The story is set in Seattle and Burien, Washington (Rat City). Aside from Hollywood stereotypes (e.g. a place of rain and coffee drinking) advanced in such films as Sleepless in Seattle, the urban and natural landscapes of the Pacific Northwest are a visual masterpiece rarely explored in film. The bustling and energetic metropolis of Seattle is contrasted with Burien, a city which is trying to reconcile its past wealth and importance with the crumbling landscape that now surrounds it it is slow paced and lonely, in some sense a melancholy place it's own past the reason why its future remains uncertain. Stark and sober, it is a portion of suburbia all but forgotten; it's ghostly past slowly, literally, blowing into the wind. These are amazing backdrops because they are areas where an intrinsic sense of place can be captured on camera. The audience will feel the industrial loneliness of Burien empty, abandoned spaces and working-class people. Equally, the audience will appreciate this slice of the American experience a collage of urban tapestry that is beautiful and grotesque in its composition, but often ignored as citizens go about their daily routines.
The visual style of the film is the fuel that ignites the theme and story. An array of colors inspired by the location will be employed: the blue and green hues and tones of Seattle's moderate weather, the earth tones of old forgotten towns, the silvers and grays of industry and abandonment, towering mountains and foreboding clouds. The film calls for a hazy, textured quality of lighting with deep shadows and a dusty, weathered feel. The visual power of the film must lie in a theme of cinematic collages, precise and careful camera framing, and poignant details.
"Rat City Blues" has the potential to draw a large audience from a wide age demographic (ages 17-40). The teenager can relate to the character of Mike, his rebellious, undaunting quest for continuous fun, while the twenty to forty some-things can relate to Jonas, an outward reflection of the loss of identity that comes with responsibility.
The target audience will be drawn to the well-developed characters as they struggle between their fading dreams and the loss of identity that comes with responsibility. Comic yet true-to-life moments and witty dialogue will resonate and contrast with the serious, timeless themes woven throughout the film. Youth vs. maturity crises, buddies drifting apart, male-female relationship dynamics, and political and social tensions all combine in this compelling tale to reveal life vividly and realistically. Finally, the contemporary independent music soundtrack will be carefully selected to appeal to this broad range, all the while complementing the films unique characters and visual style.