‘Not An Artist’ is Artistically Hilarious at Catalina Film Festival – Review

‘Not An Artist‘ is a hilarious dive into Artistic Imposter Syndrome, having shown at the Catalina Film Festival.

If you’ve ever felt like your creative dreams are being squashed by the weight of your artistically gifted parents or the shadow of your own self-doubt, then Catalina Film Festival’s closing night feature is for you! ‘Not An Artist‘ stars the wonderfully self-deprecating Alexi Pappas as Alice, a young woman accepted into a residency program for artists suffering from creative constipation (yes, that’s a thing), the film offers a delightful mix of humor and heart.

Pappas, who is not just an actress but also an Olympian, brings a unique energy to the role that’s both inspiring and relatable. Watching her navigate the pressures of creativity while carrying the legacy of athletic excellence is nothing short of fascinating. She embodies the classic self-doubt-filled artist with perfect comedic timing, making you laugh while you cringe in recognition. Who knew that the journey from Olympic competition to artistic exploration could be so hilariously relatable?

Adding to the comedic brilliance of ‘Not An Artist‘ is co-writer Matt Walsh, playing Alice’s wandering physician dad, Charles. Their hilariously unhealthy co-dependency leads to a series of laugh-out-loud moments, as he drifts through America’s National Parks practicing telemedicine from an RV and unexpectedly crashes into her artistic sanctuary. The back-and-forth between them highlights their reliance on one another, creating a chaotic but endearing dynamic. Watching their interactions is like observing a masterclass in awkwardness, filled with genuine affection and outrageous humor.

And let’s not forget RZA, who plays the enigmatic benefactor known only as The Abbott. His presence is magnetic, delivering wisdom and humor in equal measure while maintaining an air of coolness that makes you wish you could have a conversation with him about life and creativity. Robert Schwartzman’s portrayal of The Notary, the straight man to RZA’s The Abbott is purely magical. The entire ensemble, including seasoned improv talents like Dan Bakkedahl and Morgan Walsh, showcasing their unique talents in a way that feels genuine and fun.

‘Not An Artist‘ cleverly showcases a group of characters grappling with their own imposter syndrome, all while attempting to escape the confines of their privileged backgrounds. It’s a riot to watch these characters like Cleopatra Coleman’s Indigo try to shake off the expectations tied to her celebrity artist mother’s legacy or Haley Joel Osment’s Wesley trying to become a painter instead of a realtor like his wealthy parents, as they attempt to find their own creative voices, with plenty of laughs along the way.

Co-directed by Pappas and Jeremy Teicher, ‘Not An Artist‘ shines thanks to a script that balances structured dialogue with spontaneous improv. It’s a charming exploration of the artistic journey that resonates, especially for anyone who has ever faced their own creative block.