Length: 03:54
Logline: A photographer explores the sights of Blackpool.
I struggled to see the point of this short. It could possibly just be a basic exercise in shooting and editing, in which case it's alright. The distinct lack of plot makes it a hard watch though and it becomes fairly monotonous rather quickly.
The film is entirely comprised of shots of Andy Gimson who plays the serious photographer, deep in thought, with Nikon to the ready. There is a varying degree of shot composition, static camera and hand held with movement. Also included are moody focus pulls, fade transitions to show time passing, a shift from beach to urban setting, and the very occasional still photo that Gimson is taking is sometimes mixed in too.
The acoustic guitar strumming by Andy McKee has been well chosen and suits the dull weather and the drab action. The visuals don't tend to complement the differing tempos or tones of the soundtrack which was one of the reasons I categorised this as experimental rather than music video. Unlike the music, the film doesn't change very much in any way. We are simply watching a passage of time with a person doing the same actions repeatedly. Without any plot or character conflict to follow, it is hard to engage with and as you continue to watch, hoping something is going to happen, you're left disappointed as ultimately, nothing does.
As an experiment in camera work, simple editing and composition, this works. As an absorbing and interesting short film, it doesn't.
Best Bit: Audio track.
Worst Bit: Nothing happens.
Final thought: Only watch if you're a fan of the musician.
Read a condensed review of this film on Twitter here.
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