CONTACT

CONTACT (Short Film)
Directed Jeremiah Kipp

 CAST:
Zoe Daelman Chlanda
Robb Leigh Davis
Katherine O'Sullivan

PLOT:
     A couple decides to experiment with a drug and unexpected consequences follow.

REVIEW:
     I'm doing something a little different with this review. Instead of a full length movie, this one is a short. I've seen really bad short films and some truly amazing ones as well. Jeremiah Kipp, the director,  contacted me directly about about reviewing Contact. How could I say no to that.

      I'll start off by saying that I never heard of Kipp before he got in touch with me, and I'm kinda sad by that fact now after watching CONTACT. The film itself has a weird feel to it by the way of camera shots that actually helps it out and gives it a surreal feel. Even though some shots might seem out of place it's done on purpose to help bring the viewer into the world Kipp has created.  While the film is shot in black and white, it doesn't take anything away from the whole experience but instead adds to it. Every shot is crisp and clean giving it a depth that most films don't have even with extravagant budgets. The film also has plenty of atmosphere which is also thanks to the score and sounds used.  Even though there's barely any dialogue the film doesn't need any as the story is easy to follow. My only really complaint is that sometimes the camera lingers on inconsequential characters to long that don't show up again, but that's just a minor nitpick and it doesn't take anything away from the film.

 
     The centerpiece of the film to me is the drug experience scene. Most of the atmosphere of the scene comes from the use of sound design and odd camera angles that helps you feel what the couple are feeling, seeing, and hearing. The shot of the lights in front of one of the pictures resembling a brain is compelling to me as it's showing what's  happening in the couples brains before their trip goes really bad. The echoing effect of sounds in this scene just adds to the collapse of reality for the couple. This is where the black and white look of the film also comes in handy the most during this part as the couple becomes connected in more than the usual way. It brings to mind Cronenberg's use of  body horror and the body turning against it's person. Truly fun stuff.

     The end of the film also stands out as it brings into question what has really happened to the couple. The film ends where it begins, but with a quick shot of the female lead still on the floor from the drug scene. I myself love films that make the viewer question what really happened and I wish more films would do this instead of just candy coating everything for easy consumption.  I actually look forward to watching more films from Kipp as this film shows major promise for him in his future endeavors. 

BEST LINE:
     N/A

BEST DEATH:
     Though it's not a death, it's still cool when the "mouth tunnel" rips and you see the after effects of it.

FUN FACTS:
This short got Jeremiah Kipp his first full directing job. THE SADIST starring Tom Savini.

Jeremiah Kipp was the first assistant director of  I SELL THE DEAD.

Cult film figure Alan Rowe Kelly stars as the drug dealer.