THE CIRCUS LION is an impressive calling card from young Western Sydney film maker, Tigran Tovmasian.
Inspiration prowls large and the perspiration is palpable as Tovmasian takes on the roles of writer, lead actor, director, and producer in this lean and hungry look at a young man wrestling with harsh realities that can hamper hopes and dreams and the dichotomy of running away and running toward your destiny.
As the central character, Sam, Tovmasian puts in an agonisingly honest portrayal of a young man plagued by a past prejudicial to his future and the present path chosen to tackle extrication from his perceived dead end existence.
Wrestling is to be his ticket out of the world he wants to escape and his dedication to the sport is splendid, spirited and disciplined, but a literal twist brings those plans a cropper and he has to grapple with the consequences and alternatives. The only help for hope is the horizon.
The script is concise and the direction is assured. The symbolism of a caged lion and the lure of running away with the circus isn’t subtle but it’s not overstated either.
The exploration of masculinity, the expectations of the tribe of friends and family, the strengths and fault lines of tradition and the aspirations of the individual are sharply observed.
Shot in striking black and white by cinematographer, Stanislav Salnikov, and exactingly edited by Sally Broad, THE CIRCUS LION is independently funded and made entirely in Western Sydney, with a cast and crew that reflect the rich diversity of the area.
THE CIRCUS LION heralds the emergence of a talented film maker akin to trailblazers like Serhat Caradee and Bina Bhattacharya. The promise of Tigran Tovmasian is well and truly in place, the wish fulfilled with this film.
