Writer: Eric Havens
Director: Jill Sixx Gevargizian
A short film shot entirely from the unblinking eye (well, generally unblinking, apart from a few nicely-placed streaming glitches) webcam, this tells the tale of Ed (Harvey) and the events that unfold when his paid-for guest Mitzy (Risk) arrives at his place. Needless to say there are surprises in store for both of them...
That's is, I'm just going to watch short films from now on. Well, obviously not, but there's some great stuff out there in small but perfectly-formed packages that are just as, if not more, deserving of attention as their full-length feature cousins. Previously on this blog I've written about Andy Stewart's superb body-horror trilogy - Dysmorphia, Split and Ink - and Rob Nevitt's cracking medical misadventure tale Metamorphosis. I'm pleased to say that Call Girl is another outstanding short-form venture that you should track down. It's also worth noting that this is Jill Sixx's directorial debut and if this doesn't mark her as one to watch in the future I don't know what does.
The acting's first-rate from both players and I get the feeling they really enjoyed portraying their respective roles. Harvey's just so much fun to watch here, initially chattering away to the webcam, giddily waiting for Mitzy to show up, then portraying just the right mix of barely-concealed excitement and awkwardness as he tries to be the perfect host. Risk's performance complements this superbly, slightly standoffish and a little cold at first but quickly trying her best to make Ed - and herself - feel at ease. The dialogue between them is brilliantly written, totally believable and you're instantly drawn into the situation, wondering how it's all going to play out.
Oh, come on. You don't think I'm going to tell you what happens next, do you? You're just going to have to watch it.
In addition to the acting, the set design is beautiful and gives the film an impressive, high-budget look. There's a tremendous use of colour when it comes to both the location and the characters and this makes for some interesting contrasts, the lovely Tristan Risk illuminating the frame, looking utterly stunning in a white dress, set against the gorgeous, luscious red of the walls and Harvey's more sober blue and black attire. Is it light versus dark? Good versus evil? If so, which character embodies which? Or is there something less clear-cut going on? Again, not telling you. Sorry. Didn't you read the second paragraph? I'm telling you to see this movie!
In short (pardon the pun), this is smartly scripted, excellently acted, twisted, surprising and, above all, a lot of fun. I'm now waiting - quite impatiently, it has to be said - for Jill Sixx's next short, The Stylist.
No comments:
Post a Comment