Released worldwide today (October 22) on Vimeo, and Wednesday (October 24) on Dekkoo, is «Trophy Boy», the award-winning short film about James, a sexy NYC #bestlife poser who must face the harsh reality of creating a life without a hashtag after he is dumped by his wealthy benefactor.
The film was directed by actor and director Emrhys Cooper, written by co-star Anthony Johnston (a writer on CBS series «Instinct») and co-stars Gerald McCullough, who many know from the «Bear City» movies.
«Trophy Boy», premiered on Sunday October 21st in the private screening room at the exclusive members club SoHo House New York. Drawing a glamorous crowd including actors like Zachary Quinto and his partner Miles McMillan. Instagram star Eric Rutherfod, well known artist and author Oliver Jeffers, actress and influencer Sofia Belhouari and the full cast of«Trophy Boy».
A «Trophy Boy» TV series is in development by a well-known company. Details to follow.
As one post-Cannes Film Festival reviewer put it, «Trophy Boy» is the film equivalent of accidentally opening the front-facing camera on your phone while lying down, revealing your double chin. It shows us the real lives of these immaculately groomed people and the extreme lengths they go to for social media attention.
But much as we enjoy the lip-smacking taste of schadenfreude at James’ expense, who hasn’t wasted hours staging and post-producing a lucky selfie or curating a dubious, glasses-raised «aspirational» post? Aren’t we all guilty of a little unhealthy #bestlife fakery?
«Social media has created a generation of self-obsessed narcissists obsessed with self-obsessed narcissists», says Cooper–himself with nearly a quarter million followers across his social platforms–on why he made the film.
«My goal for «Trophy Boy» is to say look up from your phone, breathe, observe, and think about what really matters; honesty, integrity and deep sense of responsibility. Enjoying the people you love and doing meaningful work. When we do this, we put ourselves on a path toward achieving the dream of living a truly satisfying life. Our #authenticlife, as it were. Zero “Likes” given. Or needed».
