Gin & Dry

Gin and Dry is a sophisticatedly delivered short film that contains a well-balanced and layered narrative. The film depicts an accurate and relatable representation of an ageing generation with nothing to lose. The film bares all the hallmarks of a classic comedic caper, whilst simultaneously can be read to ask fairly profound questions including society's treatment of the elderly and, ultimately, death and its handling. The film superbly negotiates the fine line between bitter and sweet, and with a running time of just over 15 minutes the film packs quite an emotional punch.

Set in the sparsely festive-decorated residential home of Twin Willows, the film centres on the likeable and unassuming Albie (David de Keyser) alongside an ensemble of colourful pensioners who carry out an audacious heist for the rationed Christmas alcohol. The film undoubtedly nods back, if not only shares similarities, to one of the great Ealing comedies, Alexander Mackendrick's 1949 film Whisky Galore!. Mackendrick's film follows a similarly comedic caper around the shortage, discovery and retention of alcohol; in their youth, the residents of the Twin Willows retirement home could have fitted in nicely with rebellious characters of Whisky Galore!.

David de Keyser's performance of Albie is a real standout and is critical in providing not only a straight face for the comic relief to bounce off but also to offer thoughtful and heartfelt moments. Albie comes across as maintaining a 'tortoise and the hare' approach to life. This is highlighted in the brilliantly shot, with fast paced close-ups of a speeding wheelchair, 'hallway chase' scene in which slow and steady, very much so, won the race. Indeed, from the outset the film's stylistic and technical elements can be admired, as it begins as it means to go on with a delightful extreme close-up shot of ice clinking and fizzing in a glass. As the film progresses so too does the variety of shots and stylistic choices for comedic, ambiguous and sentimental effect. The use of crash zooms during the discovery of board games instead of alcohol works well in a comedic sense as well as to keep the tempo of film going. Throughout the film the use of focus, and lack of, is used astutely, particularly for when Albie interacts with his wife Dee (June Watson). The camera would often lose Dee in a blurred out focus, brilliantly laying the breadcrumbs for the, certainly heart breaking, final scene. At this point, a special mention has to be made to the use of Billie Holiday's I'll Be Seeing You throughout the film, playing a very reflective role of the crux of the film; not least in the final scene where the piece of music becomes empty, hollow and echoing, making for moving and poignant viewing.

Thematically, Gin and Dry raises the question of how society treats the elderly. A regular criticism is the restrictive treatment of the elderly, limiting their choices, often undermining their ability and impeding on their freedom; Albie even makes a point of the fact that many of his generation, including himself, fought for our liberty in the Second World War. The narrative unfolds to oppose such restrictions and make the audience consider how we treat an older generation; to who we owe so much. A further point can be raised of the purpose the alcohol serves. It is apparent in Albie's case it is used as a form of medication to deal with a recent agonising loss, a common theme and occurrence during the twilight years, in which memories are re-lived and profound, difficult and often painful questions must be confronted.

Gin and Dry negotiates the pitfalls of a solitary location effortlessly, implementing a dynamic, fresh and compelling style onto the film. The film provides great moments of humour that make for entertaining and easy watching, whilst simultaneously delivering engaging and thought provoking issues in a truly well-rounded short film.

Imagine spending Christmas eve in a care home with a bunch of old, bored and alcohol-craving folks who devise a plan to steal booze and indulge in the joys of being wasted . Gin and Dry is a perfect example of a bittersweet story, which carries itself light-heartedly, while an underlying message waits patiently to unfold. What I thought was fascinating about Gin and Dry was the fusion of comedy and drama, which is intrinsic to the story. Very few films depict old people as protagonists. What makes Gin and Dry genuine is the way it portrays the residents of a care home - almost like children. This not only helps the audience relate to the characters but also subverts any preconceptions the viewer might have. Albie, the protagonist, seems like the grandfather everyone would like to have. He is a gentle, stoic and wise guy, who seems to posses high moral values and always takes responsibility for his actions. We see him in the beginning of the film as he pours some gin for him and his wife Dee. Their dialogue is nostalgic as they both remember their shared memories from the past. Albie stands out from the other, more child-like characters and consequently becomes the driving force of the story. The production design in this film is incredible. While the film does not represent a care home realistically (the ones I've seen are much grittier); the various props such as Christmas lights, little ornaments and bottles of alcohol transform an otherwise dull environment into a colourful and interesting world. It seems like the shots were cleverly constructed beforehand, since each frame is visually pleasing with interesting elements in the background. In my opinion, Gin and Dry offers an interesting take on care homes and the ways their residents behave. What initially seems like an adventurous journey of mischief eventually turns into a reminder that sparks of life are present even in the dustiest and most forgotten places.

