Crestfallen
There’s a severe lack of snark in this review because honestly the first word that comes to mind after watching the short film, “Crestfallen”, written and produced by Russ Penning and directed by Jeremiah Kipp, is exquisite. From the main character played by Deneen Melody to the cinematography, “Crestfallen” has a radiance to it all while remaining unsettling.
The film is silent, coupled only with a haunting score by Harry “Friday the 13th” Manfredini. The story follows a young woman (Melody) as she attempts to take her life. Told mainly via flashback, we see the devastation wrought upon her as she catches her husband with another woman and sees her daughter taken away from her. There are several disturbing yet beautiful images throughout and since it’s silent, one is able to form their own opinion about what exactly has transpired.
Melody is achingly vulnerable and the first slice of her wrist is reminiscent of Juliet (“Oh happy dagger, this is thy sheath.”) while the lighting and mood is reminiscent of “The Virgin Suicides”. Melody does a tremendous job of handling a heavy story with only one bit of minor overacting that had me yell “No!” at the movie. It only lasts for a millisecond though so I was relieved.
I can’t help but to want to watch more from director, Jeremiah Kipp, and lucky for me I have two more shorts to follow up with!
Posted on 2012.25.May, in American Cinema, American Indie, Short Shorts, Silent and tagged crestfallen, jeremiah kipp, short shorts, silent film. Bookmark the permalink. 6 Comments.
Cinema Schminema 
Crestfallen did not leave you crestfallen? You just don’t hear that word often enough these days. LOL @ “Harry “Friday the 13th” Manfredini” – nice!
It is a vastly underused word, lol. But mostly this left me with a lingering sadness. And yes, Harry “Friday the 13th” Manfredini is awesome! I love that name!
Thank you for the excellent review! I’m honored and happy you enjoyed it so much. 🙂 Let me know which part made you scream “NO!” so I know what to work on in the future. Thank you again! xox – Deneen
Hi! I’m so excited you commented on the review! 🙂 And I did enjoy it immensely. The part I’m talking about is between 1:14 and 1:25 when you come out from being underwater. You’re gasping for air, then look toward the knife. It’s not a huge thing by any means but I noticed it immediately. The entire rest of your performance was greatly understated and quiet. Even the scene where you character is screaming at her husband. But for some reason, it seemed like you were reaching for an emotion that was almost out of reach? I hope that makes sense. Overall though, you were beautiful. I’d love to see more of your work. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
Haha! I know exactly what part you are talking about. 🙂 (Granted…I had so much water in my ears and nose by that point! Yuck! Not fun at all!) As an actor, I am always looking at ways to improve my performance. It is all about being subtle and natural, so the feedback is great! Thank you!
I appreciate all your positivity and for taking the time to review the film. It really means a lot. Everyone worked very hard on it, and it is also a difficult topic to approach, so it makes me proud to know people are enjoying it and understanding the true message.
I’ll be sure to stop by and check out more of your reviews! x – Deneen
Ha! I thought that might have had something to do with it! I come from not just a writing background but an acting one (I’m actually just getting back to my theatre roots, yay!) so I understand. 🙂 And you’re welcome!
It is a difficult topic but you guys handled it extremely well (and I say this as one who has been there, done that and seen a few friends through the same).
Thank YOU for stopping by again and am looking forward to seeing you around these parts in the future! 🙂