Bouncing between the past and present, Mickey Hardaway follows the life of the titular character, Mickey (Rashad Hunter), as he seeks therapy for his increasingly challenging mental issues and past trauma. In his therapy sessions with Dr. Harden (Stephen Cofield Jr.), we get long glimpses into Mickey’s childhood and his first years as a young adult. His father’s physical and verbal abuse hardens the boy into a man, but they rob him of his childhood and nearly take his hope.
The young artist pays his way through art school in spite of his father’s doubt and interference. The experience leaves him jaded, but an opportunity soon falls into his lap. The owner of a famous comic publishing house wants to take a risk on the talented young artist. Soon, however, betrayal and trauma push Mickey to drink, causing his worried girlfriend to suggest therapy.
Mickey Hardaway is a second take on a short film of the same name. Its creator, Marcellus Cox, is an award-winning writer, director, and producer who has become known for his auteur stylings in indie film circles. He has had full creative control over every one of his projects I can find, writing, directing, and producing.
As with all auteur films, this can be cut two ways: While Mickey Hardaway is incredibly hard-hitting and beautifully shot throughout, some sequences fail to take the audience seriously in a way that even the spectacular performances on screen can’t save.
For example, most viewers will find the small handful of scenes spelling out the film’s themes unnecessary. This is my singular complaint about what is an otherwise stunning and captivating thriller. The camera work and lighting almost transform Mickey Hardaway into a neo-noir. Those looking for an intense and surprisingly sensitive drama with excellent cinematography and a plot firmly based in Black culture should look no further than Mickey Hardaway. Highly Recommended.
Where does this film belong on public library shelves?
Mickey Hardaway belongs on indie film, thriller, or drama shelves.
What kind of film showing could use this title?
Mickey Hardaway would be a perfect choice for a series about Black independent film.