We walk up the steps into the hall. It's typical of other such community spaces that I've been in. Maybe a little older, but then New York has been around a lot longer than most of those places. The glass doors look new, as does the metal detectors just beyond. They're blocked off tonight, though. I guess this private showing doesn't need that much security. I don't see any people, considering how many cars were outside. I am just about ready to turn to Sam to ask him about what should happen, when I see the Dylon Tyler, or is it Taylor, down the hall talking to another man. Neither one is as dressed up as we are. I guess that I may have misjudged what this is all about.
Tyler sees us and waves us over to talk to the other man.
"This is Chris, the one I told you about. Chris, meet Nathan Robertson. He is the local president of the Burton Appreciation Society." Tyler gets us to shaking hands all around. I hate the practice, myself. I'm always afraid I'll catch something. I usually try and wash my hands off as soon as I can, but in this case, I might not be able.
"Hello, Nathan. This is Sam, my half-brother. I hope it's not a problem that he's here."
"Actually, it might," Nathan starts off. "Tonight's film really isn't for someone so young. I don't think you're over eighteen, are you?" He's staring right at Sam, while Sam is basically trying not to look at anyone.
"He just turned fourteen last month," I answer for him.
"Yeah, fourteen," Sam stammers out, his voice cracking again.
"We have a few other kids in the break room. He's a little older than the others, so he can join and help out. Why don't you come with me, while Nate here explains a few things." Tyler grabs Sam by the shoulders, and he all but drags Sam away, down the hall and to a room on the right.
"Sorry about that. Sam has been awkward lately, due to recent events. Puberty isn't helping him out just now."
"Don't worry. We all go through it and usually turn out right. Dil mentioned most of your situation, so I didn't bring most of it up. First time?" Nate asks.
"First time for what?"
"To see one of Burton's films. Most people are astounded when they see them. Tonight, we have the first one. It is amazing, but not really fro younger viewers. What do you know about your, father, wasn't it?" Nate all but mumbles there. I guess it can't be easy for him either.
"I'ver just found out about him. I have only seen a few of his works. I think most of them are kind of folksy, right?"
"Please. When he first started out, most of his professors thought he was just another rich kid trying to find a major where he wouldn't have to work too hard. But then they saw his talent. He had the eye for such things, but so much of his of his work did border on folk art and Americana. When he went to grad school, his professors wanted to challenge him. They made him explore different avenues to art. Take chances and all that. He made a series of films that forced him to go all out and break the molds.
"Tonight, we are showing his first great film. It's part of a thesis on Modern art. It's pure performance art on a grand, beautiful scale. He made six or seven, the society has never asked him for an exact count. We are pretty sure that he may have destroyed at least one of them. It's too bad he ultimately decided to go back to that folksy stuff. The films are the best things he has ever made. Really inspiring." Nate is practically jumping up and down with excitement by the time he finishes his spiel.
"So, you don't have any of his other works on display tonight?"
"Oh, no. The society is strictly concerned with Burton's film work. Most of his paintings an such are rather pedestrian compared to his films. No offense," Nate quickly added.
"Uh, non taken. When I first found out about my father, and, uh, what happened," I couch my words carefully. "I think I might have seen your society mentioned online. I first thought it was about someone else, since I didn't know about his films, but could it possibly been..."
Nate interrupts me before I can finish the thought. "Oh yes. That was not assuredly about us. There are actually a few branches of our society, mostly around New York, of course. While Burton made a few films, and almost all for his classes, they are all greatly admired by his staunchest supporters. Each one has been a great inspiration to us chosen few. Unfortunately, he preferred to stay away from his films. Almost as if he was embarrassed by them. Rumor has it that he never did give up filming, and that there is a stockpile of unreleased footage somewhere, just waiting to be discovered and brought into the light."
This guy was getting weird on me. In fact, all of this seemed out of hand. A society about the student art films of my father? And now, Nate was hinting about more of them.
"Are you suggesting what I think you are?"
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