"Love" a new short film by Ted Arabian

Ted is back! I think the strongest thing you had going for you was your color palette. I agree with Mark about the One From the Heart feel to the over saturated look. Yes, it did feel stagey but I still think the location worked overall. This is a really nice rebound from your last fest entry. :thumbsup:

I'm going to need to watch it again, as there was one small thing nagging me about the "relationship." It may have just been my perception at the time so I won't say another word about it until I have had the chance to watch it again.
 
I have to say I was left cold by this film and a little more than turned off by several images in it. There were a couple of mildly interesting shots through parts of the set, but overall it felt too staged and I couldn't get into it. After it was over, I didn't really want to. If this contest was about love, then I would say this (and several other lauded entries) failed to even see the mark let alone hit it.
There was a mention of someone really feeling this woman's plight, (paraphrased) and I don't see how you could. She appears to be distressed about her choices in life, but immediately has the next guy up as soon as she can.
Enough on story.
Technically- Too much like a video of a play. Unlike others, I didn't find the color palette very appealing. I though the majority of the shots were pedestrian and on what could have been a playground for the camera, I saw nothing really memorable photographically. There was a shot of a fountain though, I remember it because it was difficult to determine what it was at first.
If this comes across as harsh it is not meant to be. I was, as I stated at the beginning, left wanting more in the story and in the execution.
 
Ted, glad to see you in the fest. This was a very interesting film. Probably the most ballsy of the lot, subject matter-wise. ("Constance" is the closest in terms of edginess I'd say)

You told a really adult story. I'm noticing that casting is very important when doing this. In both your piece and "Carry On", actors with age, texture, and character are used rather than the 20-somethings that tend to dominate the films here. That really served to set this film apart from the rest.

The acting was well done. I liked the look of the set. It really felt like a "den of iniquity". I actually like the fact that she simply wipes her tears, and calls the next guy up. That's exactly the right choice character-wise I think. Yes, this film is about choices, regrets, and taking stock of life, but in the end, we are who we are. The sum total of our life choices and experiences.

A thoughtful film. Looking forward to your next one.
 
Watching it twice I really like what your opening shot does that i didn't quite catch the first time. Puts her head and emotions larger in the frame while he's further away and more distant emotionally. Her head is also inverted, which could be taken to also represent her distorted view of the situation, or a happy accident. Love it either way.

The rest of it was mediocre for me though.
The theater lighting kinda grabbed my attention in a negative way (then again, I do theater lighting myself so maybe I'm a bit biased towards noticing it more).

The actors both did a pretty good job here. Her breakdown towards the end was well acted, but I've just never been a fan of someone breaking down alone in a room. Some kind of outburst like hitting a table or slapping herself out of it I think would've added something to it instead of just watching a character feeling sorry about herself. Personal preference though.

Overall it is an interesting piece and you choose to tackle some very mature material with a unique approach. Nice work.
 
Hey Blaine, thanks for the welcome back, for watching and for taking the time to comment. Appreciate it!


WIF, I know that I shouldn't defend here but I just have to say that I do feel that my story is appropriate for a LoveFest. This is a short story of a woman who HAD true love at one time and passed it up for bigger and better "unknowns" of the world. It was a gamble and she lost. She has now reach a painful stage in her life of regret as she reflects on that "lost" love.

It is supposed to be a sad and bitter-sweet story of how this woman tries to satisfy the missing element of "Love" in her life.


mentatDUKE, thanks for watching and the comments. I loved my actors. Thanks for pointing them out. They really did a great job.... especially Kelli. Wow. I am glad that you can relate to the ending. I thought that it was very sad but realistic.


Gohanto, thanks you for watching it twice! And thank you for seeing the intentions of the opening shot. You are completely correct. This story is about her and I tried to make that known from the beginning. (and I just love how my opening shot turned out!... thanks!)

I experimented with theatre lighting and learn a lot about their use and film. I have many changes that I would implement next timel

As for the breakdown.... It's a funny thing. I never wrote the breakdown scene. I wrote that we see the years of prostitution written all over her face as the camera dolly's in on her.

What happened was that my actress gave me this breakdown and I thought that it was lovely. I decided to go with it. I continued to shoot as she let out what she was feeling. All of that stuff in the end. She just let it out and I shot.

Interesting observation.

Again, thanks for viewing and reviewing.

-Ted
 
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Great composition, colours. Acting was superb, and they really fit the parts.

Wobbly movements detracted from the camerawork, but otherwise nicely planned shots.

Sound got a bit off at some points (for dialogue), but the music fit really well.

Nice work Ted!
 
Thanks pmark! Appreciate you watching and commenting.

I was particularly proud of my framing and composition. I guess the designer in me is probably my strongest asset. I was hoping that I could make the transition to film but I think not!

And that darned, wobbly camerawork is the results of me trying to make my equipment work like professional gear! Would be awesome to have a REAL dolly and crane.


