Drowning in Potential
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- čas přidán 2. 12. 2021
- Two actors try to try to make it in LA.
a film by Joel and Dax
Cast (in order of appearance)
Dax Flame - @Daxflame
Joel Haver - @Joel-Haver
Brett Benowitz - / brettbenowitz
Tom Goulet - @tomgoulet
Ruby Caster - / rubycaster
Deion John - / deion_john
Katie Goralski - / katie_goralski
Courtney Carter - / floontz
Brandon Wardell - / bswardell
Ryan Smale - / smaaale
Cherdleys - @Cherdleys
Alex Ernst - @TheAlexErnstShow
Linnea Bullion - / linneabullion
Christopher Rutledge - / tokymegz
Blake Rosier - @BlakeRosier
Kenneth Khoo - / kennethkhoohere
Amit Tandon - www.amazon.com/Adaptive-Kid-S...
Avissa Ilkhan - / canadian_extreme
Music -
'Look Out' by Kevin Sloan (made for the movie!) out now - open.spotify.com/track/7ckOVq...
Poster photo shot by Linnea Bullion!
Classical recordings from Musopen
Sounds sourced from freesound.org
Support -
Patreon: / joelhaver
Paypal: bit.ly/2ZI7uff
Social -
Instagram: / joelhaver
Twitter: / joelhaver
Drawings: / joeldrawsandwriteshaver
Letterboxd: letterboxd.com/joelhaver - Krátké a kreslené filmy
I am beyond excited to share this with you all. This film was entirely improvised and shot by Dax Flame and I over two weeks and then edited over the course of the following month. Made with no script, no crew and no budget this film is a labor of love through and through. Thanks so much to all the wonderful people who appear in the film. I hope you enjoy. Much love
💜
Can't wait to watch it! At work now unfortunately.
I was hoping you'd do another movie
exciting!! I'm gonna watch ASAP
legendary
Wow, excellent job Joel!!! This turned out so well! Thank you for casting me, I found this experience very inspiring, and it was very fun to be in it!!
You are legendary dude
This came out 17 mins ago, didn’t even watch the film 🙄
this is exciting! look forward to watching :)
@@gathernaxx936 this may come as a shock but it's entirely possible someone intimately involved with the film has already seen the finished product before public release
@@eyeconqueror1185 nope, I promise you he has not watched the movie.
big fan of the guy who forces himself into their friendship and gaslights them into getting pizza
He just wants to eat pizza guilt-free and is manifesting destiny
The way I looked at it was that guy was Joel’s “imaginary self”. Similar to the way Dax shows up in the glasses for himself, but I think that Joel’s character has deeply repressed emotions to the point where he doesn’t even recognize his inner self. Made it apparent for me when pizza guy joins Joel in his van.
@@waterbottlettv that sounds right and probably was the intention. both of those characters also distinctly had the "123123" phone password, with Joel typing this in on Dax's phone at the end
Joel nearly broke at 34:57
This is truly incredible. You guys portray the deep unease that I think much of our generation is experiencing; enduring the apparent futility of everything but still waking up every morning and trying again. The abandoned passions, the lack of connection...but a resilient optimism underlying every action. This really struck a cord with me. I'm glad I'm not alone.
great comment
@@jayboi189 great comment also.
Just watched the movie, right at a moment where I feel kinda depressed.
And the movie really connects with me. as you said, part of it is the generation, feeling of futility and everything else.
Everything is gonna get better soon I know... But that feeling of "what should I do now..."
Well said. God bless you guys.
Chord?
I can’t wait to eat all this popcorn for breakfast
That's what I do everyday.
What's up Cherdley!
We all need that time to get away, munch on popcorn, and not dwell on how replaceable we are.
No one could replace ups Dave
We need y'all to do a crossover
Joel in short films: funny, whimsical, encouraging, supportive
Joel in long films: everything is bad and feels bad
Dax is an insanely good actor. Holy smokes.
This movie is beautiful, Dax you knocked it out of the park with this character, I felt his frustration and depression but also his enthusiasm and determination to do what he loves despite people discouraging him in various ways. It's insane to think that this movie was improvised, Joel you're an amazing film maker, truly. I was a fan of your comedy before this movie but now I'm a fan of your films. I can only imagine what your career is going to look like. I'm excited to find out! :D
Joel is unparalleled in his ability to make me have no idea what’s real and what’s scripted and I love it
There was no script! It’s all improv
@@thedestroyasystem I think he means that the acting in Joel's stuff is always so on point. Like in the argument scene, it actually felt like they were mad at each other for real.
