Proximity

So I came across this movie on YouTube and decided to check it out. I'm not sure what the story behind this film was, exactly. I am just assuming that it was a school project. Some of the cinematography was nice... but that's about it. It comes off as more of a concept for a feature film. It is not very effective in telling a good story or drawing you in and making you care. It's pretty empty and feels like it was probably written in less than 30 minutes. The shaky camera work and tight edits try to trick you into a sense of tension (rather ineffectively, I might add). At the end of the day, it basically serves as a demo for the D.P. and doesn't do many favors for the writers and/or director. Acting-wise, there is not much to say... literally. The actors basically run around grunting most of the time. As far as I know, this movie is only available on YouTube, which should serve as a good indication of what the quality would be. I am giving this 2 stars for the cinematography. If the makers of this were in high school, then I will cut it some slack. If not, well, keep practicing.

Four men are in the back of a van with bags over their heads. They are released in a field by two armed men. Two of the men run off in separate directions only for a device on their ankle to arm then trigger, blowing their leg in half and leaving them at the mercy of the two armed men to finish off. Seeing this, one of the two remaining men (Jake) tries to ensure that the same does not happen to him.

Proximity has what most short films needs, which is a great central idea which hooks you in very quickly. In this case it is the threat of death and the urgency of Jake that does it and although we do not understand the whys, the action still has good pace and keeps you involved. The cinematography is shaky but clear – it is a well used device to add urgency and excitement into the image but it is still an effective one and it mostly works here. In some ways the short and folded-in scenario helps the film be this way but on the other hand it would have been better with a bit more detail and finesse in the idea.

So, for example, with four men, this "game" will almost always end with people with no legs within 100m of the truck – it is just by chance that in Jake's case his partner isn't one of the ones that run off, and I guess this is the minority of cases. The same lack of finesse is at the end of the film too because, without any context, it really doesn't mean anything other than that the writers couldn't come up with something that worked better. It still is worth a look because it is pretty tight and engaging in the way it feels urgent and tightly paced, but it really did need a bit more detail and fine-tuning around the edges to make it work better.

'Proximity' is a short film, directed and produced by Ryan Connolly and co-written with Seth Worley. In it, an unknown organisation pits people against each other in a brutal game of cat and mouse.

This short was fantastic. It's visually stunning, and the dialogue is excellent. Todd Bruno and Josh Connolly both deliver strong performances as Jake and Luke, as do the other actors in their various roles.

When it comes down to it, what you've got here is a short film with a reasonably original plot that was written in only a couple of days. You've got fast paced action, you've got great acting performances from all involved, you've got visual dynamite and finally, you've a director who definitely deserves a shot at Hollywood.

If that summary above appeals to you, then watch this film, it's only 10 minutes out of your life, and you will not regret it.

8/10

• Joseph

I had been looking forward to this short film since i am a big fan of Filmriot.This Short film is totally different from their previous short films.

Josh is awesome and his performance is perfect for this film.And Todd as a leading protagonist did a excellent job.His acting was really intense and matured.

I like the visuals in this short film and the Soundtrack is really outstanding. Overall i love this film and i am looking forward this film as a Feature film. Love you Filmriot.

(This is my First film review and i am so glad i have a chance to review Filmriot's Proximity Movie.)

There is nothing bad about this short film. The act is amazing and so is the editing and knowing it was made in a small amount of time shows how much Ryan can work under pressure to pull of something great.

The quality of the film and all the props was stunning. Hope there will be more amazing work coming from you because i love watching everything you do (not in a creepy way) so i hope to see more like this and tel in the future.

not only is this film amazing but Ryan is amazing himself. He can make amazing youtube videos and also films and film riot is a great way to improve films without going to film school or university.