Review: ‘American Trash,’ a startling look at morality and apathetic humanity

Some of the most fascinating characters in film are complex, deeply flawed individuals. Protagonists with baggage and skewed morals allow for richness in the performances. With Robert LaSardo’s American Trash, the writer/director strikes an alarming balance between fighting against society’s apathy toward nature and one another, and the intrigue around cult leader and killer Charles Manson. These central themes propel the story to barrel down the tracks of revenge and acceptance, ultimately crashing into catastrophe.

Milles (LaSardo), a war veteran, seeks to make the planet a cleaner place. He dedicates his free time to picking up trash, particularly at the location of a cave once used by Manson, and meets young woman and environmentalist Melissa (Lorelei Linklater) who shares common interests. Their love is doomed from the start when the film takes a hard left turn, and Milles must learn the meanings of revenge and healing. Life remains erratically unexpected, as Milles’ life seems to be burning to the ground. His deep-seated anger proves to be detrimental in his virtuous journey; he finds himself at a crossroads, and which path he decides to take will determine his future.

The crime/thriller proposes to the viewer to set aside their own moral compass and allow themselves to go along for the bumpy ride. With solid lead performances, particularly from LaSardo, who delivers a raw vulnerability, there’s a needle-point earnestness that sews the film together into a rich tapestry of the human condition. We all feel rage, sorrow, and hopelessness. These emotions come crushing down upon our shoulders when we least expect it, and it’s up to us not to be totally consumed by them.

Milles succumbs to his violent ways, as he continues spreading his message about keeping the planet clean. But he becomes emotionally tangled and before long vultures circle him like he’s prey. Soon enough, he has no way out but to spiral further down and away from the person he once was. LaSardo, along with Adrian Milnes, who offered revisions, offers a thoughtful sketch of what it means to lose one’s humanity in a cloud of anger.

American Trash might be a tough sell for many people, particularly the inclusion of old Charles Manson interviews, but there’s plenty of engaging commentary about the planet, redemption, and keeping a tight grip on your humanity. Robert LaSardo delivers one of his most captivating films to date, permitting himself to dig deeper than he ever has before. From the very first frame, the film provides a real cinematic surprise and forces the audience to confront their own morality.