Film Review Draft 1

"What was it like making your first short film?

E: It’s very stressful, especially under such a limited time pressure! I think we would have crumbled if we didn’t have each other there.

H: I know I would have."

"What gave you the inspiration to create such a powerful film?

H: I think with such programmes around on telly at the moment, mostly soap operas, the extraordinary circumstances of life are dealt with. We felt that this particular subject was somewhat overlooked when there are people who are in need of help and advice."

"What audience would you say your short film is aimed at then?

E: I think mostly teenagers as the character in our film is of that age group. It would more than likely attract younger females as the more likely targets of these situations; I’m not saying that it doesn’t happen to males. We tried to identify every audience and wise them up on the issue. "

"It comes as great surprise that new and upcoming filmmakers Pasha and Huggan have succeeded in making a realistic short film based on a very sensitive subject. When creating a film of such delicacy it is in the hands of the creators to ensure that they capture but do not offend audiences when tackling such events in their production.  The scene opens very ominously following main character Louise (Pasha) as she walks to work. The camera style is made to feel as though we are watching through the eyes of a predatorial spectator. Pasha seems edgy and suspicious of her unwanted company but continues on her way. It comes to the end of Louise’s shift where the true mayhem of this whirlwind tragedy begins. After calling her mother, of whom we actually never see and who tells her what we can only assume that she must walk home. The thoughtless actions of this irresponsible parent set the cogs in motion. Haunting music narrates the eerie walk home through a darkly lit housing estate, building tension and sinking your heart deeper into your stomach. This game of cat-and-mouse swiftly comes to an end as Pasha approaches a terrifyingly brightly lit underpass bridge, fittingly where this short film has extracted its name that she must pass through to get home. Feeling unsurprisingly safer in the underpass, Louise slows down only for the camera to come closing in on her. Echoing screams fill the extent of the underpass as the screen freezes and fades to black. Doubtless of the black screen, her screams are left ringing in your ears, sending shivers down your spine."  

"The scene then opens back up to a moving car with what appears to be an extremely (and oddly) cheery kidnapper in the driver’s seat. Without giving too much away, Louise’s life is turned upside down in one night alone. She reports the assault the next day at the local police station, unaware that her life will be thrown into turmoil once again.

Our verdict

Although the producers of The Bridge were experiencing their first insight into the movie making industry, they have done well to capture the heartache and trauma that allows the situation to become all the more realistic. Doubtless of its minor filming issues which in our opinion neither add to take away from the storyline, the short film works to provide audiences with an insight into a matter that is somewhat looked over. By tackling the issue in a soft approach, the film is neither too empowering nor too idealistic. The film is made typically for the younger generation and aids to raise awareness of practical safety procedures that should beconsidered when in similar situations. Sinfullyentertaining and informative, this short film is bound to be a hit at the Box Office. Credit should be paid to the up and coming actors noted in the film and other works are to be expected from them in the near future.  An all-round intelligent performance that issure to stick in the mind, even after the credits have stopped rolling. Bravo!"

"Due for release June 2011 on Channel 4."