This is great. I love how his despair and hopelessness is balanced by his drive and initiative, and how the amplification of one side seems to similarly affect the other.
Your channel will never revive
@@thorodinson6649 weirdo
@@thorodinson6649 who stole your sense of humour?
@@thorodinson6649 you sound like me when I'm having an episode. Hope your mood improves and you don't beat yourself up too much about it later
@@ghhhhhhhhhh love the level headed and positive response. If only we all had this level of empathy
Unconfidently stuttering into saying “go with your first instinct” is so meta
This awakened such a depressing realisation within me. I really enjoyed the film and as everyone else has mentioned, you perfectly portrayed the sadness and futility most of us feel on a daily basis. I got choked up when Dax was on that date near the end of the film and he couldn't answer basic questions, I feel like that all the time. When Joel was sitting in the van playing piano, got complimented and then he just shot it down and called it dicking around devaluing his talent. I play guitar and do the same thing.
This film made me so sad, but so glad that I'm not the only one feeling this way. Some really truthful work here, Much love and thank you for this
Spoilers!!!! Damn !..
Joel’s movies never disappoint. Amazing work. I think anyone in the entertainment industry can relate to Dax’s character and the thoughts that run though his mind throughout the film. Also a neighbor asking to share my Wi-Fi is my new biggest fear.
mutually beneficial :)
"What are you interested in?"
"I'm interested in going."
Thank you Joel for accurately depicting all of my conversations.
Holy shit Joel... Dax... I mean just wow. What a film. I can't even begin to explain how much I loved it. The acting from everyone was absolutely phenomenal. Dan as a character was so well done - that acting during that date in the park had me blown away. As someone suffering from depression and anxiety I could really relate to him. Never stop making films guys.
Can't wait to pretentiously tell my friends that I was a Joel Haver fan from back when he was a youtube creator,
Absolutely phenomenal job to everyone involved, cannot wait for what comes next!
it's interesting, i've been watching Joel's stuff for about a year (or whenever the lanky kong vid came out) and only ever seen the short films/skits and decided to check this as the first feature of his i'd ever thought of watching tonight coming straight from Joel's vids on his other channel where he talks about his film making ('Joel talks about movies' or something) and it sounds as though he has no desire to go bigger etc., instead finding this current way of filmmaking perfectly fulfilling, so all this to say, you might not end up pretentiously telling your friends you were a fan 'from back when he was a yt creator'...!
(also Joel in case you see this i loved the film thank you to you and Dax and everyone involved in putting it together!)
(also Joel in case you see this, idk if you've addressed it before anywhere, and even if not idk if it'd even be that interesting or if there's much to say, but when i was in my late teens as a film student in college (Uk so 16 - 18) and then maybe less so after that in uni, I was a big fan of some of the what used to be called the mumblecore films, the puffy chair, funny haha, quiet city and maybe there was another that i used to like that i've forgotten the name of, but (if i'm remembering them correctly, it would have been 15+years since i saw them) there's obviously some similarity in tone and style across your films (at least this film, as above not watched any of your other features yet but can't wait to check them out) and those and would be curious to know if at all how much any of those sorts of films from that period were an influence on your filmmaking or if your style evolved separate to them)
New life goal: star alongside Joel in a full-feature
GAGAGAGAGAGA! I will now count to 3 and then I am still the unprettiest CZcamsr of all time. 1...2...3. GAGAGAGAGAGA!!! Thank you for your attention, dear mis
@@AxxLAfriku
What are you doing here?.
@@AxxLAfriku uh what
SAME!
what the heck misha
Joel my man you’ve out done yourself this time. I’ve always loved your content but I feel like this art is one of a kind. One thing I have always appreciated about your work is your ability to capture the realistic awkwardness day to day conversations bring. I personally feel like a lot of media fails at displaying those kinds of moments. But when I watch your videos it tends to remind me of those kinds of interaction and I end up accepting them as being apart of life. Weird, imperfect, and unpredictable. This movie you put together really drives that concept home in my opinion. This is something I probably will always remember and I thank you for this experience.
