“Dumbstruck” : A Documentary About the Obscure & the Quirky Combined with Humanity

Lindsay and Mark Goffman with Vern in between

By Punch Pep Correspondent Elizabeth Fischer

The world of ventriloquists – an unconventional profession – is a platform to be YOU.  It is about LIFE – a pursuit of self-expression in the stormy waters of self-doubt and external criticism.  It is a dream, it is hope, it is aspiration interspersed with obstacles of tradition, convention & custom constantly shadowed by a tenet not to disappoint.

The DC premiere of “Dumbstruck” was at the Landmark E Street Cinema in Washington D.C. on this past Friday– a cold & rainy night but a night made for movies.  Being one of the few non-locals in town for the holiday weekend, I was offered, if I chose to accept, the mission to cover this event.  As luck had it and many years of sleuthing skills honed as a litigator, I happened across the premiere at just the right time, meeting the incredibly talented, gifted down-to-earth husband and wife team, Mark (writer & director) and Lindsay Goffman (producer).  After a scuttle of uncertainty, I secured my ticket from the energetic, wonderfully warm and outgoing Kathleen Pessalano.

Not knowing much about the director (aside from the fact he is the current producer of USA’s “White Collar” and former writer of the “West Wing”) or the film, I wasn’t sure what the next couple of hours would bring….my gift – a well produced, written and  directed film committed to showcasing with the utmost respect the lives of five ventriloquists – a film that invoked laughter, understanding and compassion for a group of outcasts.

In the 50s, ventriloquists were the entertainment, today, ventriloquist are reckoned to be a bit creepy.  “Chucky” did little to help the artist plight.  Yet “Dumbstruck” does – it exemplifies the artistry, it illustrates the medium used and it brings us into their world, allowing us a glimpse into the lives of those confined by shyness in traditional roles but budding flowers graced with wit, humor, spunk, & charm when in character.

The film starts and ends at the annual Vent Haven ConVENTion in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky.  You are introduced to the world of ventriloquism.  Then you are slowly, carefully and with reverence brought into the lives of Dan Horn, Kim Yeager, Dylan Burdette, Wilma Swartz, & Terry Fator. You journey with the them – feeling the accomplishment of success, the pain of rejection and every emotion in-between.  You become part of the struggle, the parent child tension & the reward, finding solace in each individual’s strength.

Dan Horn

Dan is the backbone of the industry – solid – with a career spanning 25 years – but at what cost?

Kim and Dylan

Kim – a former beauty queen – talented when educating children but hungry for more.  Does she have what it takes to rebuke the ideals of middle America, can she have it all or is she where she is suppose to be?

Dylan – 13 years old – talented but young – lacking outward confidence – but pursuing his dream.  Despite his shyness – he holds his own with his father on all things traditionally “boy.”  Does his father forgo his own dream for Dylan?

Wendy and Wilma

Wilma – the quirkiest and, yet…. she gets in – you champion for her – as she faces struggles with foreclosure and family.  Wilma champions for just a smile – a person’s day that was brighter because of her puppets – does she yearn for more?

Terry Fator

Terry Fator – the surprise – winner of America’s Got Talent – currently starring in the Terry Fator show at the Mirage in Las Vegas.  His lips do not move even when he belts out tunes.  Does his success erase his father’s attitude that he “lacks talent but can convince others he has talent?”

Inspiring and a little melancholy, “Dumbstruck” is captivating for its duration.  A MUST see!

Vern (an Axtell Puppet)

Vern, Lindsay and the winner of Vern

When the film finished, Mark and Lindsay spent time with the audience.  The first piece of business – giving Vern away.  The next – bringing us into their world.

The idea behind the documentary came to life when Lindsay’s mother toasted Mark and Lindsay on their wedding day with a sock puppet.  An incredibly shy woman transformed that evening into a delightfully animated woman who brought the room to tears.  Both Lindsay and Mark were captivated and as they discussed it more - learned about the conVENTion – an annual event that close to 500 people attend – all of whom walk around with their dummies sharing stories.

With this knowledge came the first pilgrimage to the annual VENT and the stories ultimately included in the documentary.  Mark and Lindsay admit they never anticipated the volume of material but knew this world filled with enchanting figures begged to be captured on film.  Mark and Lindsay were inspired by each of the five ventriloquists’ ability to “soldier on” when faced with failure, family dissonance and a kind of cathartic, life-changing experience.  Out of the inspiration grew a respect to show the public the quirkiness without making fun.

Richard, Amos & John
After the Q&A, Mark invited guests to an after-party at the W Hotel.  The place was filled with family and friends all captivated and moved by the film.  Several groups discussed the film, the individuals and the stories left untold.  I found Mark and Lindsay’s friends to be equally warm and kindhearted and was drawn into a delightful and good natured discussion about the film and “Pioneer days?!”

“Dumbstruck” is only playing at E Street Cinema for one week, so now’s the time to see….

**Attorney Elizabeth Fischer is Punch Pep Correspondent. She is working as an Entrepreneur, Lawyer and Student (environmental studies), covering events for Pamela’s Punch as a generalist correspondent.  When she is not working, studying or playing soccer or tennis, she is walking her pups, traveling the globe, running marathons, and enjoying all DC has to offer.***