‘Aaron With 2 A’s’ is a bold and heartfelt comedy/drama directed by Michael Goldburg, with a script co-written by Steve Lichtenstein, Goldburg, Mark Resnik, and Montana Rock. This short follows the struggle of a 65-year-old actor, Aaron (played by Lichtenstein), whose career is teetering on the edge of oblivion until a fleeting opportunity arrives -only to collapse just as quickly, leaving him almost broken and with a crucial decision to make.
With subtle humor woven into the fabric of Aaron’s self-destructive journey, Lichtenstein’s performance is electric – his portrayal of a man teetering between stubborn determination and quiet despair is both entertaining and deeply empathetic. You can’t help but root for him as he struggles to maintain his passion for acting, even as the voices in his head – manifested visually – whisper pessimism and self-doubt.
Aaron’s wife, Judy (Pamela Jayne Morgan), plays a crucial role in the narrative, balancing out Aaron’s ambitions with her own dreams. She’s the pragmatic breadwinner, and while she supports her husband, she also struggles with his inability to fully engage in their shared life. Her desire for a life of her own – separate from Aaron’s dreams – introduces a layer of complexity to the story, forcing Aaron to reckon not only with his career but with the demands of his relationship.
Goldburg’s direction is solid, guiding the tale forward with a comedic rhythm, while the widescreen cinematography by Toru Nishikubo adds a layer of quality that heightens the film, making it feel expansive yet intimately grounded in Aaron’s personal turmoil. The film’s production values are top-notch, with an energy that mirrors the highs and lows of Aaron’s journey, flawlessly blending comedy and drama in a way that feels fresh and unique.
It’s ultimately an exploration of the delicate balance between pursuing your dreams and knowing when to let go – or when to keep fighting. The film examines the struggle of reconciling ambition with reality, the challenge of perseverance, and the tough decisions that come with following or abandoning a dream. Highly recommended.
