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First, the Recap:
The human heart. It is a bastion of emotion, a place where we as feeling human beings place so much of who we are into. Allowing ourselves to then open up to receive another’s love, utterly and completely, we give our hearts away, trusting that what has been shared will stand the test of time. Paris (Jamie Langlands) and Oenone (Sarah Harkins) are in total, absolute love with each other. Choosing to take things to the next level, Paris proposes the question so many a girl awaits from “the one”. In overwhelmed elation, Oenone then suggests a further way to demonstrate their love–by offering each other their heartboxes–a true and deep illustration of mutual, longed for affection.
With this choice made, the two embark on new , vibrant life adventures, feeling the poignancy of their closeness as only real lovers can. Yet, over time, pause is given to the strength of this bond. Soon, Paris and Oenone begin to grow apart until one fateful day, Paris makes a decision that breaks apart Oenone’s entire world, and what was thought to be lasting forever, is shattered. Devoid of the joy she felt for so long with Paris, Oenone’s path weaves and bobs, wavering and distraught, until some time later, she sees her love again–but embracing another, Helen (Miranda Horn). Hurt now even more profoundly, Oenone’s next resolutions lead her back to Paris, but will it become the reconciliation she so desperately desires?
Next, my Mind:
Writer/director/co-producer/cinematographer/editor Richard Anthony Dunford’s 14th film effort delivers one of the most original, intelligent, dominant, beautifully surrealist perspectives on the concepts of love and the human heart this reviewer has personally seen emerge from the independent film arena. Set as an interpretation of poet Christopher Marlowe’s powerful work “The Passionate Shepherd To His Love” accompanied by a fresh rendition of Mozart’s “Lacrimosa”, this 8-minute film whisks the viewer through the varied and fervent seasons of the heart–love, infatuation, anger, hurt, betrayal, forgiveness–with fire and intensity via the experimental format Dunford chose to utilize to present such a emotive, innovative glimpse into how we give ourselves to others freely, but showcasing both the potential joys and sufferings because of it. The metaphorical-based visuals are excellent, truly encapsulating the film’s message, keeping the viewer’s attention, and culminating in a searing, affecting finale.
Langlands does a fantastic job as Paris, presented as what some might perceive as the “typical man”, willing to give of himself to great lengths and passion, yet still prone, over time, to not allow said spiritedness remain, causing him to stray away from that which he so fiercely claimed he would love forever. Watching Langlands portray these changing moods and demeanors is very engaging, as he flows with it all very effectively. The same can also be stated for actress Harkins, who so wonderfully enacts the strong yet vulnerable woman Oenone as she giddily embraces all the love and adoration her beau proclaims and showers upon her. The total exhilaration and happiness she puts forth is emotively done by Harkins with the same level of magnitude as when all that love is swept away, followed by the sense of loss, sadness, resentfulness, and desire for her lost heart back. The pair’s scenes together only add to this grander picture of our human tendencies, emphasizing the connection we can have with another, and how acutely we can show both tenderness and coldness.
Horn, in turn, has a keenly pivotal role to play as Helen, the “other woman” who’s just as enamored and taken in by Paris’ charms, until the situation turns decidedly inopportune. Horn plays this well and the character lends the additional weight to the greater themes being explored. In total, “Heartbox” is more than a worthy, artistic, uniquely crafted effort to view and ponder in its fresh approach to a subject we’ve seen acted out so many times, in so many ways, through so many different mediums. Here again is kudos to the world of independent film and the talent found therein.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
