MORNING MR GERREY

DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT

I wanted to create a quiet, intimate portrait of an ordinary life. Mr. Gerrey spends his days mostly alone and in silence, and I saw an opportunity to explore the universal elements of aging and solitude. This film is a meditation on the gentle strength found in simple, unspoken moments — his everyday routines, subtle gestures, and the quiet companionship with his dog, Marlo.

MORNING MR GERREY is inspired by the works of various artists, photographers, filmmakers and writers. It draws from the solitude and isolation of an Edward Hopper painting, the patient observation and duration of a Frederick Wiseman film, Annie Leibovitz’s bold colour and narrative rich images, and the environmental framing of an Arnold Newman photographic portrait.

I wanted to let the rural environment, human gestures, and silence speak for themselves, allowing viewers to observe what often goes unnoticed. Using carefully framed images and extended takes, I sought to immerse the audience in Mr. Gerrey’s secluded world, where time moves slowly, encouraging reflection on the busyness of their own lives.

This project challenges traditional storytelling by emphasising stillness and subtlety over a structured narrative. It creates a space for calm and contemplation, inviting viewers to slow down and appreciate the tranquil beauty of a life lived simply and alone. The film is a tribute to resilience and the fundamental human need for connection — even in the most solitary settings.

I hope this documentary encourages viewers to see the beauty in life’s subtle truths and to appreciate the resilience of those living quietly on the margins.

— Ian Darling, October 2025