Gin & Dry perfectly demonstrates quite how much can be done in short-film format. What a brilliant gem of a film. While it is, on the face of it, a simple heist story set in an old people's home, it touches on themes of age, loss, companionship, and as a result triggers all kinds of emotions throughout.

The photography is incredibly elegant and the cinematic shots are enhanced with a stunning colour grade. All in all this film makes for a very satisfying visual experience. The visuals are further matched by a quality score and a soundscape that perfectly captures the old people's home. The soundscape is truly evocative, especially in moments when Albi pours himself a Gin & Dry.

The attention to detail is evident and this extends to the beautifully designed title cards which add a further level of class to the film.

Some of the performances are more effective than others, but the title role of Albi played by David de Keyser is perfectly pitched and truly moving.

The script is powerful and in less skilled hands some of the monologue may not have been so effective. But here it is beautifully pitched without being overly melodramatic or maudlin. A truly delicate balance is struck throughout.

This is definitely one to watch. I can't recommend it highly enough as a fantastic example of the short-film format.

It is not often that you come across a film that focuses solely upon the Elderly in a thought-provoking and amusing way, yet Gin & Dry has done this to perfection. Not only does it put a twist on the stereotypes we hold against old age, but it also leaves its audience with an underlying heart-rending message.

Albie is the perfect protagonist. He is presented as the wise and loving old man who knows he's lived his life to the full, which immediately gives the audience a reason to trust him. This is further reinforced by his emotional speech, which becomes the main turning point, providing the audience with a realisation that time does not last forever.

There was not one minute put to waste in this beautifully humorous short film. Every shot, character, piece of dialogue or music reflected the story that was being told. Scenes such as the lead-up to the heist gave a real sense of the idea that you will always remain young at heart, as the residents fight to be the first to reach the door. Yet these very scenes make the audience realise that the people who once fought for our freedom are the ones we treat with very little respect, as is presented in the character of Adam.

Adam's character becomes the only character the audience can relate to; the young man who believes he's got a hard life, because the residence won't co-operate with him. That being said Albie's speech to Adam is a direct message to youth, saying that as a generation we have lived life without the worries they overcame for us.

All in all, Gin & Dry, with its striking cinematography and lasting message, is most definitely worth a watch.

'Gin and Dry' captures today's loutish generation who'll do anything for a drop of alcohol. Intimidation, violence, hostage taking, nothing is too much for these individuals and their lust for a strong drink. Sometimes they're even willing to put their lives and Zimmer frames on the line for it.

In reality 'Gin and Dry' makes use of elderly actors for the cast and a care home as the setting, to tell a very honest story. As with any good film the audience are made to think and one of the pleasures of such a short piece is that it doesn't feel at all didactic. The brevity means that we are provoked and then just as quickly left alone to debate and ponder the issues we feel are most important.

As the central character Albie makes clear, these characters aren't going to be around for too much longer and although many films may deal with life and death, the setting of 'Gin and Dry' provides death with an immediacy that heightens the effect of the story. Alongside debating the roles of alcohol, mortality, love and everything in between, you question why older people are so rarely given the lead roles.

Capture avoid using the typical higher angle shots that often depict older characters as small and fragile. The particularly shallow focus used also adds a hint of the cinematic and the Christmas lights provide warmth to contrast with the honesty of the content. As the camera slowly focuses in on the record Albie has chosen, undulating as it plays, we are led into the wonderfully inspired final shot of the film. The style of the ending perfectly completes a film that is quite simply, a good story told well.