Filmmaker Thibaud Goarin Discusses his Masterpiece THE THINGS WE CARRY starring Michael Madsen

Ladies and gentlemen, THE THINGS WE CARRY examines the themes of mental health, grief and loss, and the cycle of gun violence in America.

This is one of those rare short films that will linger inside you long after you see it. Thibaud Goarin brings a man, a vigilante played by Michael Madsen who is dealing a deep sense of pain and loss. He grapples with a mixed bag of emotions, all the while exercising his 2nd Amendment right to open carry his firearm. 

This is a very polarizing subject, where do we create the line between mental health and guns? Grief has been defined as love looking for a place to go, but grief can also go looking for closure that leads to trouble for the one carrying it. 

Grief is such a strong emotion that no one should carry it alone. But we live in a world where people don’t know how to ask for help. If someone is dealing with grief and loss and you know they are, you must reach out to them. 

THE THINGS WE CARRY brings forth a subtle reminder that mental health and guns don’t mix. When a person, such as Michael Madsen’s character has experienced loss caused by gun violence, closure is very hard to come by. 

And revenge is never the answer and trying to avenge one’s death has a cost no one wants to pay. 

Thibaud’s short film feels like a feature film. It is tense, emotional and relatable. The cinematography is spot on and adds to the story in its own subtle way. 

As for the acting of the late Michael Madsen. What can we say, I feel it could be his finest performance as he delivered a character who is flawed and hurting. And we all feel that when we see this film. 

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