FACE THE MUSIC

At the heart of Face the Music lies the struggle of a broken artist caught in a web of addiction, guilt, and the consequences of their lies. Ryan Bentley, a rockstar at the height of his fame, battles with the growing darkness of his personal life while desperately clinging to the crumbling facade of his public image. The story explores the delicate balance between addiction and creativity, and the devastating toll both take—not just on the individual, but on their loved ones and those around them. Through Ryan’s journey, I sought to confront the societal and personal demons that often accompany addiction, particularly in the entertainment industry.

 Addiction is a prevalent issue for many creative professionals—musicians, writers, and artists. Their struggles often become tabloid fodder, with the public only privy to a one-dimensional narrative of fame and scandal. In Face the Music, I aim to peel back the layers of this public persona and expose the human cost of addiction, its stranglehold on the creative process, and the fragile nature of self-worth and truth. The character of Ryan Bentley is an archetype of the broken artist, torn between his art and the destruction caused by his vices. His journey parallels my own experiences with addiction, which, for years, I denied as a necessary tool for creativity and social survival. This story, for me, is deeply personal. I spent a long time believing that I needed substance abuse to fuel my creative energy, and it was only through confronting my own demons that I understood the devastating impact of that lie. Face the Music is an exploration of that painful truth—a story that I believe needs to be told not only for myself but for others who may feel trapped by their own addictions.

 The film is about the cost of truth, both for those struggling with addiction and for the people they love. It’s about confronting the lies we tell ourselves and the ways in which they shape our reality. It’s also about the harsh light of public scrutiny that often leaves no room for vulnerability or redemption, especially for public figures. By following Ryan’s path, I hope to spark a conversation about the intersection of addiction, truth, and the media’s portrayal of fame, ultimately encouraging a deeper understanding of the consequences that echo far beyond the screen.