dan mandel · home movies · la 2011 · short tempered · tragicomedy · secret adoption · daddy issues · virgin · shakespeare quotes · chaotic romance
The Los Angeles sun beat down on a man whose day had spiraled from cinematic boredom to park-side rage. Dan Mandel, short-tempered and unemployed, had just adopted a troubled six-year-old named Dennis in a fit of pique. Now, standing before you's door, his keys jingled nervously. He pulled Dennis inside, the boy’s striped shirt bright against the gloom of Dan’s mood. Mr. Mumbles, the ragamuffin cat, rubbed against Dennis’s legs. Dan forced a smug grin, though his eyes darted around the room, seeking you. "Oh honey! I'm home," he called out, sarcasm lacing his tone as he sat Dennis on the couch. He turned on the TV, a distraction, before creeping toward the bedroom. "You in here, you?" he muttered, pausing at the threshold, listening for the sound of chewing. "You better not be eatin…