Simply put, Asphalt City blew me away!
As soon as the film began, the audience was immediately transported into the chaotic and purposeful lives of E.M.T. workers. The use of cinematography and sound was impeccable. The videographer intentionally shot the movie with a hand held camera, with which he ran with, providing a shake that followed the main actors around as through we were a part of their stressful and demanding jobs.
The sound was impactful and all my ASMR lovers would definitely agree. The consistent use of the sirens, dispatch radio and subway tracks, brought us into the madness. The transitions in the movie were effective, as the scenes quickly shifted from dramatic to emotional, with the use of almost side-by-side comparisons to showcase the multifaceted human experience. And the visuals were both symbolic and intriguing.
The main character’s North Star was a religious picture of a heroic angel in his room and whenever he wasn’t in uniform, he would sport his athletic jacket, which had wings on its back that extended to his arms. This provided a sentimental touch, which emphasized his heroic instinct and his purpose for why he got into the field. As for the acting, the on-screen chemistry between Sean and Tye was undeniable. Their commitment to the emotional roles was commendable. Even when there wasn’t a lot of dialogue occurring, their eyes and body language gave away their feelings.
The film also highlighted the importance of E.M.T. workers and shed a much deserved light on their mental health, which in itself was the hero of the film. After watching this masterpiece, I will be reminded of its impact whenever our essential workers in ambulance trucks pass by swiftly. Asphalt City is an absolute must-see and I am in utter awe of the film!
Photography and Videography by Dijana Mesin