THE USUAL

US, 1992, 80 minutes, Black and white.
John Crozier, Stephen Epp, Dominique Serrand, Lisa Todd.
Directed by Eric Tretbar.

The Usual is a small budget American film, from Minneapolis. Eric Tretbar is the writer, director and editor.

Filmed in black and white, the film shows us a portrait of Claire, a waitress at a grill, her relationship with former boyfriend Aldo and with current boyfriend Spike. We see the boss of the diner as well as Claire's mother. The film shows the usual in terms of characters, relationships, problems and resolving problems.

Filmed in black and white, the film has a vivid impression of suburban Minneapolis and its characters within that context.

1. An American perspective on relationships and characters? Minneapolis?

2. Black and white photography, the authentic atmosphere of the city, local atmosphere? Musical score?

3. The title, ordinary people, their questions, interactions?

4. Claire's perspective, on herself, her ambitions, on the two men in her life, on relationships and love?

5. The portrait of Claire, in herself, her background, her hopes? Family, her relationship with her mother, her mother's visit? The relationship with Aldo, the intimacy, the quality of love, shared experiences? His going away? Her work, the interviews? Relationship with Spike, the happy times, an affair or a commitment? The detail of their time together? Aldo's return, her response to him, Spike and his demands? Her decisions - where to go? With whom?

6. Aldo, in himself, his meeting with Claire, infatuation, falling in love, the relationship and its quality? Intimacy? His decision to leave? The return, the encounter with Claire, his attitude towards Spike? Conflict and resolution?

7. The contrast with Spike, at work, not good at his work, but efficient? The boss? Falling in love with Claire, at home with her, intimacy and friendship? The detail of their daily life? His attitude towards Aldo, Aldo's return? His future with Claire?

8. Themes of love, intimacy, affairs, commitment? The effect on Claire?

9. The background of Claire's mother, her visit? Her leaving Claire to talk things over with Spike?

10. The world of the diner, the boss, his attitudes, customers?

11. The title, the usual themes of men and women, relationships? American perspectives and insight?