The Short Films: Flat Earther and Cabeceo
The Director: Brian Crewe
The Stories:
Flat Earther: Martin and Cassandra's promising second date takes an unexpected turn when their conversation challenges personal beliefs and their assumptions about each other.
Cabeceo: A passionate Argentine Tango dance fantasy featuring a woman exploring the sensual and dangerous possibilities presented by a potential new lover.
Flat Earther Review:
I don't know if you will find a film, feature or short, that so genuinely captures the essence of modern miscommunication. The rabbit hole of conversation based on disinformation, or at least one sided information, spirals out of control so quickly, you barely know what's happening and then suddenly it's all over and you're left sitting there like, yeah I've been there before.
Both characters, played by Amy Sloan and Joe Holt, seem like reasonably intelligent people which makes the downfall of their conversation as unlikely as it is inevitable and that's what makes the movie such a brilliant roller coaster ride. They cover a range of timely topics with of course flat earthers being a prime subject along with things like gun control and conspiracy theories arounfd 9/11 and the moon landing.
My favorite thing about this movie is the fact that director Brian Crewe chose to shoot it as one single extended take which means no editing and no cuts just one shot from beginning to end. This allowed for the focus to remain on the two actors and the conversation they were having in a very intimate way that puts you right there at the table with them. The genius here is, as a veiwer, you are going to have your own strong thoughts and opinions on these topics and having that level of immersion really helps to draw out the emotions that unfold between the two characters.
Cabeceo Review:
One of the things I learned in watching some of the behind the scenes videos on Brian Crewe's YouTube page is how both of these shorts were filmed together in a matter of a few days at a single location which is kind of unheard of and maybe not the smartest move ever but the director and his amazing team of filmmakers pull it all off beautifully. One thing that really stands out with Cabaceo is the set and production design elements that really stand out and make for a visually stunning 8 minute investment in entertainment.
Where Flat Earther focuses on a roller coaster of conversation and dialog, Cabeceo does the same thing visually and physically and with an absolute minimum amount of talking. As you can see in the image below, the lighting and framing is beautifully set up and it just gets better and better as the story progresses. You ever have one of those moments where you just get lost in your own head while out in public as a fantasy like daydream plays out in your imagination? that's basically what this film is and the filmmakers capture that dreamlike essence perfectly.
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