Writer-director Paul Lieberstein (Toby from The Office) stars in his first feature film, Songs of the Back and Neck. As odd and slightly cumbersome as the title is, it works for this sweet and funny story which is one of self-discovery. Fred (Lieberstein) is a hapless paralegal at his father’s law firm. Constantly put down by young attorneys at the firm and crippled by back and neck pain, Fred struggles to get through each day, physically and emotionally. When the beautiful and charming Regan (Rosemary DeWitt) walks into his office looking for a divorce, Fred is smitten. She suggests Fred visit an acupuncturist, who helps Fred both relieve his pain and discover an unusual gift. Bonding through their shared neck and back pain, Fred and Regan embark on a romance to heal their broken hearts and aching torsos.
Lieberstein created a very true to life story which allows the audience to empathize with the character’s disenchantment with his life, but also delivers some unexpected belly laughs. Songs of the Back and Neck is well worth the price of admission. The film premiered on April 23 at the Tribeca Film Festival. There is one more showing at the Festival on Saturday, April 28, so be sure to check it out!
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