sure and enthusiastic leader, there was never a question as to his positive motivations while he and his family subsisted for years completely homeless.

RANDOM LUNACY casts a searching gaze on what it means to be marginalized, while at the same time examining what our choices have to do with our ultimate freedom.

There's a little bit of everyone in Poppa Neutrino. The difference is, where as most of us are willing to take a chance once in a while, he's a character completely unwilling to limit his experiences to that of the comfortable, well traveled road. It's a life-long chance rarely taken.

I recommend you view the documentary, "RANDOM LUNACY: videos from the road less traveled", at the Mid Valley Video Festival on Monday, February 18th, at 6:30 PM, at the Northern Lights Theatre Pub in Salem, Oregon.

It is an unforgettable journey.