Last little thing I also wanted to say is that i’m glad you understand that not every scene needs a sound track. Music is great but I think some things in media do better with the sound of silence. This especially is the case with a film that points out the little awkward moments of life.
Again thanks for this gift and I hope you continue to supply my dopamine lacking brain with relatable/amazing videos. 👍🏾
Thank you for your lovely words, I'm really glad the film connected with you. I definitely resonate with your comments about soundtracks. Many of my favorite films use very little musical score which allows for the few scenes with music to hit that much harder. It's something I've always enjoyed in filmmaking and think it suits my style quite nicely. I wish you the best
Couldn't have said it better myself
very well said.
this
Totally agree.
Also with the music bit. I usually hate background music. One of all reasons why I hate hollywood films.
“What would jolt you to a 10?” You know. That’s an extremely profound question. Loving this moving so far.
Absolutely! Gets me thinkin
worst part is the answer. it shows how internalized john's apathy is. dan was looking for an answer like "getting the big break" or an idea but it's just an "hm. i dunno."
@@JaxontheOkay I feel as if he’s also so lost in life that he doesn’t know. It’s not just apathy, it’s complete confusion
“This city is gonna know my name” is actually some real deep shit. Feel like this character is that inner emotion you need to hear from when you can’t make art. Love it
every performance in here blew me away. so many great scenes and moments. really wonderful stuff, was beyond excited to see you and dax collaborating.
dude when are you getting verified I had to check it was really you
Leo Vader just clapped in
@@Eclipsed_Archon isn't a checkmark a verification? He has one.
Leo Vader Joel Haver collab when?
Leooooo let's smoke some alien green brooo
Something that could never be properly captured in Hollywood:
Social awkwardness and anxiety
This is really golden.
Someone never watched 8th grade
@@isaacjones6323 nah I haven't, if it's better than this I'll be back
@@NewAgeRenegXde did u end up watching it?
"We'll sit like we did all week, we are close to a brteak through"
This distroyed me. I always want things to happen but I do close to nothing towards it and end up complaining that nothing ever works for me.
the collaborations with Dax Flame are some of my all time favorites
Dax is such an expressive human being and so much fun to watch in this context, and Joel's cinematic style is starting to become instantly recognizable. This is pure fucking brilliance, every single minute of it.
Hollywood spent billions in 2021 and failed to entertain me as much as this film entertained me. That is my reality. 54:58 (Dax in black = modern Hollywood)
TRULY BRILLIANT!!!!!!!!!!! so grateful to have been a small part of it. had no idea what I was agreeing to when we shot it but trusted your genius brains and I am blown away!!!
Ruby!! You’re the best, the date scene is so great, you crushed it as always ❤️
It's weird how this is exactly how I feel, but simultaneously the film itself is such a creative victory. It gives me a lot of hope.
Your creations are slowly changing my life. I’m 27 lost but used to create a new song every night on my laptop but got stuck in the 9 to 5 and disconnection with my parents. I now know I have to keep creating. There’s no other option in this life. Thank you
This movie was so emotionally impactful. Coming from someone who feels as if they are also "drowning in potential", I was really hit at home. Thank you Joel and Dax
Oh crap... I just realized that I too am doing nothing and going nowhere.
Although this is going to go against Joel’s ethos of “anybody can make a movie” l’d like to make the ironic observation that this seems so smooth and communicates so well - yet has a rough around the edges feel - that it does seem like “anybody could do it.” But know full well that the years that Joel has put into learning how to make movies in general and these kinds of films specifically are why it is so successful and could be put together so quickly. The illusion of “ease” is a huge chunk of Joel’s work charm. Combined with the subtle message to “keep going after your dreams” it is an irresistible combination that l really enjoy watching and feeling. Congrats on doing it again, Joel.
I think you need to hear the critics speech at the end of ratatoullie again. Anyone can cook
@@dairesdepths True -- but not "everyone" can cook well. Anyone who wants to make movies (or cook or paint or write or dance or ANYTHING) needs to start because it takes time and experience to learn. Joel could make an excellent movie for "no money" in six weeks because he has done something like it again and again and understands the process and the end storytelling goals. I'm not discouraging anybody -- I'm just saying start , make the movies (or the dishes or the paintings or the dances), and once you put in some time you will hone the creative voice that is there. The best art makes it look effortless -- but don't be fooled -- there was time put in before it happened. Commit, do, repeat. Seek input, put don't let it crush you. Commit some more, do some more, repeat. It can be done but go in with your eyes open and some fire inside. Final comment, Ratatouille is a movie. Even Joel's movies bend the truth. But if it inspires you, great. Use the inspiration to get the process going -- it's going to take time to do it well.
