Portraits From A Fire By Trevor Tyler

At his core, Tyler from Portraits from a Fire by Trevor Mack is an awkward teenage filmmaker sculpted by family trauma.

With long brown hair and a lanky build, Tyler's awkward nature can be attributed to having limited socialization. Emotionally neglected by his father and excluded from his community leaves him lonely. Without a support system, he has adopted independence both physically and emotionally. This seclusion builds throughout the film as Tyler’s questions about family secrets are left unanswered. He blames himself for the disappearance of his mother. This causes him to spiral into sadness and self-reproach. Additionally, visuals of a shotgun pointed at his head hint at his battle with suicidal thoughts. With no one to confide in, he finds a new way to regulate his emotions; film. A passion derived from pain, he initially uses filmmaking as an escape. He frequently chooses to film until the late afternoon and skip outings with his grandfather. He uses his creativity to develop new worlds and design set pieces, showing a particular interest in sci-fi action. He becomes the star of all his movies and dreams of a full screening complete with dedicated fans. When practicing for a director interview in the mirror, he reveals his ambition.

He starts to film himself talking to his mother, questioning why no one will open up to him about her. His deprival of the truth pushes him to confront everyone through a movie. He uses his real emotions to make something opposing his “baby crap” first films. This movie is of exceptional importance to Tyler. Its screening serves as part of his desperate search for truth and reconnection with his father. As Tyler persuades his father to attend, he shows determination where he previously had not. Tyler believes his creation needs to be seen so he can finally “know how everyone truly feels”. He longs for the