The Jewish Executive Learning Annex will
kick off its Brooklyn Heights Jewish International Film Festival
on Feb. 7 with the 2001 Canadian film, "Schmelvis: In Search
of Elvis Presley’s Jewish Roots."
This utterly unpredictable documentary by writer-director-producer
Max Wallace claims to be a journalistic endeavor to make the
case for Elvis’ ties to Judaism. Instead, it becomes clear that
this behind-the-scenes film is helmed by a band of directionless
filmmakers intent on a road trip to Graceland with an Orthodox
Jewish Elvis impersonator, Schmelvis, in tow.
While they make half-hearted attempts at their research (they
wander around a cemetery, looking for the grave of Elvis’ Jewish
great-great-grandmother but don’t seem to know for sure if she’s
even buried there), and when the infighting overcomes them, they
run off to the unlikely destination, Israel, for clues.
"Schmelvis" is at times Woody Allen-esque (the filmmakers
practically taunt the southerners and then dejectedly admit,
to humorous effect, that they can’t elicit any anti-Semitic responses)
but more so like "Project Greenlight," HBO’s reality
series filming the unpleasant quarreling of self-righteous novices
attempting to make a movie. On camera, a filmmaker actually hits
up his Aunt Pearlie for money to make the movie by bribing her
with a paper bag full of chocolate bars.
But the film is worth it for those few and far between comic
moments, like the visit to the unsuspecting Auntie. And when
the anti-Semitism does rear its ugly head, it’s an unwarranted,
deeply affecting surprise not provoked by either Schmelvis or
his cohorts.
Although Schmelvis often ran from opportunities to perform in
the documentary, there will be a post-film concert and dialogue
with the yarmulke-wearing crooner.
The screening is free and begins at 8 pm at the Jewish Executive
Learning Annex in B’nai Avraham, 117 Remsen St. in Brooklyn Heights.
Reservations are necessary. Call (718) 596-4840 ext. 15.
