Gin and Dry is undoubtedly unique. The narrative is comedic yet sombre and has many charming elements. It highlights the extent of the loneliness that can permeate the lives of the elderly whilst emphasising their attempts to enjoy what life they have left. This piece of work convinced me of the potential of a short film to invoke moving reactions; a lot is successfully conveyed in a limited amount of time without it becoming hard to follow.
The plot renders heart-warming and heart-wrenching emotions, leaving the audience, perhaps inadvertently, conflicted over our laughter and sadness especially towards Albi, who effortlessly serves as a metaphor for the elderly that spend holidays that were designed to be enjoyed with family, alone. The director branding it as 'bittersweet' most effectively summarises the feel of Gin and Dry.
The shot of the record player in the beginning and end scenes convey a cyclical structure. It suggests an inevitability of life and death, but with an elegance and a determination to overcome such hardship. It holds a message to enjoy the little things in life but also warns of taking what we have for granted: the scene regarding the fortunate generation is most relevant to us millennials today whose lives are the furthest from real austerity. The work is edited and shot to a very high standard, the mainly muted colour schema with patches of red, green and golden tones conveys the outdated essence of the nursing home and the downtrodden perception the inhabitants hold towards their carers like Adam, their surroundings and to Christmas Day.
The sound also plays an important role. The sound quality elevates the piece and ensures scenes remain with the audience long after they have watched it - from the distinctive clinking of ice cubs in the Gin and Dry glass to the persistent fuzz of a tv without any service to Dee's favourite song rising in volume and intensity as the lights go out in Albi's room at the end.
Overall, it is a well-produced, entertaining and yet saddening piece of work that I hugely enjoyed.
The plot renders heart-warming and heart-wrenching emotions, leaving the audience, perhaps inadvertently, conflicted over our laughter and sadness especially towards Albi, who effortlessly serves as a metaphor for the elderly that spend holidays that were designed to be enjoyed with family, alone. The director branding it as 'bittersweet' most effectively summarises the feel of Gin and Dry.
The shot of the record player in the beginning and end scenes convey a cyclical structure. It suggests an inevitability of life and death, but with an elegance and a determination to overcome such hardship. It holds a message to enjoy the little things in life but also warns of taking what we have for granted: the scene regarding the fortunate generation is most relevant to us millennials today whose lives are the furthest from real austerity. The work is edited and shot to a very high standard, the mainly muted colour schema with patches of red, green and golden tones conveys the outdated essence of the nursing home and the downtrodden perception the inhabitants hold towards their carers like Adam, their surroundings and to Christmas Day.
The sound also plays an important role. The sound quality elevates the piece and ensures scenes remain with the audience long after they have watched it - from the distinctive clinking of ice cubs in the Gin and Dry glass to the persistent fuzz of a tv without any service to Dee's favourite song rising in volume and intensity as the lights go out in Albi's room at the end.
Overall, it is a well-produced, entertaining and yet saddening piece of work that I hugely enjoyed.