by Justin Martell
Exchange Staff

     Junior, Jeff Cornell, has written and directed a feature length film that will premiere in the Fitzwater Center at the end of the semester.

     "Attached" is a drama starring recent Franklin Pierce graduate, Vito Trigo and freshman Theresa Caulkins.  The film examines relationships, particularly unhealthy ones.  The film has a fairly large cast that consists of mainly Franklin Pierce students who come from all walks of life. Trigo, is not an unfamiliar face to those who follow the Franklin Pierce Theater Department as well as student film productions. 

     "For years I've seen friends and others be trapped in unhealthy relationships.  The concept of the abuser and the abused is something that has always fascinated me," explained Cornell, "why do people stay in abusive relationships?  What is it about the human condition that makes it so difficult for those that are being abused to get up and walk out the door?  This is what the film explores."

     In an interview Trigo explained what attracted him to the project, "It was down to doing this "Attached" or another, totally different film.  This film being a drama and the other being a crime/thriller.  "Attached" has afforded me with the opportunity to play a part that I've never gotten to play…a hopeless romantic.  That's why I decided to do this, to try something new."

     In the film, Trigo plays the character of "Mike" who falls in love with a girl named "Marrissa" (played by Caulkins).  However, it's not that easy.  Caulkins' character is trapped in an abusive relationship that she is afraid to leave.  The story then centers around Mike's struggle to get Marrissa to finally leave her boyfriend who, according to Cornell, "doesn't make her happy, for someone who makes her happy."

     According to Cornell, production was completed early this month and the editing process has begun.  "When all is said and done I hope the film will be about 90 minutes."  Regardless of the run time, "Attached" will premiere at the end of the semester.