Simple Mind – A Short Film Review
Simple Mind is the story of Bob, a man who is looking to discover himself through therapy and gets more than he bargained for. This seven minute short tells a disturbing tale that twists and turns from start to finish in a brilliant example of independent short film.
Bob seems like a perfectly ordinary guy. He begins to tell us a story about Samantha, a “smart, beautiful woman”. We soon discover that Bob isn’t talking to us, he is talking to his therapist and Samantha does not know that Bob exists. Bob clearly has mental issues. The more information we find out about Bob, the darker and more disturbing this story gets. But the biggest twist of all comes right at the end of the movie.
Writer and director Phil Newsom, tells us a very intriguing story and does an excellent job at keeping us on the edge of our seat. The writing delves deep into the mind of Bob and peels back layer after layer of Bob’s story until we finally get to the truth. Newsom definitely disturbs us with his short which I am sure was his intention, looking at the dark side of a man who seems to be so regular on the outside but is anything but regular on the inside. It is hard to believe this is Newsom’s first shot in the director’s chair, he does such a great job at getting that fine balance between making us uncomfortable in this chilling and genuinely scary thriller. Newsom takes us in different directions throughout the movie, an amazing achievement for a film that is only seven minutes long.
The short film contains some excellent camera work. Making good use of close ups that are very effective and some intelligent editing that keeps the story flowing very well and helping to build the tension.
The music is another highlight during this short. The pulsing heartbeat at the beginning of the movie to the light and cheerful tune that plays while Bob is sitting on the park bench, the music helps to set the scene. The sound twists and turns just as much as the plot between light and cheerful to dark and brooding, doing it’s best to reflect and enhance what is happening on screen. Keith Campbell was responsible for this and he has done an amazing job.
Timothy J. Cox is at his murderous best in this film, showing us the broad range of his abilities as an actor. He plays Bob with a certain calmness that makes the performance even more disturbing. Being able to flip a switch and go from being cool and calculated to uncontrollable and full of rage with ease. Kristi McCarson, plays the role of Samantha, the psychiatrist and also the victim, she does a great job probing Bob with questions, trying to understand what makes him tick. McCarson drives the story forward with her questioning and gives us an educated delivery.
The only issue with this short film is a slight technical one. The sound does have one or two issues with a slight echo throughout while the actors are talking. The sound was recorded directly into the camera with a rode mic which explains this, such is the nature of independent filming and the lack of budget available.
What this movie lacks in budget it more than makes up for in storytelling and acting. A very strong team behind the camera and two superb performances in front of it ensure that this short film twists and turns you in all sorts of directions in a very unsettling way.
Watch the movie yourself here.
