THE MAD WRITER

How does a musician make music when they are slowly and mysteriously losing their hearing? Director Zach Kashkett makes a documentary about his oldest friend, Austin Hart. A shockingly curmudgeonly and darkly sardonic subject, Kashkett slowly pulls out a profound story about an artist on the brink of greatness or tragedy.

The editing is masterful. The narrative flow is deliciously punctuated with L’Orange’s (Austin’s artist name) uniquely produced and created beats. His music is hypnotic, sampling blues and standards to assemble something fresh, almost binaural in its rhythms. While THE MAD WRITER follows Austin’s musical and surgical journey, it speaks universally to those suffering from depression and unsure of their place in the world. Austin says it best in the film. Everyone wants to feel “satisfied, clever, and useful.” He’s not wrong.

The Mad Writer is an emitonally powerful film and a must-see at Chelsea Film Festival.

The Mad Writer – Festival Trailer from Zach Kashkett on Vimeo.

SATURDAY, October 14, 2023—6 pm- Regal 14th Street, Auditorium 15

Ticket Link: The Mad Writer Ticket Link

SYNOPSIS: This music documentary by Director Zach Kashkett takes us on the both the mental and physical health journey of hip-hop beat writer L’Orange as he faces a medical condition that could affect his career in music. The Mad Writer premiered at Slamdance Film Festival in Park City in January, and this is their New York Premiere.  Zach’s most notable projects include: Shawn Mendes: In Wonder (documentary), Always Jane (TV Series), Sins of The Mother (TV Mini Series).