I love films that are hard to pigeonhole. Films that stray from the pack and utilize a pace and narrative that refuses to toe the Hollywood line and in doing so become something different than anything I’ve seen before. Such is the case of the Indie favorite, “Goliath,” by the Austin based Zellner Brothers. The brothers are well known in the film festival circuit for creating memorable short films, but this time opted to move into the direction of full length feature film. “Goliath” is a droll comedy about a directionless man (David Zellner) who is facing every horror that life seems to spring on us unsuspecting schlubs. He is at once dealing with a divorce, a dead-end loathsome job, and the search for his missing cat. The cat is the one thing in this world that he truly loves and he pulls out all the stops to bring his feline buddy home. He is a desperate, lonely man… which is something that many will relate to while others simply recognize. The film is equal parts pathos and comedy.

To say that I loved “Goliath” would be an understatement. However, I tend to love the quirky… the odd… the unusual… when it is done well. Here the Zellner brothers have put together a very slow moving, yet hysterically funny film. The fact that it was a low budget independent film is evident in every frame, but the brothers prove that money isn’t everything. The story, slow as it is, is riveting and any shortcomings that it suffers through this lack of budget end up not mattering in the slightest.

The Zellners cast themselves in the film, with David taking up the lead, and populate it with what seems to be everyday Austinites. Most have never been in a film before and their natural performances add much to the quiet charm of “Goliath.” I guarantee you will feel like you’ve seen these people around, especially those who step into the roles of David’s co-workers. You may even feel like you work with these folks.

The recent DVD release of “Goliath” also comes with its own pleasant surprises. If you check out the special features, they are not like any special features I have ever seen. Oh, on the surface they seem normal by their titles, but once you press play… well… you have to kind of understand who the Zellners are. For example, if you decide you want to watch the Behind the Scenes featurette, be prepared for a lesson in break dancing. Even the deleted scenes give you something a little bit… different.

“Goliath” will not appeal to everyone. Jaded moviegoers who require explosions and car chases to even consider a film worth their time will most likely be bored. However, those who can appreciate the quiet subtleties of a smaller, less energetic movie will find the experience of watching this one quite fulfilling. And if you’re an animal lover… all the better.

Directed by: David Zellner
Starring: David Zellner, Nathan Zellner, Caroline O’Connor
Extras: Audio Commentary; Filmmaker Q&A; Deleted Scenes; Behind the Scenes
Specification: Widescreen; 2.0
Studio: MPI
Release Date: 01/12/2010
MPAA Rating: NR
http://www.mpimedia.com

We'll give Goliath a B+.