Gemini Rising Episode 7 Part 1

There is so much to love in episode 7 of the kick ass web series Gemini Rising (www.geminirising.tv). Let me start off by giving mad props to Gregory Nassif St. John for his portrayal of Larry LaMay, a character based off of Al Alberts, a Philadelphia area host of The Al Alberts Showcase, a Saturday afternoon talent show. Gregory’s attention to detail in molding this character is simply genius. I would tune in religiously if Fugue Films ever did a Larry LaMay Spin-off. But let’s not forget Larry’s Piano player, played by Marty Kris, whose comedic timing with Larry just makes it all the more believable. I honestly feel like these guys have worked together on the LaMay show for years. With every viewing of episode 7 I notice little things that Gregory does with the LaMay character that has me in stitches. From his subtle adjustment of his seated posture while watching a very awkward teen dance, which appears to be highly arousing for Larry to the way he holds the microphone. It captures all the creepiness that was The Al Alberts showcase.

Now throw in an early Sunday morning performance of a prog rock band on the Larry LaMay show and you have a recipe for greatness. Righteous Jolly as Robert never disappoints. His passion for the music and frustration with the world around him draws you in. You want so badly for something to work out in Robert’s world.

Being in many bands for many years, it pleases me to see that Fugue Films manages to capture what it is like to be in a rock band and all the shit you end up dealing with. At one point our band got booked at a comedy cabaret. We had comedians open up for us. We were so out of place and it was an awful night. So I feel Gemini Rising’s pain.

Gemini Rising hit its stride in episode 7. The art direction, costuming, sound and writing is top notch. 

Now that would be more than enough for a little-indie-that-could web series to win me over but the Fugue Films crew goes one step further and wrote and recorded the song “Electric Lady of the Lake” featured in the episode. A powerful and epic song, it is a testament to the amazing lengths Fugue Films along with their musical collaborators go to to bring to their audience a well rounded vision. The song’s dark tone also feels like a bit of foreshadowing of darker things to come for Robert and his clan. Episode 7 is a masterpiece and proof that great art is in the hands of the indies.

In a sea of internet video mediocrity, this series rises above them all and should be a lesson to other indie filmmakers to take the time and make your films the best they can be. You don’t have to take my word for it. Gemini Rising recently earned a 2009 Webby Award Honoree and was recently mentioned in a Washington Post article comparing it to an HBO production “Flight of the Conchords.” 

This series ROCKS!

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Watch Gemini Rising

www.geminirising.tv

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