Outstanding. I see several comments saying this speaks to a generational disaffection. I'm closer in age to your parents, yet I'm deeply touched by this art. Most of us humans can relate to these themes. I never expected to find the sincerest pumpkin patch here on CZcams.
the subtle pull from joel n dax as they are slowly drifting apart from each other looking @ the city skyline as tensions brew along w all of the other really powerful & raw performances really puts this in one of my top movies ive seen in a long while - im sad i put off watching this until now, love your stuff joel
The thing about this film which I enjoyed is that not one character out shines one another. They all seem to leave just enough impression on the audience to know who they are and what they are going through. Also the conversation dialogue is brilliantly realistic and based in reality. Enough for anyone to be sucked in and hypnotized. Tremendous film beginning to end
Holy crap man, the part where he's asking to share the wifi was so hard to sit through, i love it. Really resonates with me as I've had interactions like this before and it makes me feel better seeing it played out among someone else to know I'm not the only awkward mofo out there (like obviously i knew this, but it's just comforting to watch, while at the same time super uncomfortable haha)
48:02 soon as he says "who is that", seeing Joel hold his laughter back made that whole scene that much more hilarious and authentic. I loved this!
Hahaha I did not notice that, great catch, this scene was so good.
Loved watching through this. Felt like the movie was manifesting its own self as it went on.
Sorry to high jack... I like how, in the beginning, he's recording in an all white outfit...
At the end, he's wearing all black, basically implying that he's become the better more accepting version of himself with the whole, fight club thing going on.
Wish we have seen more of those types of scenes but at the same time, its better that there wasn't that much. Or else it would be an entire different movie
Jesus I forgot you existed, haven't seen your name in 2 years.
@@jakenight6288 thanks bud
I related to this so hard. The “you have so much potential, well I don’t feel like it” scene, seeing the big 30 printed on the amazon box, etc. This was really solid and Dax was perfect in this. I’ve loved him ever since iDubbbz’s character-study.
What was the 30 all about?
@@thomaskrahling4967 age
Joel, Dax, and all involved, this was fucking incredible. Although this was improvised, I really feel like I got a reflection of your fears and hopes. Great acting, great moments, and those B roll shots of LA at night was amazing. I hope this was as enjoyable to make as it was for us to watch. Thank you for this, and thank you for being who you are.
@@larrikinBTW the entire thing.
Don’t have anything to add to the conversation that hasn’t already been said by the rest of this beautiful community. Just feel super thankful. Absolutely love this, appreciate it, relate to it. Just wanted to say thanks to everyone involved in creating this. Made me laugh (!!) and cry hard, but in a cathartic way. Thank you
Holy shit this was incredible, it was amazing to see Dax flexing his acting skills aswell. It geniunely upset me to see him yelling
I am honestly shocked to see the man has chops. No offense to Dax. Why's he never tried to be a serious actor? Both of them play this surprisingly well.
@@dogchaser520 I think part of what's helping here is that this seems very much to be a film about their own actual self doubts and feelings in many ways. There's genuine emotion on display here connected to the thoughts. And this was an improvised film, so you know most of this is coming from the heart by nature. Whereas some fictitious film with a carefully crafted script to follow is a whole different ball game.
I truly hope Dax has been finding some sense of purpose or path in his life and happiness.
@@invertexyz I like ur pfp
@@dogchaser520 In fairness, this does function well as a description of how chasing one's dream in hollywood has pitfalls. That combined with Joel's documented philosophy that serious art is the product of artists and not necessarily studios, that you can make something real just by getting out there with your friends and a camera.... I can understand how Dax might feel that this works better for him.
@@invertexyz A lot of the best scripts now are just improvised. Always Sunny was a big pioneer, and I think Curb kinda rode coattails there. It's a new and highly legitimate style because it does tap more into who people actually are, as humans. Dialogue has to be worked hard (especially hard dialogue that allows 0% improvisation) ... to make your own. No dialogue should be written in stone. Written in unsharpened #2 pencil at best
I've been trying really hard to make this comment not sound pretentious... so here we go.
