Lobster Cage (2015) User Reviews

Solid Big Picture

[peterfent · 8/10 · 9 January 2016]

Overall, I'll definitely say it's a triumph for the filmmakers (especially once I realized they are just getting started in the industry)! A short film is successful if it gets you to think about something or feel something in a way that the filmmaker intended. While Lobster Cage is not without its amateur flaws here and there in the filmmaking process, it ultimately prompted me to think 'who deserves dignity?' and engage as the film explored that question. Calling me to engage what they bring up in the film cannot be discounted. This engagement, of course, is brought about by a stellar script and fantastic delivery from star Bradley Hawkins. Lobster Cage is definitely worth your 15 minutes!

Lobster Cage is a thought provoking film anchored by a superb performance by Bradley Hawkins

[sreddig · 9/10 · 11 January 2016]

Actor Bradley Hawkins gives a standout performance in Lobster Cage - a thoroughly engaging short film that tackles the large subjects of redemption and our place in this crazy world. The story centers on the relationship between a death row inmate and the officer assigned to carry out his execution. A cartoonish warden and stereotypically jaded policeman round out cast - and stand in stark contrast to the main characters. Writer Sean Geisterfer's script works best when our focus is away from their antics and we are introduced to a reflective prisoner (the previously mentioned Hawkins) and an everyman officer (played by Sean McConaghy). These characters are much more deeply layered, and provide excellent material for the actors playing them. Sean McConaghy's turn as the rookie guard has a perfectly empathetic tone as we see him struggle with his role in ending a person's life. Director/Editor Justin Feinman wisely lets us see Frank, the prisoner, through the guard's eyes. Also, Cinematographer Arthur Oganesyan introduces us to Frank quietly in his cage and then slowly removes the environment and bars holding him back as we see him speaking up, where there are no barriers. Bradley Hawkins plays Frank with complete honesty - inviting us to not question his guilt, but society's solution. As he reflects on his lack of dignity and questions the outside system that put him in prison, Mr. Hawkins peels back his character's layers subtly and superbly – delivering the short's best dialogue in one, largely uncut shot. Lobster Cage succeeds in being an ambitious film that challenges its audience and showcases an engrossing performance from Bradley Hawkins.

Death Row inmate navigates the process in an unusual way.

[markrtill · 8/10 · 31 December 2015]

This film speaks to the horrendous situation that occurs for a human being living through their last minutes of life...in this case through the process of capital punishment. The film explores the questions we might all have: how will I deal with this? Is there another way out? Most of the time we assume the convicted felon is unintelligent, but Lobster Cage shows someone who thinks more deeply about the process and possible remedies. The plot-line is powerful although at times a bit unbelievable. Bradley Hawkins, in the lead role, offers a brilliant portrayal of the this inmate and his decision process. His acting delves deep into the soul of the man and brings the viewer into the deeper layers of his psychology. The combination of two-dimensional characters with three- dimensional characters is a powerful recipe for a compelling story filled tension, and ultimately hangs you on the edge of your seat at the climatic, and unexpected, ending.