Paul's Lucky Day

Paul is a gambler and not a good one. He owes almost £2k to a bookie and has not paid his rent for about three weeks. Things are bleak for him and even an act of kindness gets messy when he finds a homeless man beaten up on the street but can't get an ambulance. He takes him back to his flat to try and keep him together while he gets help but then his own bad luck strikes him in a most cruel fashion.

Delivered in depressing black and white, this film finds little good with Paul's world and shows us this in a manner that is surprisingly effective and thought provoking. The story is simple and ironic but it uses its unlikely twist quite well and the bitterness inherent in it is delivered well over the credits. It isn't perfect but it does enough to make it work. Visually it is interesting if a little too dark and blurry; the black and white footage is well done and only occasionally does it look a bit messy and poorly lit. The direction is mostly good but I would have liked Palmer to give me more of Paul's character and more thought after the final act.

Overall an interesting if not totally successful short film that is bleak, depressing and bitter.

This is a gripping, dark, stark, troubled, sinister and very real look at human morality/ ethics in action. True to life it shows how one only comes to know the depth of themselves when an extreme situation forces them. Multilayered with social commentary this short film forces the audience to question themselves, their values and the world around them. It's the kind of film that makes you nervous about who's really sitting next to you! What would they do - if it came to the crunch!

It's beautifully shot. The performances are brilliant. The writing is sleek, thought provoking, pacey, honest, brave and above all - intelligent. The direction is clear, concise and beautifully constructed. Never once did a shot get in the way of the drama, disrupt the pace or hinder the pathos - as so often happens in shorts.

This is a great example of style enhancing content, a well conceived plot, thought provoking concepts, 3d characterisations, expert bl&wh cinematography, wonderful performances, gritty tight direction and excellent exposition.

I expect great things to follow from this production. Beyond a doubt, one of the BEST shorts I've seen. It lingers with you! Congrats!