This is one of the few movies that has struck me on so many different emotional levels. The first thing I can say is thanks. I have balled my eyes out, while also laughing out loud in quiet. This... this is why I went to film school. This is the reason I still believe in art. That's it. Thank you Dax, Joel and everyone who helped with this project.
Once again, Joel managed to make a movie that’s so well acted and edited that I’m not sure what’s performance and what’s candid conversation. And just when I started to think I understood Dax, his performance of a character much like himself makes me question whether or not he’s been putting on a act all this time.
This film spoke to me so much . The utter awkwardness in Dax's acting was superb the pain of not being articulate and confident is relatable to me . As someone who's in their early 20s the pain of not being up to par to my peers hurts especially when you're a creative .. you start doubting if it was meant for you at all. Great film Joel! I was crying by the end .the ost and cinematography was great as well
I'm a couple days late to watching this but my god Joel. SO much of your content has both impressed and moved me as I go through and watch. This film is the second to move me to real, ugly, tears. I've been going through it the past few weeks, and it's hard to so much as feel certain ways sometimes. This film made me laugh, made me self-reflect. I can go on and on but all I really want to say is that this film is amazing Joel. You deserve all the joys of life and more. As for Dax and others, good job! Everyone did well and I'm so happy that this has been made.
I certainly relate to your feelings about the difficulty of feeling. I’m glad the film could bring something out of you, even if that something is real, ugly tears! Thanks so much for watching, it really means a lot❤️
I'm not an aspiring actor but I was captivated from start to finish and found this film very relatable. The quite desperation, the struggle with ones self worth and image and the perceived lack of control is and ever-looming oppressive presence. Great work !
Man, this was amazing. I know you'll probably never see this, but I just want you to know that this affected me, and I felt it. You deserve all the success you're getting. Great job.
I saw it!! Thanks for watching, it’s an honor that it was able to affect you. Wish you the best❤️
Joel it becomes more and more evident with each film that you have an such an intricate understanding of human emotions and human interactions. You step up your game with each and every film, and the fact that this was all improv shows just how far you've come. Well done mate :)
This was unreal. Nothing I've seen has quite captured this modern existential dread we all seem stuck with. I really appreciate how even though everyone seems to care, nobody can really seem to navigate those difficult conversations with each other. 10/10
At times, stories and films about struggling artists can seem self-serving. But for me, what this film does is show the struggle for creatives who get their happiness and joy in life from acting and don't have any other place to get that same joy from. Being an actor/film-maker when there's no projects to be working on can be a very lonely life and this film captures that 'creative loneliness' in a way I've never seen on film before but have definitely felt in real life and it makes it that little bit more comforting to know someone else is going through it. Thank you Joel and Dax
"Creative loneliness" is a great way to put it. I fully relate, too. What a film.
Really really great guys. I'm happy to live in a time when all the required tools to filmmaking are available to filmmakers not beholden to studios and huge grotesque budgets.
But I really wish they had a huge grotesque budget.
-35:31 has got to be my favorite part. That awkward energy where Joel decides to just say no and put up his boundary wall is the courage that I think we are all looking for to fight through the awkwardness that comes with putting down a boundary while everyone around us is used to us being a people pleaser out of a variety of potential motivations such as a abandonment issues
Watching him unravel towards the end was so hard. You could feel his pain as if it was your own. Although you could tell this was very low budget and amateur the acting was so good and immersive and effective at pulling emotions that I have to give this a 7/10.
EDIT: I JUST REALIZED THIS WAS SHOT IN 2 WEEKS AND WAS ALL IMPROVISED! RATING CHANGED TO 10/10. VERY IMPRESSIVE!
I love this comment with the edit haha nice ^^
There are certain repeating themes that work so damn well. Joel almost calling the police on Dan's phone at the start to Dan threatening random people with it. The suicidal undertone and Dans obvious uncomfort with the subject as a result of his schizophrenia/negative illusions. I was worried it'd result in a Black Mirror style ending, but it didn't. It was a whirlpool sucking you into someone's unstable life, and then a smooth elevator ride lifting you back out of it. And to think it was all improvisation. Some real stellar work Dax and Joel + the all others involved.