Herman Witkam's score is the best thing about my film!


Thanks again for viewing and reviewing!
 
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Ted,

This feels like a filmed play. Not only because of the set, obviously, but the performances feel like theater performances.

None of this is a criticism, just a statement. The actors were very very good, though I kind of dug the guy a little more than her. I think he really nailed his tired, middle-aged guy with selective morality better than she nailed someone in that state of despair.

I like that the set is theatrical, in that it's an abstract space. I prefer plays that are in abstract sets, and it's cool to bring a film into that as well. If you decide to keep working that way, you might experiment with filmic abstract sets. Like work on creating a realistic representation of an abstract idea. That make sense? The Twilight Zone seemed to do this a lot. Also, look up Guy Madden, a brilliant Canadian filmmaker.

As for camera work, my beef is the same as with Zak's. You have two obviously skilled theater actors who can play scenes all the way through. I would have preferred to eschew the kookie crane and dolly moves and just planted the camera and let them cook. Give them basic coverage. I feel like they could have burned up the screen just fine without you moving the camera everywhere and if you have actors cooking up the screen, no one gives two shi*s about where the camera is.

The best example of this is when she is getting dressed and he is in the bathroom. I know that just pointing the camera at her, she would have give you so many subtleties in her performance. It's sooo much more interesting to watch a great actor go through a hundred feelings and thoughts and internal struggles, than any amount of camera goofiness. And you have and acting background, so you already have the ability to keep getting deeper and better performances than many directors who do not have that background.

I try to look at the simplest possible solution. So if the actors are carrying the scene, I do not add anything. Then add one thing at a time until it works. But I like to work from the simplest thing that works.

But this is by far the most solid and specific vision I've seen from you. Nice work.
 
Wow. Thanks Mark for the insight you gave. There is some really great stuff there for me to think about.

If I continue this hobby, I will really try to implement some of your comments. They really sound valid and I totally respect your filmmaking abilities.

Thanks, Mark! I really appreciate you watching and sharing your comments.

-Ted
 
Wow! Another really impressive film! Great job. It must be the love theme of this fest that is bringing out really emotional, meaningful stories.

Great idea to show "the other side" of a prostitute's life. Done very well. You summed up her sad life perfectly. Very poignant. Life goes by very fast, follow your dreams when your young, before it's too late. Although, if you wanted to expand on this, it would be great to see her turn her life around and bounce back, because I, and I'm sure many believe it's never too late to turn your life around. This would be a great first scene for a feature.
Cast was perfect, very real, authentic choices.

A few small criticisms. The fact that she was a hooker was not really a surprise when she took the money. Although the set was gorgeous, it clearly telegraphed to me at least, a pleasure palace. (Hey, I only know this because... I, ah... watch a lot of movies. Yeah, that's it!).
The cinematography was very good, but the wobbly camera movement was a little distracting at the beginning. Little things like that can take you out of the moment so fast. But, that's being nitpicky.

Great job! :beer:
 
Thanks Maximus for watching and reviewing. Reading your comments really made me feel redeemed for trying to make this film.

Maximus said:
The fact that she was a hooker was not really a surprise when she took the money. Although the set was gorgeous, it clearly telegraphed to me at least, a pleasure palace. (Hey, I only know this because... I, ah... watch a lot of movies. Yeah, that's it!).
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haha! I was trying to build a VERY SIMPLE story that would have a bit of a build of uncertainty to it. I knew that the set was a dead give-away. I was justifying that maybe it was a romantic Bed and Breakfast and that this was a couple in love... then to learn that this is an affair.... only to learn that she is a prostitute and he is nothing but a "John."

As for having her "change her life" in this 6 minute short... I didn't dare! I make these 6 minute shorts too complicated to begin with! :grin: I really set out to NOT DO THAT this time.


And thanks for the compliments on the set. Scenic and lighting design is my occupation.... so it is nice to hear.

Maximus said:
This would be a great first scene for a feature.
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I, too, thought of this. I think that it would be an interesting feature. A middle-age prostitute trying to find the happiness in life that she had once dreamt about.

Thanks again for sharing your comments with me!

-Ted
 
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I liked the story. It felt very sad and real.

I thought your actors were good.

Technically, I agree with those who say it feels a bit like a filmed play. Also, the super-saturated colors gave it a video - soft-core vibe and I think more dark and subtle tones would have worked better.

Still, you have a real talent for story and I'm looking forward to more of your work in the future.
 
Ted Arabian said:
Yeah, didn't get past the theatrical feel. I knew that was going to be an issue but I didn't really have a plan or time to conquer that.
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I think everyone is in agreement that you did really this is a good flick. Awesome acting and direction.

The two things that stood just out side of that cinematic feel were your color pallet and camera movement which I think everyone has already commented on this. To me, these are why it felt theatrical.

