Film - Done In

Steve Taylor-Bryant wonders what you can actually achieve in an 8 minute film as he watches Done In from Adam Stephen Kelly...

8 minutes? It's only 8 minutes long? And I can't include spoilers?

The answer to all three questions was yes so I set about my task wondering if I would be able to make enough characters to even review this film in a single tweet. EIGHT minutes? Seriously though, it happens you can do a lot in 8 minutes of film, especially with an actor as gifted as Guy Henry. My children know of Guy through Harry Potter, I personally know of him due to my guilty pleasure that is Holby City so to see what he could do away from wizards and medicine in 8 minutes was special.

The writing and directing of Adam Stephen Kelly first. Atmospheric does not really do the film justice but I am still lost for adequate words. Silent, empty room shots. Pictures and clocks. In fact it is a whole minute before a character even graces the screen, that's an eighth of the film! But when it starts it is an emotional journey. Sitting writing a suicide note, narrating as he goes is Guy Henry's distinct voice. Full of gravitas yet light on the ear. Memories of the dear wife, grammar school, and a message to his beloved son Harry to enjoy the wealth coming his way and know his parents will be watching over him. I will be honest, at 4 1/2 minutes I was weeping like a baby. Whether this was because of a recent loss I had suffered? I can't be sure it wasn’t, but I honestly think it was the look in Guy Henry's eyes. You didn't need a narration to know what was happening. And then, just as you are settled into the emotional turmoil and as prepared as you can be...

Holy crap! Go watch this film!

[you can watch the full 8 minute film below - Ed]



Image - Adam Stephen Kelly.