WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
Detached. Secluded. Remote. Desolate. Whether forced or voluntary, none of these circumstances garner waves of praise, applause, or desired means of living for anyone, even when perhaps seeking at least some modicum of separation from the rest of civilization. Yet, what happens to the mind, body, and soul when these are the daily realities faced? It has been 7 long years since “The Event” that has seemingly wiped out a large mass of humanity from the face of the Earth, and one lone man, Edgar (Oriol Pla), makes his way in the remains of a building complex once teeming with activity. With only his loyal companion, a small dog named K.O., it is a routine-filled, monotonous existence.
However, in the dead of winter’s chill and snow-covered, wind-blown throes , one particular day holds a new sense of inspired hope–signs of life, another presence, another human being–via the graffiti-born name on the wall of Edgar’s “residence”, which reads “Anna”. Thrilled beyond words, Edgar begins what becomes a multitude of “conversations” between himself and his newly discovered, but forever unseen, friend. Learning more and more about each other and the isolated world they both inhabit, Edgar begins to push to meet Anna in person. Hesitant and wary, one message finally indicates an answer to his wish. What unfolds from that pivotal moment causes critical decisions to be made by Edgar, all brought to bear by the clang of footfalls on a roof’s rusted ladder.
Next, my Mind:
Brilliantly executed with a finale that will leave you breathless with anticipation, director/co-writer/co-producer Lluis Quilez’s and co-writer Javier Gullon’s 30-minute short, another in 2017 Oscar contention for Best Live Action Short Film, is a wonder with its heart-wrenching tale of what it is to be living with total loneliness and mundane regimen that becomes brightened unexpectedly by the possibility of connection with another. Crisp cinematography captures every nuance of the world in which Edgar resides to the point of feeling his plight as a viewer, likewise experiencing the elation of any chance he has to be set free from his solitary pattern of life. Utilization of the graffiti-centric theme and communication between Edgar and his unknown friend is greatly affecting, driving you to the same desire to actually see the two meet and find a semblance of normalcy in a world gone amok.
Featuring as a showcase for one, Pla makes the most of his performance as Edgar, providing a vivid, realistic, frank, and initially forlorn perspective on the character and his deserted days as he relies exclusively on doing the same day-to-day tasks he’s been initiating for years on end while just simply attempting to remain in any sense of being human. The additional realism in Edgar’s reactions to Anna’s messages creates a tangible air of desperately needed demeanor of belief and conviction for him, which is greatly embodied by Pla as well, leading up to an ending that, as indicated above, will totally blow your mind. Additional supporting turns are present late in the film from Miguel Serrano, Jose Maria Montalt, and Elena Roca among others, but again, this very much is a one-man show that Pla delivers with intentionally understated passion and resolve.
In total, “Graffiti”, with its additionally evocative music score from composer Arnau Bataller, illustrates quite clearly why it made the Oscar short list with it’s haunting yet highly expressive exploration of humanity and the longings we all can relate to when it comes to needing the connection with others, moreso when it has been too long since that association has been shared.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
