Don't Turn Around - Short Film Review

Don't Turn Around

A Short Film

Written and Directed by Christopher T. Wood

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With Halloween vastly approaching, are you looking to watch some horror movies? Before you do, be sure to check out this short video about how NOT to watch a scary movie at night. “Don't Turn Around” is a short film written and directed by Christopher T. Wood starring Paul Haitken. While the short film does not contain supernatural elements or strong violence, it very much fits the atmosphere of a horror movie.

The lead character is introduced as a bit of a jerk, ignoring his neighbor's complaints by shouting “I can't hear you” three times. Bored and seeking thrills he looks out his window to see a shadowy figure on the sidewalk below. He sees a newspaper title that describes a series of apartment break-ins throughout the neighborhood and gets the idea to leave his front door open. He then watches a scary movie and becomes terrified when he hears a noise in his apartment. In fear, he runs for the front door but stubs his foot on a kettlebell and hits his head on the door. Crying out for help, his neighbor replies with an eerie “I can't hear you.”

Despite the simple premise, this is a well-directed short with good production quality. The movie sets the right tone and atmosphere that a good horror movie with excellent use of lighting and a soft but creepy score. Visually the story establishes shots that pay off in the end. For example, the kettlebell is shown early on and a few times to set up how the character falls. The newspaper is shown twice, which gives the character the idea to leave his door open as he watches a horror movie. The best part is the bookend of “I can't hear you”. Spoken three times at the beginning and then at the end. I think the lines speak to a part of our society where we try to shut out other people's problems. But in doing so we sometimes set ourselves up as the victims of someone ignoring us. The idea that the man will bleed out due to his head wound while the neighbor shuts the door on him, is quite chilling.

Ultimately it was the character's bad attitude and desire for external stimulation that becomes his downfall. It's implied that the shadowy figure outside is responsible for the break-ins and does come into the main character's apartment. Lesson learned here is to make sure you lock your doors at night, the thrills are not worth your life. Overall, this is a well put together short film, just in time to amp up your scares for Halloween. If you're a fan of short films or want to know how not to watch a horror movies be sure to check this one out and follow the director on Twitter @Ctwood137 and be sure to follow me @BelleArboreus to leave your feedback and thoughts on the film. Thanks and Happy Halloweend!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elpiDe3oSE0&feature=youtu.be

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