A thought-provoking debut dabbling in secrecy, fear and hidden ambitions all within the scenic setting of Brighton’s sea-front. ‘Blind Eye’ sees the arrival of many new talents to the short film scene with a new directing trio; Chloe Hobden, Charlie Thompson and George Smale in partnership with Indie the Kid productions. So many unknown directors and cast members seem a big risk for a debut but in its short screen time it pays off and the sometimes slow-mo pace offers food for thought in this 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 from the Arts Ed conveyor belt) 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 a loop-the-loop ride through his internal monologue of the fear and loneliness attached to holding a secret. We are taken through a chain of differing 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 cruel horrors of war to an amusing portrayal of a alienated office worker, staring from his office dreaming of being a superhero reflecting that child-like fantasy we all secretly share.
The concept is interesting and there is no doubt it really changes your perception of strangers. You never know what people may be thinking 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 reflect upon her confrontation with her strict father. The poignant soundtrack, reminiscent of WU LYF-esque twangs has been cut well and is a great aid to understanding these characters traumas.
However it’s low budget, reminiscent of so many debutantes cutting their first short. 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 as a result lacking some depth, especially Thompson’s portrayal of a traumatised ex-soldier (only lasting 30 seconds) which considerably lacked scope.
Patrick Puzzleworth
Anticipation.
There’s been quite a lot of hype surrounding ‘Blind Eye’ especially after the release of the film’s question-raising poster
Enjoyment.
The film requires your full attention throughout it’s duration and despite it’s interesting plot there’s no room to relax
Retrospect.
Afterwards you never know what strangers may be imagining about you!
Below is the finished PDF version of the review
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