There are films that blur the line between fiction and reality… and then there’s Be My Cat: A Film for Anne. A one-man nightmare circus of obsession, performance, and delusion, this DIY descent into madness burrows under your skin and refuses to leave. Adrian Tofei doesn’t just play a character he inhabits a persona so disturbingly convincing that it’s hard to believe you’re not watching something real. Shot in his hometown on a micro-budget, Tofei crafts a found footage experience that doesn’t rely on cheap tricks or loud scares, but instead traps you in the claustrophobic psyche of a man whose fantasy has devoured his reality. I’m not referring to it as a one man nightmare circus for nothing.
Adrian’s performance is dripping in madness, delusion and obsession. During the film his expressions alone show his glee and enjoyment. The victims expressions tell a different story. You can see they have realised that this is not just an audition for a movie. It’s a one way ticket into Adrian’s mad, bonkers circus. One aspect I particularly enjoyed was the way he talks to the camera as if he’s actually speaking to his one true love, actress Anne Hathaway. Every time Adrian does this we see him getting more delusional and twisted. His delivery is that of a rabid gleeful madman. A total head case. Indulged by his own fantasy. It’s hard not to have a chuckle but a part of you as a viewer knows that this guy is dead serious and dangerous.
The ending also leaves a lasting impact. The ending is ambiguous and the lack of resolution has tremendous weight behind it. This guy actually believes he is making a love letter movie for Ann Hathaway. He’s as mad as a box of frogs. During the final act there’s no killing, no violence and nothing too startling. Just a rabid nutcase reinforcing his belief that him and Anne are soulmates.
This film is heading towards being one of three. The second piece is in post production. I can’t wait to see Adrian sculpt his twisted vision into a wider concept. The next instalment will definitely be on my radar. If you’re a found footage junkie. Do yourself a favour by visiting this strange low budget curiosity. It’s something totally adverse to the usual. Whether you like it or not. You’ll feel as if you’ve never witnessed anything quite like it.