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Richard Schertzer’s Short Film Poignantly Discussed Health Tragedies

The film featured many quick, close-up shots.

by Britt Trachtenberg March 25, 2023
by Britt Trachtenberg March 25, 2023 0 comments
2.4K

Director’, opened with NBC News audio about Donald Trump. An old woman with long hair sat on a couch. Loudly, someone knocks on the door. Shot in black and white, the film elegantly discussed a tragedy.

An elderly woman named Marina Davis received a breast cancer diagnosis. At first, her home care aide visited her. She encouraged Davis to see a recommended doctor. Quickly, she transformed into another character, which symbolized Death. Soon after, Davis copes with her husband’s death and absent son. 

The cast featured indie and upcoming actors. Danette Ilig played Davis. Kike Ayodeji depicted the aide. Donald Imm portrayed John Davis, while Trey G. Riley played the Angel of Death. Jesse Milinier had a vocal cameo.

The Cinnediction Spotlight Film Awards celebrated Kike Ayodej’s performance The film won Best Supporting Actress and Best Screenplay. ‘Film Threat’ critics gave the movie seven out of ten stars.

The aide showed the Angel of Death’s purpose. Early on, she heard Davis speaking and inquired about the reason. Embarrassed, Davis did not share her auditory and visual hallucinations. The viewer joined her in the visions. The experienced depicted cancer’s emotional devastation. Quick, close-up shots demonstrated this as well.

Davis’s ear and neck would flash onto the screen. Viewers saw her comfy bathrobe on the barren, gray couch. The film showed her sullen face again. Close-ups of a wooden box, graduation photos, and the aide’s calm face appeared.

The film featured sullen, symphonic music. Songs incorporated violins, cellos, and disjointed piano keys. She gazes at her son’s high school graduation photos. As she cried, the music swelled and emphasized her sadness. Viewers felt sympathetic for her condition

The inclusion of politics grounded the film in time. The NBC News story showed Trump’s recent election and alluded to Russian interference. Also, a broadcast about COVID demonstrated a harsh reality. It discussed health in broader terms. The virus just spread to the United States and it shocked Davis.

Her son resided in Wuhan, China. She repeatedly asked the aide to call him. In a startling moment, she fell on the floor and clutched her chest. The film would cut to a black screen. In a harrowing voice-over, the aide called Davis’ son.

The film would cut to two young men in the street. They gambled with dollar bills on the sidewalk. Loudly, the men laughed. Davis reflected on the sight. She analyzed her grim philosophy: no one had life figured out.

‘Ms. Davis' Close FriendNBC NewsRichard SchertzerShort Film
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