Today’s Short A Day is The Box, a psychological drama and the first in the ASAD series. Watch and read more after the break.

Synopsis

Note: This is taken from the YouTube page for the film.

This short drama film is about a young man living alone. His neighbour is very tolerant of the loud music blaring out of John’s apartment. The neighbour has become concerned about small packages that are hand delivered through the letterbox addressed to John. She knows John is inside his apartment as she can hear him moving around. We see John in a cell-like room. He hears voices giving him commands. He is defiant but gets increasingly distressed by what is happening to him.

Review

I was pleasantly surprised by The Box. After looking at the synopsis I thought it was going to be a somewhat grandiose attempt to make something big in a small package.

But it doesn’t do that. The story does move along, showing instead of telling (or beating it over your head in Morse Code).

From a technical perspective it shows what can be done with modest equipment, good story, small cast, editing choices, and post-production. The acting is also very well done. After looking up the details on the director, an experienced fashion and hair & beauty photographer, it comes as no surprise that The Box should look so well shot.

The music, including the atmospheric use of heavy metal, doesn’t overpower you unless it’s meant to such as the last scene, where the truth about the protagonist is revealed.

What did you think of The Box? Leave a comment below.

Information

Genre: Psychological Drama
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Release Year: 2011
Runtime: 9 mins.
Director: Jim Crone
Cast: Paul Livingstone, Orla McNeaney
YouTube Channel: jimcronefilms
Director’s Website: jimcronephotography.com

Technical

Camera: Canon T2i 550d
Lenses: Canon 70-300 f4-5.6 IS, Canon 24-105 f4L
Edited with: Final Cut Pro, Magic Bullet
Output: MPEG-4, H.264 encoding, 5000 bits/sec.