For me in this flick the camera was a third actor. Your talent was so good that you really didn't need much movement at all. And the colors were too saturated and surreal. (Hot pink) Both of these are subjective points, neither of which kept from watch, and enjoying, "Love" several times :)

Keep it coming!
 
Chris, DJ... thank you both for watching "Love" and taking the time to leave feedback. Even if you are only echoing what has been said, I really do appreciate hearing the comments.

It is so interesting to learn from everyone here. When I designed this production, I wanted heavy saturated colors. I think that decision backfired! :) But I never know until I try. I learn so much from the dvxusers here!


Chris Messineo said:
.... you have a real talent for story....
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Thank you for that comment. That means a lot.


DJ Lewis said:
For me in this flick the camera was a third actor. Your talent was so good that you really didn't need much movement at all.
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This is a really great comment that was made to me by Mark Harris as well. This is something that I never really considered. It is such a great observation to me. (Perhaps pedestrian to trained filmmakers.) I really look forward to taking this into consideration in my next filmmaking project.


Thanks again both on the kudo's and constructive comments.

Best,

Ted
 
*Spoilers*

Sonically I thought it was decent. As for Story, Believalbe for those 50% of hookers out there, though I think most of them are too drugged up to even feel this level of intamacy.
 
wow - way to maximize a single location. some pieces are expansive by having a lot of locations, but you did a great job of exploring that whole space. good choice - the single location plays well into what you're trying to convey about the main character.

while i knew she was a prostitute pretty early, not hearing or seeing something on the nose (give the money early, saying something direct) made the piece flow into the conflict.

this has one of the more interesting statements about love - it was almost a vacuum of love - from love, but that is the only thing your character yearns for. that came across well. good job directing the two!
 
Thanks Ken for watching and reviewing!!! Appreciate you comments... ESPECIALLY from a sound guy! (one thing that I have been working on since my first film. Still not there yet but getting closer!)

KenV said:
.... though I think most of them are too drugged up to even feel this level of intamacy.
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LOL! Yeah. I went with a prostitute in her late 40's... hopefully those days are behind her!

.........

Thank you so much Cliff for your review. Really made my day!

Cliff Wildman said:
wow - way to maximize a single location... good choice - the single location plays well into what you're trying to convey about the main character.
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hahaha!!! I kinda HAD to! This shoot was scheduled for a single 6 hour day! (I was able to shoot the following day, however, as my actors had a few extra hours to offer me.)


Cliff Wildman said:
... while i knew she was a prostitute pretty early, not hearing or seeing something on the nose (give the money early, saying something direct) made the piece flow into the conflict.
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Thank you. I tried hard to create conflict with out a confusing storyline... something I seem to do all too often! :grin:


Cliff Wildman said:
... this has one of the more interesting statements about love - it was almost a vacuum of love - from love, but that is the only thing your character yearns for. that came across well.
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Again, thank you for really understanding my story. It is why, after all, I titled it "Love" (with quotes!).

Thank you again, Cliff. I am really glad that you shared these thoughts.

-Ted
 
Well, I am beat!!!

I had to perform last night and THEN go hang lights for West Side Sotry and THEN run a cue-to-cue! Tomorrow I have the Philharmonic.

BUT, I promise to get to those last few films that I have left to watch and review. (I think I am down to 6 or 8 to go!)

Great, great work by everyone! I am so enjoying this festival.

Thanks guys!

-Ted
 
Ted i liked this a lot. I didn't mind that it looked more theatrical than cinematic because
you shot the thing on a stage and showed us BTS photos so i knew it'd have that look from the start.

Idea:
If you wanted to experiment, you could always overlay a homogenous color
(like a light brown) over the whole short and reduce the opacity to 30% and it will make the colors more cohesive.

ok but anyway, i liked the story and generally thought it was an interesting look
into the life of a prostitute who cant grasp that noone really loves her. it was sad and
though provoking and i dug it. good work ted.
 
Ted, this is my favorite thing you've done. I liked your casting choices, the performances were great, kudos on the directing. I really bought into both characters. I thought the guy's performance was a little bit better, it came off more natural. The woman felt a little bit overdone at moments. I think it was because she did a lot of talking while slowly getting dressed, it felt a little too dramatic for me. It would have worked better for me had she been moving around quickly, tidying things up and speaking more 'matter of fact' instead of trying to get something out of him. Just my 2 cents on that bit.

It did feel more theatrical rather than cinematic as I think others have mentioned. I think it was partly because you literally constructed this set, correct? I liked the production design, but I think it was too much, at least for my tastes. Candles to me always feel theatrical because I just cannot imagine anyone taking time in their home or real life to light that many candles.

I know you dislike dealing with natural sunlight and all, but I cannot help but think how different this film would have been had you shot in a rundown, crummy apartment with natural light pouring through the windows. But that is personal taste, and I'm a location fan who loves dark, dirty, moody stuff :)

All in all, nice work. I feel it's a step up from your previous work.

Geoff
 
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