FILM INFO: Don't you wish you could be with the one you love for eternity? Now, you can. Introducing the TaRA-5000. Even after death, you need not part.
WRITTEN BY: Sean Patrick Dahlberg DIRECTED BY: Sean Patrick Dahlberg GENRE: Short TIME: 12 minutes
"Until Death" from Sean Patrick Dahlberg represents both sides of the same coin. On one side, this is a story most of us have seen before. Nothing terribly new or different than many flicks floating around these days. On the other side however, we have a fresh take on the "coming back from the dead" or "android" premise that makes up the story. Mr. Dahlberg has taken some well used and loved themes and carried them over into his own little world, which I must admit, was quite entertaining. The unique taxidermy take, complete with an infomercial styled presentation, was as much comedic as it was morbid; setting the scene for the ten or so minutes that followed. Although never really explained, we, the viewers get the jist of things quickly. Without giving much away, surviving relatives or friends of a deceased person can get their loved ones stuffed and modelled, much like a pet or animal. It's never quite explained if said "representation of the deceased" is actually a "stuffed corpse" or a highly detailed mannequin, but I'm going with the former since that lines up with the supernatural elements of the film. In "Until Death", said stuffed corpse begins doing things. Acting on her own without human help, leading up to a very interesting ending I truly must say. If nothing else, I was left to think about the ending I had just enjoyed and really, couldn't have asked for something better. It was a great conclusion. Technically, for the most part we're treated to some nice visuals, although mostly in black and white. The black and white here however, was not done to hide shoddy cinematography. The choice of colors is directly related to the story being told, and is actually done rather well. I won't go into the details, but the B+W format, with spackles of color here and there, make total sense when watching. One of the better uses of the format I've seen in a long while. The acting is mainly done through expressionism. The only real dialog is the inclusion of the "TaRA-5000" commercial. This makes for an interesting challenge for the cast, but they manage wonderfully for the most part. A picture is worth 1000 words, and in "Until Death" it truly is. Aside from that, the visual edit is formidable, although a few instances exist I personally felt could have been tighter. The audio, rather more to the point, the music is quite fitting. Overall, all the general technical elements are done well and push the story easily forward. "Until Death" is ten minutes well spent. As I wrote above, I enjoyed the fresh take on the over-used subject matter, and it all came together pretty darn well. The few minor flaws one may notice while watching are easily overshadowed by the good aspects of the production. And, if keeping a person entertained for a few short minutes mean you did a great job... then one clearly exists here. Why not get social and check out the links to the left. This short film is well worth the small time investment. -MC