I missed the elevator ride back out. I'm still here.
I don't think that was schizophrenia, but maybe it was. It felt more symbolic than anything to me. Like he was wrestling with himself.
@@jonanderson3050 agreed. This was a good story about the wallowing in doubt that can be a backdrop to one’s passion. No closure, no fake happy ending, just getting back on the grind.
@@lukeshioshio Dude was on the phone with a real person while speaking over to his illusion. I'm thinking it was.
@@voli6570 Schizophrenia doesn't fit his character at all, besides there are plenty of other scenes in the film that aren't supposed to be taken literally.
The man can’t be stopped, the content just keeps getting better. We don’t deserve Joel’s brilliance. And Mr. flame doing what he does best. Incredible, just incredible.
The cut shot right after the scene with the lifeguard actor guy was amazing. And the scene were Dan goes for the audition to play Francis, that feeling of not belonging or thinking you are not cut out for this. And the date scenes. Man! It was all so raw and real. I don't know anything about filming or cinematography but I know this was good stuff.
12:46 Seeing "30" on your Amazon box as someone still trying to make it in dingy LA who's turning 30 but has accomplished next to nothing is a big ol' OOF we can all feel. That idea of betting on your dreams and losing. Heart-breaking.
This is incredible and I feel honored to be in it. Love you guys
fantastic beard Blake!
Dax really did an amazing job as lead in this - really loved the scenes with him playing his alter ego, you've pulled off another great feature Joel always love spending the time to watch them!
This embodies my existential dread and feeling of lack of purpose in life. This was really well-made!
the scene where John shuts down Dan's proposal to start a podcast without even flinching
peak cinema right there.
I had such a great time shooting with you guys, thanks for having me. Can’t wait to watch, congrats!!!
You were so great! I loved your character.
Your segment was amazing, the delivery hilarious
Hey, it's the Lifeguard from that movie!
I love how fate brought you Dax and your talent did the rest
Dude you're based
I have never been able to watch a feature length inde film before, but something about this captivated me the whole way through. It's somehow both changed my Outlook in film and made me feel almost nothing the whole time and I love it for that.
"Believing in yourself, tr-- going with your first instinct, trusting yourself..."
I lost it here.
22:37 When Joel suddenly asks "what was it like working with adam sandler?" Looool Brett is so good and perfect for this bit, well done guys. This film is really really special. And funny in a special way.
This movie is phenomenal, especially considering it was completely improvised! There's so much I love about it: the conversation about height, the palpable nervousness at the audition, the image of his perfect self, the Bogie daydream sequences, his totally real struggle to answer the question "are you doing ok" when you know telling the truth won't actually result in an improved situation; movies usually offer a very detailed, in depth look at a particular event(s) within a character's life. Here, we have less of a detailed oil painting, and more of a wonderful series of quick and frenetic sketches. A whole pile of moments that, while perhaps rougher around the edges, are able to convey just as much story and emotion as the alternative. There's a polished roughness to it, the moments of awkwardness and "home-movie-ness" feel both deliberate and integral to the telling of the narrative. I found myself much more invested in these characters than any blockbuster I've watched recently. Keep up the fantastic work, and maybe consider a music channel if the mood hits: you really can work those keys!
this is probably the best, most thoughtful comment ive read in this comment section. stop what you're doing and leave youtube before your brain turns to mush, because you truly have a way with words
Watched the whole film and I absolutely love it! I love the acting from both of you and the amazing shots and the cuts where we can see into the thoughts of Dan, it's amazing. Really great job from both Joel and Dax and my body aches for more stuff like this!
So stoked to see THE Brett Benowitz (my favorite smoothie madness assistant/host) in this film.
I love how organic and realistic the acting is in your films. This film made me feel things like familiarity and relaxed in the quiet scenes where the characters are just sitting and looking at the sky, the city, and the beach. Also, like Dax said your cinematography is beautiful!
As a creative that is now at the verge of looking for a "real job" this resonated with me. Specially the discussions. Great job.
as a creative who's already been through a professional gauntlet of sorts that line toward the end about no longer screaming on the hilltops made me absolutely sob
why do people call themselves "a creative" ? Ive been hearing this a lot recently. Sounds a bit arrogant of a self-title.
