Kodachrome the Movie 5
March 14, 2023I want to continue my analysis of the movie “Kodachrome”. I call it an
analysis opposed to a critique because I am not as rooted in the writing and
reviewing of films as others. I guess, thinking about it, I can call it my
review. Being a photographer for 60 years qualifies me to write and talk about
a movie dedicated to “Kodachrome.” A classic film from Kodak. Actually I could
not finish because I only write 3 pages a day.
I have to keep to that discipline.
Once they disrespected Ben for his episode, it was all over for Matt with
that prospective client. The next scene Ben is speaking to Zooey and disparages
Matt for letting the client get away. She let him have it. She told him how
disrespectful and small-minded he has been. He is being selfish and that he
should recognize when his son has his back. Ben, in turn, snaps and says “you’re
fired.” Something he had said many times in the past, but nothing came of it.
He usually came back to reality and hired her back or she did not take him
seriously and stayed on as his nurse. This time was different. Perhaps she
spent her emotions because she was getting close to Matt and having difficulty
being at a stressful edge, taking care of Ben. But shortly after that, she
expressed to Matt that neither of them
knew who they were. They were two divorce people, ambling along in life. They
have nothing special happening, and nothing to offer each other. She storms out
and leaves him alone with Ben. Matt now has settled into the reality that he
has to get his father to Duane’s photo lab himself. He absorbs the
understanding that he needs to help him. They get back on the road again and
the goal appears to be in sight. But after dinner and after Matt helps Ben with
his medication, Ben has an episode. They then rushed him to the hospital. The
doctor at the hospital has a conversation with Matt and tells him that he
should be aware of Ben’s condition. He advises Matt not to move Ben. He should
be resting quietly and allowed to move on in peace.
As the doctor walks out, Ben begins unhooking himself from all the machines
and gets out of bed. Matt, at first, is reluctant to let him leave but realizes
this is his father’s last wish. He has to get the Kodachrome developed. Matt
then helps Ben out of bed, confiscates a wheelchair. The next scene has them on
the road again. They arrive in Parsons, Kansas, and Duane‘s photo lab. Once
there, as expected, they see a line of photographers. Amateur and professional
are there to get last rolls of “Kodachrome” film processed. Ben and Matt stroll
through the crowd into the lab desk and hand the guy the film. He immediately
proceeds to inform them they arrived too late. He cannot process their
“Kodachrome”. Matt and Ben protest and Matt explains who his father is. The
owner, Dwayne, comes over and recognizes Ben. They start rehashing old times
and Dwayne says he will process this film himself. Matt and Ben return to the
motel room, and they seem to be getting closer. Ben is at the table working out
with his camera and Matt is sitting there. Matt gazes away from his dad and, he
looks at his dad and calls his name.
There’s no response. Ben is there with his head slumped. He has gone.