“…you gotta have something to believe in. This is all for nothing. Don’t matter if you live in a three-hundred dollar house…if you’re not happy, it don’t mean nothing.” -Bill O’Connor

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Simple and plain.

“Mr. Wild” explores an elder Floridian named Bill O’Connor who discusses his reverberating grief after his friend, and the director Caleb Wild’s grandfather, passed away shortly after his wife. 

You can hear the depths of pain in his voice, even before he was visibly emotional. The close-up shots of Mr. O’Connor responding to Caleb’s questions about the fruits of life were heartbreaking and breathtaking. I am guilty of every offense he mentioned—being on my phone while I’m visiting my aging parents, overworking, and not enjoying life, for example.

The breakaway shots of O’Connor’s medicine bottles, his golf game, and riding around his neighborhood in his golf cart were great edits. They added definition and character to the subject’s profile.

The super cut montage of Wild’s family was spiritual. The editing and score will get you, man. 🥺 

Rest In Peace to Grandfather Wild, and thank you Caleb for sharing this piece of your family.