Throughout the film industry (feature and short), there are gems that keep you watching and wanting more. Films that you keep coming back to for a second or third viewing to fully understand what the director(s) really want you to figure out. In regards to the short independent films, most of them fall short on one major issue, audience patience. Audience patience, among other things, is crucial to a short film and could be a blunder at the early stages of a short film. Most great short films, creatively, don't see anything outside of the five to fifteen-minute mark. Falling into that time frame, Vile hits home in a few levels and wanting the audience to come back for more. Vile, directed by Carson Dahl, is about a man taking his family on a road trip to experience his childhood home and the town from once he came. Upon arrival, things aren't what they seem after one terrifying night for the family. Carson paints the family as a run of the mill, blue collar, family with a father/husband that may have a dark and mysterious past. The director sheds some light on his past; however, quickly changes the playing field as to carefully not gives things up just yet. From the eerie story to the character development, Carson's sets an eerie and mysterious tone throughout this whole short film. Developing the Past Throughout this whole short, you [audience] members are trying to figure out what/who this short film is about. Sometimes the name of a title of a film, is more about an individual or family then the actual story. Vile is more about the David and his hidden past than another thing else. The film centers on the fascination of David and his frighten past that he can't escape it. As soon as David visit's his brother, David changes into the real "creature" of this short film. He doesn't want anyone knowing about his past nor wants his brother to inform his family about it. David's demeanor changes drastically in a way that most Hollywood villains do right after the climax of a film. Now granted, we don't get to hear nor see any of David's past; however, it is foreshadowed in the "creature" that hides in the dark. Almost like this "creature" is his past trying to come out from his inner self. Michael (David's brother) on the other hand really wants to put things to rest. He wants to get his brother to talk more about what happened to them from their past lives; however, David keeps squashing his past. David wants to protect his family and get back home to his normal life. The writer and director of this short film makes a great effort to make no mention of what happened for the audience to keep watching more of this film. Carson is one creative director and writer to carefully keep the viewer(s) piece their own theories of what the rest of this short film. Carson really hits it home during the final scene of this short. He gives you a glimpse of what he has in store for the rest of these characters. Decoding the atmosphere Carson and team make the setting and atmosphere of this short, so real and gritty that makes most short films to shame. Either though it is only a few locations, those locations are thoroughly throughout and a part of the story. From the small corners of David's family home to the backyard and shed areas, you never know who or what will pop out next. For instance, there is a scene were, David's daughter, Mia (played by Isabel Dahl), is being drawn by an unseen force and draws closer and closer. As she draws near, the viewer (audience) is on the edge of their seat to finally see what is so special about this shed. This really puts in perceptive that a location can be as powerful as a character, no matter how big. David, Henry, Mia and Kimberly are taken out of their element and forced into a strange area that David neglects to inform his family about. Unwilling to accept the change, Henry and Mia, are the victims of this change and are majorly affect by this trip. Both kids have doubts of this trip and don't want to be involved for several reasons. As the film goes on, Mia really seems to like this idea and wants to stay due to an unseen force. Henry; however, can see what their parents are hiding. Henry wants to go back home since something isn't right at this place and it is effect Mia. The atmosphere of this film is a little dark and effective in a way that works to move this short film along, even though this is part one of many. This film, as a whole, will be very unique if the atmosphere and other elements don't take a wrong turn. Final Thoughts: It takes a village to create a master piece of a film, whether it be long or short. Caron Dahl, cast and crew put their blood, sweat and tears into a product to provide people on social media and viral media (YouTube and Streaming services) a platform to showcase their talent. For a new director to break into the business with a multi-part short film is sometimes fun and exciting; however, it also could be a disaster. Carson and his team of talented personal feature their talents for all to see. While watching part one of this Vile short film, it hits some marks on making a great story as a whole. For example, the editing, story and direction works well; however, it falls short on pacing and quality of the film. The acting seems to be on point between the actors and actresses; however, it seems a little rushed and sometimes unbelievable. For example, the tension between Michael and Henry is present; however, the dialogue seems rushed and forced. The pacing; however, needs a little more work compared to the acting. It seems like for the most part, it doesn't really pick until the last minutes of part one. Maybe this is because it’s only the first part; however, you would really need to pick up the pacing earlier to establish the other parts going forward. For example, the scene where the characters are all eating dinner, Michael and Kimberly have an exchange of words that seem out of place even though there wasn't any pretense beforehand. In the beginning, the quality of the this as a whole works well and is ethically pleasing; however, towards the end I can't tell what is what or who is who. Some of the outdoor night shots kind of look like they didn't have much lighting to work with and it really hurts the ending of this part. For example, we had to re-watch the 1st part multiple times in order to figure out what is going on. We love the ending of this part and gets the audience [us] wanting more; however, play around with the lighting of the scene many times to get it to the right look and feel. Overall, this film is shaping up to be a great multi-part short film and can't wait to see more. In Conclusion The first part of this short film is a pretty good start to something that has lot of potential. Carson Dahl, cast and crew have created something that can be mold and shaped to be something great for short, low budget film. Somethings need a little more planning and developing in order to fine tune this as a whole. Not one film (Hollywood and/or independent) is perfect in anyway; however, for the best results of a film (long or short) you want to shoot to be a perfect as the create mind behind it all. We look forward to seeing the other parts of this interesting story, writing and directed by Carson Dahl. The Film Corner Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Stars We {Next Dimension Productions} got a special viewing of this film before it was released and the quality was clear and crisp; however, YouTube effected the quality significantly. Carson has decided to publish the vision on YouTube for everyone to see. Please see below the first part of this short film as well as the trailer:
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bRANDON
During a few talks with independent companies and people, we have received a few emails about reviewing independent, short or long, films. We have created the Independent Corner for all things Independent!!! These film review may have the same format, but will be a different feel then the Hollywood treatment of our main Film Corner reviews. Please bear with us in constructing this new page. Archives
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