Catfish

Do I think it was staged – no.  I find it hard to believe that three artistic young men dreamt up a movie about Facebook romances featuring only themselves, and one other really great character, who would agree to work for free for about a year to provide them with the desired content. Even though they are notably savvy New Yorkers, is it possible that they trolled the internet with carefully crafted bait in order to hook a middle aged diagnosed schizophrenic posing as fifteen other people,  and then cried a collective “Thar she blows? “ I think not.

Is it impossible that a good-looking young man living in the big city could find himself unfulfilled by the offerings of the countless flirty-eyed young ladies who no doubt pursued him while worked as a photographer? That he could have happened onto a relationship with someone who was notably attractive and shared his passion for the creative arts although she lived hundreds of miles away? Why would he be labeled as creepy because he responded to an eight-year-old's message, through her mother, asking for permission to paint one of his photographs?

As I watched this movie with my boyfriend, and  began to realize that Megan had lied about her music among other things, we were shocked and angry with her. But as the story unfolded we sat in awe of the elaborate fabrications neatly woven by Angela. After a glimpse of Angel’s real life, I was filled more with pity than disdain; even Nev appeared to be a vessel of unending grace. 

 Watching with my classmates I observed the general consensus was that Angela was just another psycho while Nev came under attach for being pathetic because he had become so attached to someone that he knew online only.

I believe that anyone who views this movie does so from their own personal vantage point.  If you have ever been desperately lonely, for any reason, you can easily empathize with Nev. If disillusioned with your life, you may better understand Angela’s plight.  We are all human beings with much to learn, and usually do so by being exposed to something or someone different. Whether you loved or hated Angela, certainly you learned something from this catfish.