Dina
- Director: Antonio Santini; Dan Sickles
- Producer: Stephanie Osgood Choate; Dan Cogan
CGiii Comment
The blurb - strangely - states that Dina is eccentric. She has autism...and, a few other conditions...including OCD.
Scott, too, has autism. Together, they inhabit different parts of the vast spectrum and, together, they are like chalk and cheese. But yet, they seem to make their relationship work...at least, that's what the cameras show.
However, there is a niggling doubt that runs throughout...this marriage isn't going to run any significant distance.
Dina has "been round the block" and wants a more intimate relationship...buying her soon-to-be-husband "The Joy of Sex" as a way of announcing her needs - sadly, for her, it doesn't exactly jolt Scott into becoming a raging Lothario...quite the opposite, his fear and apathy towards the subject may become the straw that breaks the camel!
Awkward, in places, to watch...there is a distinct feeling of an invasion of privacy, rendering it a little too uncomfortable.
By playing the chilling 911 call that Dina's ex-boyfriend makes after he stabbed her multiple times...serves as a reminder as to the vulnerability of both Dina and Scott. It does raise questions as to the ethical stance the filmmakers took when filming...what to include, what not and why!
When dealing with subjects with a different capacity to understand, filmmakers must apply the highest standards of respect. Scott was clearly uncomfortable talking about sex...few people - regardless of their capacity - are comfortable talking about masturbation - his privacy should have been respected and that particular scene should not have made it to the final cut...
In places, Dina is a charming film. In other places, Dina is hardwork. Some will find it a joy. Some will find it an invasion. All will discuss the ethical issues that it raises.
Trailer...
Dina - Feature Documentary Excerpt from Moxie Pictures on Vimeo.
The(ir) Blurb...
An eccentric suburban woman and a Walmart door greeter navigate their evolving relationship in this unconventional love story.
Cast & Characters
Dina Buno;
Scott Levin