PLAYING WITH PUPPETS

Protagonist

Confused minds think alike in Jessica Yu’s Protagonist—or, at least, that’s what we’re supposed to believe. Yu’s analytical documentary has an intentionally narrow view of human narratives, lumping together the misguided journeys of four men to highlight the conceptual parallels between them. Rather than letting the contrast stand alone, Yu ties things together with a slyly academic approach, integrating scenes with wooden puppets to re-enact the plot and cite thematically relevant passages from fifth century playwright Euripides. The technique actually suits these oddball tales, which come readymade for grim dissection.

Read the rest of the review in the New York Press...