Binary Lines ★★★★☆

Review of 'Binary Lines' which can be found here on YouTube.

Length: 05:00

Written by Amman Abid and directed by Giles Bartlett

Genre: Film Noir

Date: 2011

Rating: ★★★★☆

Logline: A mobster realizes his affair with his bosses wife has been uncovered.

This stylised noir looks good on screen but is a little hard to decipher plot wise. In the end I had to read the synopsis in order to fathom it out. It could almost be a bit tongue and cheek with questionable gangster talk, randomly jaunting down various dark alleyways and lots of cigarette smoking but judging by the soundtrack, it might be trying to be serious.

It's sometimes hard to judge a noir performance as the dialogue and melodrama aren't based in realism and often tries to mimic a 1930's comic book detective style. Matteo de Castello is strong in his delivery, of course the Italian accent works wonders (swoon). Lizzie Frances is the moll doll and although plays the part very well, it's the character she portrays that's a bit on the rough side. It's hard to see what her lover ever saw in her as she coldly gives him the brush off and she retains a terrible smugness about it all. She is the real villain of the piece but this actually makes for an interesting dynamic.

An unusual and evocative special effect is used in the background. Paint splatters and fluid smokey lines litter the dark outer edges of the screen, never intruding on the action but subtly setting an uneasy tone. The lighting combined with the polished black and white picture gives a sleek, modern graphic look which is one of the highlights of the film. I wasn't convinced the cut away edits with the pitchy buzz fitted in very well and it looks more like a daft attempt to make it more contemporary rather than adding anything to the story. Overall, the lack of clear exposition lets the plot down but there are still more interesting points than bad.

Best Bit: Fab lighting and ultra-modern look.

Worst Bit: Pointless running down alleyways.

Final thought: Urgh, smoking pregnant mothers. Die bitch die!

Read a condensed review of this film on Twitter here.

Reign Of Death ★★★☆☆

Review of 'Reign Of Death' which can be found here on YouTube.

Length: 05:34

Written & directed by Matthew Savage

Genre: Sci-Fi Noir

Date: 2009

Rating: ★★★☆☆

Logline: An on the loose murderer is apprehended by a cunning detective.

Here's an interesting attempt to blend the period specifics of the noir genre with the futuristic computer generated aspects of sci-fi. The combination works well and together creates a smooth modern update of the noir style, although not altogether original. The muted black and white tones are well shot, emphasising light and shadow in a clean visual manner. Static shots play up to that but equally the camera excels when following movement.

Starring the constantly dubbed "up and coming" Noel Clarke, whose performance is so-so given the melodramatic role. Watch for the laugh out loud electrocution at the end though. The statement driven dialogue is also evocative of the 40's/50's golden era but you may struggle to decipher Jimmy the robots lines through his metal-mikey voicebox. The plot has its ups and downs. Clarke's character has a clear shot on Jimmy tons of times but doesn't take them which is frustrating. There is however, a good twist in antagonist/protagonist role which makes a second viewing more palatable.

The VFX'S are at a high level and no doubt the monochrome colours helped with that. Animation is done well and Jimmy's movements are realistic and at the same time in-keeping with his robotic structure and capabilities. The camera quality also adds to the high production values and makes for a very cinematic piece. There is also the expected accompanying jazzy soundtrack which fits the tone and the trumpet playfully reflects the action on screen. Overall, film noir isn't really a favourite of mine and I'm not sure whether this is just a daft piss-take or a contemporary neo-noir attempt. This seems more like style over substance, and I prefer a bit of both.

Best Bit: The role reversal of the two characters.

Worst Bit: Can't make out some of the robots dialogue.

Final thought: Yeah, am pretty sure if you die taking a piss, your cock should be out on the closing shot.

Read a condensed review of this film on Twitter here.

Surprise ★★★★★

Review of 'Surprise' which can be found here or on the BBC Film Network.

Length: 01:27

Written & directed by Ben Dodd

Genre: Film Noir

Date: 2006

Rating: ★★★★★

Logline: A dead body in a bathroom and a murder to solve.

This is a clever one shot, one minute (the other 27 seconds are credits) genre specific treat to behold. Black and white film, thumping orchestral soundtrack, cinematic grandeur. A fine example of a short indeed.

Pacing and structure is superb. Equally so because of its short length. I'll break it down for you - Opening image: The entire room (tiny bathroom) from above allowing us to survey the carnage of a dead body, woman standing looking at it and a knife on the floor. Set Up: A closer look at the body, running shower, and close up of the woman in underwear. The look on her face, is it malice or shock? We don't yet know. Mid Point: We then realise that the film is playing backwards. A stroke of genius as it turns everything on its head. The knife lifts from the floor. Turning Point: And the man is alive again, we can summarise clearly what has occurred to cause his death, none of which fit out original suspicions. Closing Image: The reveal (and title) of the word 'Surprise' written on the mirror is the final clue and ironic twist which concludes the sequence.

The camera movement directs our eyes to exactly what the director wants us to see without any background interference and reveals specific clues at specific times allowing the audience to do all the working out in their minds. Set design is great as is the chosen location, both adding to the mood and feel of the short. Black and white is a tricky thing to light, especially with the checkered flooring and assortment of tonal variations going on in the scene but has been expertly done here. Simple story done in a stylistic and original way, technically brilliant, hits all the right story beats, engaging for an audience and it's only a minute. Canny beat it.

No more talk, watch the film for yourselves.

Best Bit: Figuring it all out at the end.

Worst Bit: Erm, it's Film Noir. (not a fan)

Final thought: Technically, there was no need to disturb someone in the toilet with a birthday cake. He could've been doing something a lot worse than shaving.

Read a condensed review of this film on Twitter here.