Written and directed by Marcellus Cox, Mickey Hardaway is a portrait of despair, tinted with the hopes and dreams of a talented young man. Mickey (Rashad Hunter) is an aspiring artist stuck in the shadow of violence. He has the talent and the skills which gains him a grant from the Art Institute of Santa Monica, however his father is not so pleased with the news.
Mickey’s guidance counsellor (Charlz Williams) is a kind and caring man. Mr Pitt is a reminder of the important role of teachers in young peoples’ lives; they often are the ones who plant the seeds of confidence and help the saplings to grow. Although school is a place to develop and discover, it’s also a time of difficulty for many. Mickey has a run in with a bully which ends in injury. The choreography of the fight is very effective and realistic.
It’s one thing facing a bully a school, but coming home to one is a different matter. Mickey’s father is quick to tear down his son’s dreams of becoming an artist. He attempts to force Mickey into the same reality he had to face when he was young. Mickey’s father had to give up his dreams in order to support his family, something he clearly resents his son for. David Chattam is brilliant as Mickey’s father; a cold, domineering presence. He captures the rage of a father who suffered at the hands of his own father flawlessly. When the argument turns physical, Mickey is faced with the decision of whether to stay or leave and never return.
Mickey finds himself talking to a therapist about the traumas he has suffered at home. Dr. Cameron Harden (Stephen Cofield) is very helpful in illuminating the pattern in the behaviour of Mickey’s father, even identifying personally with the situation. In this speech driven section of the narrative, Cofield delivers convincing and compelling dialogue which touches on many issues. He has an optimistic message.
In the final moments of the film, Cox builds the tension towards the climax of an unfortunate reality, captured in Mickey’s line, “How much time you got?” Throughout the film, Rashad Hunter embodies the aspiring artist who is ready to see what the world has to offer him. Though it is in this sad final minute where Hunter really shines. His portrayal of the young man, beaten when he’s already down, is heart-wrenchingly emotional. The film ends on a slight cliff hanger which left me desperate to know more about Mickey’s journey.
The use of black and white tones throughout the film is a subtle reflection of the art Mickey creates – black pencil on white paper. The quality of light and shade throughout the film has an artistic quality to it too, with lighting steeping many scenes in a beautiful ambient haze. The cinematography is good – drawing attention between different elements within the frame. A final thread that ties all these wonderful elements together is the music. Throughout the film, the musical score adds immense depth and weight to the emotion on screen.
Mickey Hardaway is a credit to the direction and writing of Marcellus Cox as well as a shining beacon of talent in the form of the four protagonists. Watch the trailer below!