Hello and welcome to another edition of Twisted News!
Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a screening for a new indie film, Waltzing with Brando, set for theatrical release on September 19th. (Thank you, Staci Layne Wilson, for the invite.) Optix Film Series hosted the event in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the Sahara Hotel on August 15, 2025. 
Indie films have been cruising the market for many years, as big-name studios overlook the potential and weight that Indie films have. The key that big mainstream studios seem to forget: there are no films without Indie films. Indie films have been the foundation, the glue that holds Hollywood together. When big industry names decline to fund a project, an artist forges forward with a passion fueled by willpower to push through the obstacles and achieve their goals, refusing to take no for an answer. Where there is a will, there is a way! 
Some of you might be asking, what is a good story, then? Honestly, any of them. In life, all stories originate from somewhere. The key is to take that story and develop it in a way that connects with everyone who watches it. If you can appreciate what art represents, then you can find the beauty in it, regardless of whether it is subjective or not. Even in books, shorts, films, or articles, storytelling has been an amazing opportunity to expose an idea of what it takes to be human through a web of twists and turns, or perhaps to simply entertain you. It could be Billy Zane portraying Marlon Brando, a Hollywood star. Or even Elijah Wood playing as Frodo Baggins in The Lord of the Rings. Whether it’s a real-life portrayal or a made-up character, it is still a person that carries personality traits, emotions, or mannerisms that make them unique to them and the story.
Let’s dig deeper with Marlon Brando. His idea of creating the world’s first eco-retreat on a small island in Tahiti had been seen as a unicorn in business because the dream he had was rare and seemingly impossible to achieve. But his life goals were to experience the peace Mother Nature offered, or Mana in Polynesian culture, and harness that feeling for as long as he could, and then share it with the world. Despite continuously working in Hollywood, he had to find a way to fund his dream after investors dropped out; it became a necessary evil to see his dream come to fruition. However, he didn’t let it deter him, as the portrayal of his character exuded a calmness about him from beginning to end.
In Waltzing with Brando, set in the 1970s, Brando hires a Los Angeles architect, Bernard Judge, to oversee his personal project. Experiencing the culture of the Polynesian people brings a resounding beauty to the film as we watch the story unfold between two strangers as they build a unique bond.
Billy Zane displayed an uncanny resemblance to the late actor, giving a firsthand account of what Marlon Brando was like when not soaking up the lights in Hollywood. Jon Heder brought a fresh depiction of the late Bernard Judge, who spent time with Marlon Brando and his family while he brought Brando’s dream to reality. Overall, the performances were very raw and real, delivering a feel-good, carefree vibe to the movie.
With any film there are pros and cons. I’ll start with the cons. In the industry, there is always this phrase, “Sex sells.” But I don’t always think that is the case. I believe 100% a film can have nothing relating to sex or adultery and still be successful. For example: A Quiet Place, Arrival, The Wizard of Oz, to name a few. A story can still have heart without giving us something scandalous in return. Unfortunately, the writers of Waltzing with Brando felt they couldn’t write the story without incorporating the idea of it. There was a scene between Bernard and a side character, Michelle. They are out swimming, taking a load off from all the work, and Michelle attempts to make an advance. Bernard recognizes what is happening and declines, but his wife, who is onshore, makes a whole scene about it. This was closer to the end of the film. The scene was out of the blue and didn’t hold any value to the story. In fact, it left a sour taste in my mouth because it seemed unnecessary.
I’m sure during the 70s, being promiscuous was something people didn’t even bat an eye at. I’m also sure Marlon Brando had his fair share of ladies and gentlemen that he spent time with behind closed doors. However, there was no lead-up. Given the film’s nature, which revolves around family, building, and planning, to I love my wife; life is good, then BAM, a hint of adultery. It killed the wholesome vibe. A few other scenes didn’t add any extra value to the film, either, and didn’t help move the story along smoothly. If those scenes were cut, no one would have even realized that something was supposed to be there.
One of the pros of the film was the vibe Marlon Brando brought, which I loved. He carried a sense of calm to his environment. When you were in his presence, you were present to everything around you. You didn’t think about the past or the future. Another pro was that there were no big bangs or over-the-top dialogue. It was simple. It told a story of an influential person in society, giving the audience a glimpse into the type of human he was. It was a beautiful telling of what it was like to walk alongside Marlon Brando and see into the mind of who he was. The cultural aspect of the film was another that stood out to me. I absolutely love the Polynesian culture. 
Attending the after-party was another opportunity to mingle with industry professionals who worked on the film, ask them questions, and enjoy some banquet food, of course. It was a chance to breathe the same air as them and admire their work with words of admiration.
Adapted from a book with the same title, Waltzing with Brando. With roughly 289 pages of pictures and storyline, it sits nicely on your coffee table and reads well when you are looking for a book to cozy up with. You can pick up your copy anywhere books are sold.
Waltzing with Brando’s running time is 1 hour and 44 minutes. Theatrical release date is September 19, 2025. Plan a date night and let me know what you think!
What leaves your mind twisted?
Until next time!
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