Joseph Dean Lacey | 05/12/2024


This project began with a creative challenge: a randomly assigned prompt that read "be dirty." Intrigued by this, my thoughts veered towards the shadowy, gritty aesthetic of Gotham. Although initially inspired by this iconic setting, I consciously chose not to create a Batman-themed short film. Instead, I opted for a unique blend of similar visual styles complemented by a subtle strand of humor that might not resonate universally, veering into the realm of dark comedy.

The narrative centers on a character with a deep desire to aid others, yet is crippled by his own profound sadness and self-doubt. This internal conflict is mirrored externally in his environment, echoing the 'dirty' theme of the prompt. I dedicated significant effort in post-production to enhance the visual elements, imbuing the frame with a sense of grime and darkness that visually represents the protagonist's turmoil. This project not only challenges the viewer's perception of the narrative but also explores the broader theme of personal struggle amidst an intention to help.

Description

Full resolution video here: https://youtu.be/jdEU7lksO-k?si=KgmBLrPeqAzKmenH


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