Ever since I saw the film Boyhood, I have been really interested in films that follow some sort of growth or progression in real time. For example, I have been thinking about shooting a film that follows a musical artist’s growth from having no fan base to occupying a pocket in mainstream media. I believe my interest in this sort of film paired with my interest in comedy is what drove me to love Sara Taksler’s film Tickling Giant.
As you all know the film follows a man named Bassem Youssef and his ascent from being a heart surgeon to becoming known as Egypt’s Stephen Colbert. Aside from the impactful images and witty humor present in the film, I find this sort of a progression to be the most interesting part of this phenomenal film. In trying to analyze this film solely on story, I am very attracted to the idea of seeing an influential character rise and fall in real life and in real time. Perhaps in this way, the film becomes a tragedy as we watch the deterioration of a fun-loving man we all want to root for. I think this plays a large role in why the film is so impactful.
I know there were questions about how Sara got involved with this film but looking back on it now I wish I would have asked for opinion on recognizing that a story needs to be told. I think it took a lot of courage to follow a story that she couldn’t foresee an ending to.