Film Review: ALL THINGS METAL
by Kathryn Loggins

Motoki Otsuka, United States, 2024

The documentary short film ALL THINGS METAL centers around the Patterson brothers (Joel, Andy, and Dan) who run an iron forge together by day and play in their heavy metal band at night. Joel, the bassist in the band, was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome as a child. He had a difficult time coping with this but was fortunate enough to have parents, who encouraged him to use creativity, artistry, and humor to cope with his disability. Their father was a pastor, so the Patterson family moved around a lot, which made social situations difficult, especially for Joel. But Andy and Dan helped him cope by making movies together and channeling their focus into the creative arts. Their parents encouraged these pursuits wholeheartedly and instilled in their children what they perceived as the two most important things: your family and your creativity. Eventually, all three brothers were diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome, which was tragic, but it also helped them bond in a special way.

As they grew older they each found solace and reprieve in heavy metal. They were struck by how this genre takes the idea of death and sadness seriously, while also being tongue and cheek about it. This aligned with the sense of humor they had regarding their disability. So, they formed a band and started playing heavy metal after hours in their iron forge. This is where they also film their epic music videos using ironworks and outrageously funny choreography. Motoki Otsuka, the director of ALL THINGS METAL, succeeds beautifully in capturing the heart and wit of these three brothers. He deftly encapsulates their creative prowess; despite all the challenges they face daily. It’s a wonderfully uplifting film that shows how art is essential to our human experience and how it has the potential to truly change lives and inspire change.