@@CuriousDiscourse i really dont see how its arrogant unless you think it means "i am creative and other people are not" i use the term because I pay my rent with art, and "art director/graphic design/painter/sculpter/typographer" is too wordy, and ironically, a little too prerentious sounding for someone who does what I do. Other people could have other reasoning but that's mine tbh
@@CuriousDiscourse you could tell me to use the term artist but its boardness includes culinary, musical, etc and its not as useful a term to me. And if I used the term creative director it comes with alot of self-importance and doesnt really indicate that I'm a commission and project based creator. Idk fam its just all mildly arbitrary semantics since we all have different personal contexts for these words
@@CuriousDiscourse also its probably just trendy, overthinking is my forte jfc
Love it! Everybody does an excellent job, and each character is memorable. It feels real and is a reality that many ones are going through. I wish all of you the best, because there’s talent inside you guys.
thanks for making this Joel. it’s sad, but also comforting, since it tells me im not the only one who is struggling with these things.
Glad it can make you feel less alone, we're all struggling through this thing together. Thanks for watching, I wish you the best.
@@Joel-Haver you too
"I think we are on the verge of a breakthrough here, we just gotta keep doing nothing."
I was just thinking: “this has cured my depression”, as Dan said: “what’s your mental health like”.
I too replied “standard” at that point so thank you for that
Appreciate you never quitting CZcams man. Out of all the content creators I follow you’re my favorite. Amazing film
So cool to see CZcamsrs acting in a proper feature film. It's like a CZcams cinematic universe. I'm in love with it
This has grown to be one of my fav movies of all time, and it's not like...some fan saying that. I genuinely enjoy this film. Thanks for all who made it.
Beautifully done to all! Big feels, and loved the song at the end!
Greg! My friend Kevin made the song for the movie, it’s called ‘Look Out’ and it’s on music platforms if ya wanna listen back :) Thanks so much for watching❤️
Yes that song was great. Definitely gonna be looking into the artist.
@@Joel-Haver Tell Kevin he did phenomenal!
@@Joel-Haver oh I went to spotify immediately and added it to a playlist! 😎
How the hell did you make this as improv? The themes all tie together, the raw emotions of it all are so deeply expressed. Phenomenal work. Really deserves more eyes and support.
TL:DR Joel is really good at improv
With the rules of improve what is spoken becomes absolute
You kinda invent laws in improv that you follow. And pros tend to really stick with call backs and some continuity that really proves how goos you are. Joel clearly has a mastery of meta improv where you cant tell whats real and whats not. Mostly maintianed by his awkward persona. Its beautifully projected and mirrors how most people in reality interact.
You can also tell they so maintain established rules as they change scenes to maintain continuity.
Well you have a general outline of how each scene should go, and the actors improvise in ways to get those outcomes eventually
Oh my god, dax flame's nervous rambling is just spot on
Straight crying buddy, this is incredible
Honestly, this is the sort of content that youtube was invented for. How would you have seen something like this before YT? Let's not take any of it for granted. I know people dunk on youtube a lot, and it's not perfect, but well...you get this.
Joel and Dax, you have absolutely outdone yourself. This film feels so raw, so honest, so vulnerable and painfully real. The improv makes the scenes so realistic and makes you really feel the actors' emotions. Stellar acting performance by everyone in this and the cinematography feels very original and unique! No matter how much attention or views this might get, from my perspective it was already worth it, cause I'm sure you touched a lot of people with this (including me!).
the way you capture those little movements of the mouth where one's about to say something but doesn't tell anything in the end is just something special, it makes you feel the realistic uncertainty of a conversation
Could you maybe do bloopers/behind the scenes? I'd love to also see the process behind something like this. Like, how does ANYONE improvise an entire movie? That's more than awesome, that's powerful.
Joel's feature length movies are the real gems in this channel, love ya
Absolutely. Love his cartoons and sketches but his full movies are what is going to make him a legend.
Pretend You Love Me us the most real and genuine depiction of loneliness, sadness and separation I've ever seen
@@sexygirls1326 people like you are the reason we're alone in the universe.
Shot after shot the colorgrading and composition here is INSANE!
I love Joel and Dax, but I was legitimately hesitant to spend an hour of my day to watch this film.
Oh boy, I'm so glad I did. This LEGITMATELY has become one of my top 10 favorite films of all time. I love it.
