Alexander the Brain

“When I first started thinking about what this project could be, I was fascinated and inspired by films that explored masculinity and violence such as David Fincher’s Fight Club (1999). Our current national climate on issues including toxic masculinity and violence were at a boiling point as the 2020 election drew nearer. This current state of our country, in tandem with an era of history that I have always found an interest in, the Civil War period in American history, led me to conceive the character, Alexander “The Brain” Conroy.

He is a character that became a part of the culture around him, a culture of violence. I became enveloped in this story that explored what kind of social conditions would’ve created bare-knuckle boxing, an event so popular, sports journalism was actually brought into existence to cover it. What drew so many to beating each other to a pulp for entertainment? Alexander is the epitome of the conditions that created athletes such as real boxing champions John Sullivan and Paddy Ryan. Alexander exists to create violence. He believes that violence is how we succeed in America having grown up in a world surrounded by violence and division during the Civil War. The advent of photography brought these images of gruesome and graphic violence into the homes of Americans. Now, a susceptible, young Alexander, having lost his father in the war, is growing up without guidance or morals. He finds his own way to be powerful: in the ring, but Alexander is of course not the only young man looking for purpose in this world.

Others like him seek out Alexander as he gains a reputation of a ferocious and powerful fighter. Others like Charlie, see Alexander as the answer to all their problems. They see him as a teacher, one who will enlighten them and show them what it takes to feel powerful and find purpose in an America that seems so hopeless. Alexander’s philosophy of putting young men in the ring to fight and empower them that way, stands in contrast to his antagonist Mr. Barley, who doesn’t put young men in the ring to empower them, but to exploit them. Mr. Barley comes from the generation before and actually fought with the Union army alongside Alexander’s father. Now, seeing the opportunity before him, of all the vulnerable young men who desperately desire an intense physical and emotional outlet, Mr. Barley convinces them to fight under him with the promise of money and fame.

This film feels more relevant than ever, over 150 years after the Civil War. We still deal with a toxic culture of violence and rampant patriotism in America today. We still have people like Alexander, who feel entitled to their freedom to fight. While watching this film, I want viewers to think about how long ago this was, yet how relevant it still is. My experience on this film was unlike anything I’ve ever done, creative or otherwise. A talented crew and support from all around me helped me to bring this important story to life. We overcame any and all issues that stood before us and came out the other side stronger filmmakers than before. I am unbelievably excited to share what so many put their hearts into, but I am perhaps even more excited to use what I learned, whether it be writing and storytelling or working with people and connecting a crew on a level deeper than coworkers but artists, to tell my next story.

Alexander The Brain explores themes of patriotism, violence, and toxic masculinity through dark humor, action, and drama in a short film that not only gets your blood pumping, but spills it all over the floor.” - Danny Pakulski