FASTER THAN A FAX MACHINE

MassArt film keys in on two local musicians

By NISHA MAXWELL

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Meeting the actors at a debut is a privilege usually reserved for the private-driver, I-have-a-twin-named-Mary-Kate crowd. Local director Alan Gray, however, is treating us to our very own red carpet ceremony.

Boston is rife with sympathizers for starving musicians (Berklee) and students who understand the struggle of compromising comfort (Allston) in favor of pursuing their dreams, which is exactly what Faster Than a Fax Machine is about. Gray follows two musicians struggling to make music while still surviving. Singer/songwriter Chris Wilhelm is a professional musician searching for a label. Gray decided to make this documentary as soon as he heard Wilhelm had quit his job and started playing in the MBTA full time. "I can't stand working a regular job," announces the guitarist. Supported by his girlfriend, he works the subways four days a week for $60-$80 dollars a day. Chris' three guitars have names—"Mr. Alvarezzzz," he coos to the shiniest one.

A well-chosen foil to Wilhelm is Garland "Bullet" Cook, a self-proclaimed rapper/rocker who makes the best of working two jobs. Bullet rhymes wherever he is: "You know you want a sausage! Yeah! You want a sausage!" he sings to the passers-by. He's known as MC Sausage at the sausage stand he works at, which can be found outside the Roxy in the theater district. "Even if they don't buy a sausage, at least they're happy about something." He is also the most distinguishable bike messenger in the city due to his Winnie the Pooh helmet and his beat-boxing routine. "The good thing about riding the bike is that I sing all day," says Bullet, and it just about breaks your heart. "Garland puts music into his work," says Gray, "whereas Chris puts work into his music."

Alan Gray is a filmmaker with a B.F.A from MassArt, and Faster Than a Fax Machine is his first feature-length film. Bullet's battle with substance abuse and Wilhelm's vivacious dedication are portrayed in equally compassionate and hopeful lights.

MassArt's Film Society is hosting the debut. The screening runs 90 minutes, and will be followed by a live performance from Wilhelm. It's rumored that if we're very good, Bullet may show up and sing us some sausage songs.

FASTER THAN A FAX MACHINE

TUESDAY 11.4.08

MASSART FILM SOCIETY

SCREENING ROOM 1, EAST HALL

MASSACHUSETTS COLLEGE OF ART

621 HUNTINGTON AVE.

BOSTON

8PM/FREE

MASSARTFILMSOCIETY.BLOGSPOT.COM

GRAYFILMS.COM