Ryan McNeil
CANDYMAN is the story of David Klein, the eccentric inventor of Jelly Belly jellybeans. We learn of his humble beginnings, his massive effort to make the idea work, and how the product became such a wild seller. Front and centre is Klein as a man – a guy who likes to take the scenic route to get from A to B, and reminds us that you only have to be a genius for fifteen minutes to be successful in this life.
But don’t be decieved by the whimsical subject matter – this is not a happy story. It takes mere moments to notice that for someone who invented something so successful, David is living a very modest life. There’s a few reasons for that, and the reasons will touch and break your heart all in one move.
The safe style of this documentary is a missed opportunity, especially when one considers the eccentricity of Klein himself. Combining mostly talking heads with mundane photography, the film is a bit of a visual bore. However, it’s the story that will stick with you for a long time, and what makes the doc work. David Klein is a rare human being; the sort of person who will literally give you the shirt off his back. That sort of humanism is something to be celebrated, and celebrating his spirit is precisely what CANDYMAN does best.
CANDYMAN plays tonight – 9:45pm at THE ROM, and again on Tuesday May 4th – 1:30pm at Cumberland 3.
This one sounds rather interesting to me. One of these days I'll start getting into documentaries seriously, maybe this summer while I'm job hunting will be a good time.
Lame as it is to respond to these things, I take exception to having my work described as "safe" or "pedestrian". No, the picture is not shot or cut to mimic an epileptic seizure – but it has a style, and there's nothing safe about it. You liked the story, huh? Great. Perhaps I made it look too easy? My bad. Where's your film then, wise guy?
Costa Botes (director)
@ Cosbo… Nothing wrong with reading reactions to your own work.
Your film was good, and did a good job of telling a compelling story. Like I said in the post, it did a wonderful job of honouring David's giving nature.
I wouldn't want it to be – as you suggest – shot or cut to mimic an epileptic seizure. That wouldn't have served this story well at all. Asking me "where my film is" is besides the point.
I'd love to talk to you about what I thought of you (honestly!) successful film. If you want to drop me an email, please feel free to do so at madhatter(dot)21(at)hotmail(dot)com