WATCH THE FILM HERE
First, the Recap:
Ever get that feeling you’re being followed? Always pleasant is it not? Feeling a sense that no matter where you go or how far you try to get away from it, there’s still the lingering “presence” you cannot seem to shake. The bigger issue, however, comes about when it turns out to be true! A simple enough day is unfolding for a girl (Marina Bruno) as she quietly rides her bike through a woodlands path. Suddenly, she takes a tumble, careening off the bike and hard to the ground. Recovering from the initial shock, but visibly shaken, she is about to rise when noticing a man (Chris Cottrell) walking through the woods at distance, who spots her and offers to assist.
Insisting she is ok and trying everything to just move on as quickly as possible, the girl heads off. But, even after allowing some time and separation to come between them, a quick stop to rest ends abruptly when the man suddenly appears again, plainly following her, and intent on not letting her get out of his sight. Now unnerved and starting to panic, the girl runs off further down the path, even as her relentless pursuer is not giving up. A footrace ensues until the girl hits a dead end. Thinking her fate is determined, the man approaches, anger in his eyes, and reaching out with purpose towards her, illustrating things don’t always turn out the way you think they will.
Next, my Mind:
With the second short film effort this reviewer had a chance to take in from the talented and very prolific 21-year old writer/director/producer/actor/cinematographer/editor Marina Bruno, it was yet another quality-laden example of the imaginative mind she employs while also being further proof that the independent film world is the platform for emerging stars. With her trademark utilization of old style music as the soundtrack accompanying the action, this entertaining, deftly executed 6-minute effort becomes a cautionary yet wonderfully tongue-in-cheek narrative that just grabs the viewer right from the beginning, takes them on a frenetic ride, then presents an awesome finale to ice the cake with intelligence and gifted cunning, all thanks to the characters and their respective intentions.
Adding her acting chops to this endeavor (along with all the other facets she takes on!), Bruno enacts the role of the Girl with innocent whimsy, a carefree attitude, and smooth delivery. Able to take the viewer through the character’s ever-growing sense of fear and concern as she is doggedly pursued by the unexpected “admirer” and then so beautifully providing us the game-changing finale, Bruno is effective the entire time. Likewise, Cottrell’s Man is an interesting study in someone who initially wants to help someone, but then turns frustrated, angry, and cold once his help is snubbed and other revelations are in the making. His demeanor is suitably threatening in that whole “regular guy who’s actually quite creepy” way, and Cottrell’s portrayal of the character is priceless, again given the film’s outcome.
In total, “Waste Of A Fall” very much produces the kind of reaction intended from the viewer with its crafty, nimble, and smart writing while also showcasing another effort that proves Bruno is a force to be reckoned with among indie short film artists.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
