'Blind Eye' draft film review

A thought-provoking debut dabbling in secrecy, fear and our secret ambitions all within the scenic view of Brighton sea-front. 'Blind Eye' sees the arrival of many new talents to the short film scene with this new directing trio; Chloe Hobden, Charlie Thompson and George Smale in partnership with Indie the Kid productions. A list of unknown directors and cast members seem a big risk for a debut but in its short screen time the quick pace offers no time to rest in this frantic psychological short.

The film revolves around a peculiar, sinister and in some cases darn right menacing male protagonist played by Aidan Williams (another acting debut to the list.) His Theatre-of-life style of observing the passers-by on Brighton sea-front throws us into the life-stories he creates for his unsuspecting victims. Williams takes us on ride through his internal monologue of the fear and loneliness attached to holding a secret. We are taken through a series of various characters that fall victim to Williams’ imagination; ranging from a jumpy post-traumatic stress disorder soldier struggling to fit back in with the real world after the horrors of war to a bored office worker, staring from his window dreaming of being a superhero.

The concept is interesting and there no doubt it changes your perception of strangers. You never know what people may be saying about you! For a cast of debuts there are some very good performances especially from Hobden’s character, a devout Christian girl who finds out she is pregnant and we are left to imagine her confrontation with her strict father. The soundtrack is also a great aid to this piece. The poignant soundtrack, reminiscent of WU LYF-esque twangs has been cut well and is a great aid to understanding these characters traumas. A definite highlight also includes the concluding character’s story of an office worker who dreams of being a super hero illustrating an inner-child syndrome we all secretly share.

However a low budget has proven a set-back for this piece and despite an inventive plot you can’t help feel the idea was bound for a feature length not a 5-minute short. The ability of the male protagonists imagination would be best explored in a film of longer screen time and you can’t help feel some characters traits and traumas were lacking some depth, especially Thompson’s portrayal of a traumatised ex-soldier which could have done with a lot more scope.

Anticipation: There's been quite a lot of hype surrounding 'Blind Eye' especially after the release of the film's question-raising poster 4

Enjoyment: The film requires your full attention and despite it's interesting plot there's no room to relax 3

In Retrospect: You're left keeping an eye on strangers in the town centre, just in case they're imagining your life 4