The Equation of Life

Eleven-year-old filmmaker Gerry Orz directed and stars in this drama about bullying, playing a new kid at school who is instantly targeted by a bigger boy suffering from severe emotional trauma at home. Orz's character, Adam, endures the pain in an effort to spare both his sister and his lesbian parents any extra trouble. But as life becomes more miserable, Adam's thoughts turn to retaliation. Tragedy ensues, leaving the survivors to sort out what happened and how so much horror could have been avoided in the first place. Orz's short film plays a bit like an after-school TV special, ending with a vision of what life could have been like for these characters if love and kindness had been the norm for all involved. DVD extras include “Days of Silence” (Orz's early version of his film) and clips of Orz addressing the California State Senate. Sure to spark discussion among young viewers, this is recommended. Aud: E, I, P. (T. Keogh)