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Slipped Away

Synopsis

Steve Tarpinian died by suicide on March 15, 2015. He was a beloved coach, swimmer, entrepreneur, friend and companion. The video attempts to show that things are not always as they seem even though many thought Steve “had it all” (handsome, athletic, brilliant) . As narrator, I tell how I was guilty of propagating the stigma of suicide. Other voices speak of Steve’s positive impact on others.

Review

3/5
A documentary tribute to Steve Tarpinian.
Created by Jean Mellano, ‘Slipping Away’ is a short documentary and tribute film. Steve Tarpinian was an accomplished athlete, coach and entrepreneur. On March 15, 2015, his battle with mental health succumbed to suicide. The film is composed of photographs and videos throughout Steve’s career and personal life. Some of the people who knew him best; Merle Aaron, Wendy Ingram, Jean Mellano, Chris Pfund and White Raymond, cite tributes to honor his legacy. The docu-short explores themes of suicide and mental health. ‘Slipping Away’ is a poignant film made from the heart.

The 6-minute film opens with a sequence of images of Steve’s athletic abilities, accompanied with voice-over narration by Jean Mellano (Steve’s life partner). Jean speaks of his humble, kind and gentle soul and the unfathomable mental anguish that led to his suicide. The film acts as a compliment to her Steve Tarpinian memoir. Mellano’s goal is to open up the conversation surrounding suicide and suppress the stigma. Quotes by Maya Angelou, Alfred Lord Tennyson and Robin Williams are cited by Steve’s nearest and dearest.

Slipped Away Short Film
Visually, the short is limited to photographs and occasional videos. With respect, the documentary would be strengthened by live interviews – an alternative to the enduring voice-overs. Despite a limited production value, the documentary is a beautiful creation that honors Steve Tarpinian’s legacy. High praise to Jean Mellano – a courageous endeavor to produce.

Cast/Crew

Director(s): Jean Mellano
Writer(s): Jean Mellano
Cast:
Producer(s): Jean Mellano
Director of Photography:
Animation (if applicable):

Specifications

Genre:
Subjects: ,
Collections:
Country:
Language: English
Year: 2017
Runtime: 6 min

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Cast/Crew

Director(s): Jean Mellano
Writer(s): Jean Mellano
Cast:
Producer(s): Jean Mellano
Director of Photography:
Animation (if applicable):

Specifcations

Genre:
Subjects: ,
Collections:
Country:
Language: English
Year: 2017
Runtime: 6 min

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Slipped Away

Synopsis

Steve Tarpinian died by suicide on March 15, 2015. He was a beloved coach, swimmer, entrepreneur, friend and companion. The video attempts to show that things are not always as they seem even though many thought Steve “had it all” (handsome, athletic, brilliant) . As narrator, I tell how I was guilty of propagating the stigma of suicide. Other voices speak of Steve’s positive impact on others.

Review

A documentary tribute to Steve Tarpinian.

3/5
Created by Jean Mellano, ‘Slipping Away’ is a short documentary and tribute film. Steve Tarpinian was an accomplished athlete, coach and entrepreneur. On March 15, 2015, his battle with mental health succumbed to suicide. The film is composed of photographs and videos throughout Steve’s career and personal life. Some of the people who knew him best; Merle Aaron, Wendy Ingram, Jean Mellano, Chris Pfund and White Raymond, cite tributes to honor his legacy. The docu-short explores themes of suicide and mental health. ‘Slipping Away’ is a poignant film made from the heart.

The 6-minute film opens with a sequence of images of Steve’s athletic abilities, accompanied with voice-over narration by Jean Mellano (Steve’s life partner). Jean speaks of his humble, kind and gentle soul and the unfathomable mental anguish that led to his suicide. The film acts as a compliment to her Steve Tarpinian memoir. Mellano’s goal is to open up the conversation surrounding suicide and suppress the stigma. Quotes by Maya Angelou, Alfred Lord Tennyson and Robin Williams are cited by Steve’s nearest and dearest.

Slipped Away Short Film
Visually, the short is limited to photographs and occasional videos. With respect, the documentary would be strengthened by live interviews – an alternative to the enduring voice-overs. Despite a limited production value, the documentary is a beautiful creation that honors Steve Tarpinian’s legacy. High praise to Jean Mellano – a courageous endeavor to produce.

Recommended

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