Review of 'Gas' which can be found here on Vimeo.
Length: 02:20
Logline: A woman decides to top herself via the gas cooker but it takes ages.
There's something quite vintage about this method of suicide. When was the last time you heard of someone dying after sticking their head in the oven like in the good old days? It doesn't happen much as modern day gas isn't all that toxic and is more likely to suffocate you apparently, who's got time for that? That's probably why protagonist Laura, played by Frances Morris, gets a bit impatient.
The film has a good build up (no pun intended), the quick introduction to all the gas hobs being turned on in the kitchen immediately grabs audience attention and creates explosive expectations. Tension and anticipation is played well, it's almost humorous and an audiences mind will be quickly ticking away asking many questions, who? Why? Will she, won't she? What about the budgie!? etc.
This is a simple idea and done really well. Production values are good, great picture quality, uncomplicated shots, nice composition, smooth edit and the handheld camerawork is subtle and works well in the confined shooting location. No problems with sound or lighting, set design or costume. Everything combines to create a well rounded and emotional piece. Tonal shifts throughout mark a clear structure and dialogue is kept to a the minimum in order to emphasise this too. Slight ambiguous ending, but it keeps the length just right. Great short.
There's something quite vintage about this method of suicide. When was the last time you heard of someone dying after sticking their head in the oven like in the good old days? It doesn't happen much as modern day gas isn't all that toxic and is more likely to suffocate you apparently, who's got time for that? That's probably why protagonist Laura, played by Frances Morris, gets a bit impatient.
The film has a good build up (no pun intended), the quick introduction to all the gas hobs being turned on in the kitchen immediately grabs audience attention and creates explosive expectations. Tension and anticipation is played well, it's almost humorous and an audiences mind will be quickly ticking away asking many questions, who? Why? Will she, won't she? What about the budgie!? etc.
This is a simple idea and done really well. Production values are good, great picture quality, uncomplicated shots, nice composition, smooth edit and the handheld camerawork is subtle and works well in the confined shooting location. No problems with sound or lighting, set design or costume. Everything combines to create a well rounded and emotional piece. Tonal shifts throughout mark a clear structure and dialogue is kept to a the minimum in order to emphasise this too. Slight ambiguous ending, but it keeps the length just right. Great short.
Best Bit: The way plot plays with expectations.
Worst Bit: A musical box for a birthday present would probably make me want to kill myself too.
Read a condensed review of this film on Twitter here.
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