News and Promotional Archives
Just another show
Dal student filmmaker sees dreams become reality
By Arwen Kidd
At six-feet, two-and-a-half inches, Michael Fox says if there were ever a movie made about his life, he’s not sure who would play him. “Maybe Danny DeVito,” he says, laughing. “He can play anything. But probably some no name guy you’ve never heard of that looks a bit like me.”
Fox has made movies since he was six years old. Now, at 24, he’s worked as an actor, crew member, director, writer, cinematographer, producer and editor. His newest feature-length film, Entherance Online, is set to screen at Dalhousie next week.
Entherance tells the story of John Philip Dunbar (JPD), a university student whose personal life suffers as he becomes increasingly addicted to an online game. His job, grades and long-term girlfriend are pushed aside to make room for his obsession with the fantasy world and his infatuation with Dragonfly, another role-player in it.
According to Fox, who wrote, directed, shot, edited and co-produced the film, it includes action, comedy and romance.
“[It’s about] the culture of people who play these online games,” he says. “And particularly the people who play them obsessively too much.”
Dauphine Dunlap, a fourth-year King’s student, says movies such Entherance may help draw attention to what she thinks is a very timely issue.
“Internet addictions are getting to be a big problem,” says Dunlap. “You see help services for other addictions like gambling, alcohol, and drugs, but you never see flyers for Internet addictions.”
Fox, who regards writing and filmmaking as a documentation process, says there are definite aspects of the film that he identifies with — the struggle to balance school and work, for example.
“I have no life,” he jokes. “No free time. I don’t recommend anyone else doing this.”
But the difference between himself and the character JPD, Fox says, is that he manages to keep everything under control. Along with continuous film projects, such as a short movie shot this month about a duel fought in 1840, Fox holds a job and is a third-year Dal student majoring in theatre and English.
But he says he would be happiest if he could just make movies.
Fox says his paying job at the Halifax Citadel is another type of show, where he explains things and people clap.
“Basically I get to pretend it’s the 1800’s and dress up in a [kilt],” he says. “Old ladies come and take pictures of me, and they talk about how they wish they could take me home to their granddaughters.”
Fox has lived in Halifax for more than 15 years. He describes the city as having great character and lots of “sweet locales.” He’s filmed at the Citadel, Point Pleasant Park and Dal, which served as “Wells University” in Entherance.
His previous work includes two features — a zombie movie, The Living Impaired, and a comedy, Amateura, both screened at Halifax’s Oxford Theatre.
Fox says obtaining funding, along with finding venues to play finished films, is one of the biggest obstacles for most independent filmmakers. He says applying to festivals such as Halifax’s Atlantic Film Festival, which he hopes will screen Entherance Online next fall, is the best way to get people to see one’s work.
It’s a long, strenuous process, but Fox says the biggest reward is seeing his ideas become a reality. But he also believes he’s ready to try his hand at more professional films.
“You know, I’m pretty big on Steven Spielberg,” he says. “He’s kind of the generic filmmaker that everyone brings up, but if I had to pick [a favourite] I’d go with him, just for being universal.”
Fox says he likes the idea of making films that everyone can enjoy — like Titanic. He readily admits to being a “Hollywood fan,” and says that in a way, this sets him apart from other independent filmmakers.
“A lot of filmmakers who want to get into it on an independent level tend to create ‘art,’ movies that stick out,” he says. “It’s not that I don’t really think of myself that way, but I’m just saying I would sell out at the first possible chance. If somebody said, ‘Hey I just watched your crazy movie, how would you like to direct a new Sandra Bullock romantic comedy with Julia Roberts and Matthew McConaughey?’ I’d be like, whatever, sign me up.”
Entherance Online plays in Ondaatje Hall in FASS, Friday, Nov. 24 at 7 p.m. Admission is $5; $3 with a valid student ID.