Mister Organ (2022) Documentary Movie Review

The film unfolds like a psychological thriller, revealing Michael's life, scarier than a horror movie and more tormenting than a "Saw" sequel. One observer even likens Michael to an "evil spirit," though Farrier's presentation assures us there's nothing supernatural about this jaw-dropping narrative. At the expense of his own sanity, Farrier unravels the darker aspects of a seemingly law-abiding human.

In Farrier's prior documentary, "Tickled," he explored the peculiar world of tickling p-orn, clashing with its hierarchy. "Mister Organ" follows a similar pattern, starting with simplicity and strangeness. Farrier, drawn to powerful eccentrics, practices his "Farrier vs. Goliath" brand of journalism, often confronting unbelievably unique individuals. Early on, he acknowledges, "This is exactly my kind of weird mess."

The story unfolds when Farrier learns about Michael in 2016—a middle-aged man who gained notoriety for clamping parked cars outside a closed antique store. The store owner, Jillian, positions Michael as the store's director and spokesperson. Initially, the clamping venture brings both money and controversy, capturing Farrier's curiosity. As an online journalist turned documentarian, he falls into the trap with cameras rolling over his shoulder. The journey is not without its consequences, leaving both Farrier and the audience affected by the strange world of "Mister Organ."

Farrier's investigation starts with newspaper clippings revealing Michael's past antics, like claiming to be a prince while in court for stealing a boat. Michael has a knack for representing himself in court, often winning cases. His ever-changing name on legal documents and a trail of traumatized ex-roommates describe a disturbing pattern of psychological manipulation, sometimes leading to extreme consequences. One former roommate even considers incarceration as an escape from Michael.

As Farrier digs deeper into Michael's sphere, he notices a trend—many people avoid discussing Michael, emphasizing the discomfort surrounding him. When Farrier contacts over 30 of Jillian's friends, none are willing to go on the record, with one anonymous voice even labeling Michael as dangerous.

The story takes a turn when the antique store closes, and Farrier makes an error by taking a discarded sign as a souvenir. This triggers a lawsuit from Michael and Jillian. Despite Farrier's attempt to return the sign, it is stolen from his property. The legal battle takes Farrier six hours away, facing Michael's litigation skills and an exorbitant fine. Undeterred, Farrier persists in his quest for understanding, only to be confronted by Michael's escalating omnipotence and paranoia.

In the midst of the documentary, Farrier expresses concern about getting entangled in such a bizarre series of events, fearing it might sound like he's lost his way. This fear materializes as Michael dominates the film with lengthy monologues and condescending interviews, leaving Farrier openly admitting to being bored and oppressed by Michael's relentless nothingness.

Despite the challenges, "Mister Organ" captures a unique and terrifying power, as Michael's narcissism seemingly extends beyond the screen. Farrier's commitment as a storyteller transforms Michael's infuriating qualities into a cinematic experience that feels immersive, like experiencing every moment in 3-D, Dolby Surround, Smell-O-Vision, and 48 frames per second. The result is a concise 95-minute film that leaves a lasting impression, successfully conveying the disturbing essence of Michael's story.

Farrier and his small team persist in this challenging project, showcasing a vulnerable moment where a teary-eyed Farrier regrets pitching the movie. While Farrier typically adopts a casual first-person perspective, more transparency about the production and its challenges would enhance our understanding of why he endures hours of Michael's empty monologues. Despite the documentary effectively capturing a narcissist's control, Farrier subjecting himself to Michael for the sake of completing the film (which remains elusive) seems overshadowed by the numerous intimidation stories he gathers.

Later in the film, Farrier acknowledges how Michael has manipulated him, delving into the traits that make Michael an expert at deceit. It mirrors the process individuals undergo when recognizing and distancing themselves from a narcissist in their lives. While Michael's lies and projections may be glaringly obvious to viewers, Farrier's genuine ignorance about this losing game is surprisingly relatable. This aspect becomes the film's cringe-worthy highlight. "Mister Organ" suggests that Farrier may have never encountered such a narcissist before, making the film a compelling cautionary portrait—even if it serves as a visceral flashback for some. If you've ever experienced someone with Michael's aura or felt the impact this unforgettable movie conveys, consider it a clear sign to distance yourself.