Arthur Weatherby
“Arthur Weatherby” is a fun short film that explores three stories as a narrator reads each one individually, only to get stopped when the characters in the stories do something completely opposite of the narration. It has charm and it’s witty with a clever message that’s easy to understand.
It’s well-crafted for starters. The direction is clear as the story easily unfolds before us using nicely composed shots and timely mannered cuts. When the camera moves, it moves with the characters and helps the story flow along. Not once was I ever taken out of it because of some shot or camera movement.
The acting was quite impressive. The casting of the narrator felt perfect as he does a wonderful job utilizing his strong presence and he was able to embody the emotions of anger and frustration in a way that felt relatable to the audience. It was never over the top or in our faces. I always looked forward to his reaction when the characters did something the complete opposite because it was entertaining. The actors of the stories did a fantastic job as well and each actor felt like they fit their role perfectly, especially the Scotsmen.
I loved the twist when the narration turns on the narrator and ultimately causes him to go mad. The message that comes with it is the thing I enjoyed the most about this short film. We are in control of our own lives and if you let fate try and run its course, you’re only going to be disappointed with what life has to offer.
My only tip to the filmmaker is that some of the shots could use a bit more vibrance in the color correction to make the picture really pop. The opening sequence colors were a bit a muted and there are breif moments where the contrast of colors can help really spruce the picture. Nearly all the shots in the film the color looks amazing so the fact that that is my only little nit-picky element I can see is a estimate to how well crafted this entire film is.
Although this does have a very similar premise to Stranger Than Fiction with Will Ferrell, there’s a different approach that’s a little more fun and less serious than the film and there’s a definite clear direction the filmmaker wanted to take with a fun little reminder. It’s a message that we need to hear more often as we struggle to find what our true purpose is in life. I highly recommend checking out “Arthur Weatherby” at a film festival near you!