Thank you Joel and Dax for making such an amazing piece of art. Keep up the great work
Wow, this might be one of the most earnest movies I've ever seen. It's so down to earth, and relatable.
I'm normally not even into independent productions, but this was so captivating.
The disjointed nature of improvised film lends itself well--fantastically and authentically so--to the tragicomic narrative that unfolds here. Dax's character goes from this earnest, lovably awkward guy to a walking delusion that warps everything (and everyone) around him to fit his vision of reality. Joel, meanwhile, plays the warm and supportive best friend (who knows how to set boundaries) to perfection.
Keep up the great work! I can't wait to see what comes next.
WTF. Why is this so goddamn good? Joel Haver 'n Company knocked it out of the park. Feels like everyone really brought a piece of themselves to this project. Never have I seen something so 'human' before.
This is up there with Napoleon Dynamite, for me - a film about trying to make the most of everyday life.
Some values I took from the movie were:
Do your best to support your friends in their dreams and aspirations.
Encourage your friends to keep heading towards their goals, reminding them what the goals are when they seem to forget.
Do your best to be there for your friends when they may be battling hopelessness.
Don't judge anyone for their living conditions, because you could be heading there, soon.
There are probably more take aways from this, but those are some that stood out to me.
I really enjoyed this film, thank you for making it!
"Drowning in Potential" is such an apt title to describe the anxieties an artist may face. I felt a spectrum of emotions watching this film. I laughed, I cried, and then I felt inspired. Thank you Joel and Dax.
Good to see Dax is keeping up his smoothie game. Brilliant job, congrats to everyone involved with this.
8 minutes in lol this is too good. Love all the “wait what?” Moments. Makes it feel way too real, regular movies don’t ever take into account that people don’t hear each other so often lmfao 😂
This was so compelling to watch. I noticed that quite a few people interpreted different things from watching this. I connected with the feelings of extreme anxiety and dealing with depression, that stems from wanting to pursue your passions as a career, especially creative pursuits like art, music, theater, etc. while also dealing with the extreme financial pressures put on our generation from a failing framework. We were all told when we were younger that we could be anything we wanted to be, and encouraged to pursue our passions. So many of us put ourselves into extreme debt from a useless degree, or shut out of a market from the ever increasing entry level requirements. I loved this film even though it was really hard to watch due to the emotional relatability, and I'm really happy for you guys.
Improvised and shot in two weeks? That's insane. You guys are awesome. I'm just discovering your movies and having a little marathon.
The cinematography in some of these scenes is fucking amazing, whether by design or by chance. The shot towards the end of yer man on the bed, while you play piano, just beautiful.
Wow I...
This is beautiful, absolutely beautiful shots never have I been so in love with city scapes and digital noise. The character's and the tone were like nothing I've ever seen before. Like something that was missing has found itself in this film.
This was the perfect film for me in this time of my life. Visually beautiful and so oddly real in a completely original way. Well done Joel and Dax. I wish I could give you a hug!
I would accept your hug with open arms! I’m happy that it was able to connect with you and that the look of the film worked for you. Thanks so much for giving it your time❤️
This. Was. A. Trip. I just found it today saw an hour and said yes please! I had no idea what I was getting myself into. This made chuckle alot, but mainly it just made me think. About everything. I can relate to both of you so hard that I definitely cried a bit. Being boosted up to only drag yourself down, never giving up to be hit only with failure, never knowing where you're going but you keep walking.. this was beautifully sad and sadly beautiful. And the date scene at the end, Jesus I've literally been in that position more times than I'd like. Not just dates but everyday life. This truly is a masterpiece, and all improvised??? That made the emotional bits hit so much harder. You guys are geniuses. ❤
This one did things to me. I made it the entire way through the film feeling all well and fine, fully captivated by everything coming together. Then after the screen went black and the credits rolled, I burst out sobbing. Ugly crying with an intensity I haven't since I was child, making gross noises, everything. This hit in a way I'm not sure I can describe. You've truly outdone yourselves with this one Joel and Dax. Everything here was wonderful. You all nailed it perfectly, the shots are beautiful, the acting is exact, and the story was enthralling in a way that lulled me into a false sense of security in enjoying a work of art before it hit me all at once after it was over. Thank you for continuing to make.