It's difficult to fully explain "Shadow of the Dead", as it's not your regular short film. For starters, there isn't any actual "film" in it, the whole story being told through the use of black & white photographs, on screen text, music and sound effects. The story is about Hugh, a man who has seemingly become estranged from his wife. At the beginning of the film he tries to reconnect with her, but when she refuses, he is left to wander alone. As he does so, a homeless man calls him by name and reveals a kind of prophecy. Hugh is left confused, going home to sleep, but still being greatly effected by the homeless man's words.
The next morning is when the tale takes a turn towards science fiction, with Hugh awakening to be confronted with a world completely devoid of any other human being or animal. He wanders alone though an empty city, before finding his way into a tunnel and then out into a wilder and wilderness landscape, also empty of people. As he walks for days and days, still alone, Hugh finally comes across some signs of civilisation, but they hold yet another twist for Hugh, and not in the way he would have hoped for!
All in all, the idea of showing the film without any actors on screen or even voiceover is cool and different, but it does mean you need to read a lot of the on screen story. This of course isn't a problem for anyone used to watching films with subtitles ... And the ending has a heavy sense of ambiguity, which some people may like, but others may hate.
Overall, if you're looking for something a little different, with mystery, fantasy and sci-fi elements, then definitely give this film a go!
The next morning is when the tale takes a turn towards science fiction, with Hugh awakening to be confronted with a world completely devoid of any other human being or animal. He wanders alone though an empty city, before finding his way into a tunnel and then out into a wilder and wilderness landscape, also empty of people. As he walks for days and days, still alone, Hugh finally comes across some signs of civilisation, but they hold yet another twist for Hugh, and not in the way he would have hoped for!
All in all, the idea of showing the film without any actors on screen or even voiceover is cool and different, but it does mean you need to read a lot of the on screen story. This of course isn't a problem for anyone used to watching films with subtitles ... And the ending has a heavy sense of ambiguity, which some people may like, but others may hate.
Overall, if you're looking for something a little different, with mystery, fantasy and sci-fi elements, then definitely give this film a go!
