I just returned from the Indiana Short Film Festival where it was my pleasure to view a screening of Joe Atkinson's "The Last Day" along with several other well crafted works of art. In my estimation "The Last Day" was certainly a crowd favorite judging by the relative whir of comments and buzz from the audience following closing credits for the film.
Wishing now that I had been led into the theater with no idea about the 22 minute film I had come to experience; since in many ways the published synopses served to spoil this work and rob it of much of its innate impact. If you have yet to see "The Last Day" and you have the chance now to avoid reading any synopsis I would sincerely advise you to do so. In reviewing this project I intend to inflict no further harm in this regard but will add that even if you have read the screenplay and reviewed the storyboard you really must treat yourself to the finished production.
It is not surprising to learn that The MayDay Film Festival 2014 rightly bestowed "The Last Day" their "Best Cinematography" award. The camera work was splendid and edited to perfection. The sound was expertly assembled and exhibited only the slightest hints as to the extremely tight window of opportunity in which this film was shot. I would like to offer that gold stars be issued to both David Ross and Cindy Maples for their gripping portrayals as father and daughter, forced by The Fates into a very difficult situation. The supporting cast and extras did their jobs in a way that served to elevate the entire project to a level that surely brings much pride to Author/Producer/Director Joe Atkinson and Actor/Producer Cindy Maples.
If I were tasked with writing a synopsis for "The Last Day" it might go something like this: A 70th birthday should be cause for celebration, but Frank Muncey would be just as happy to spend his on a deck chair next to his daughter overlooking the coast of Atlanta. These times, they are a changin'. What would you be willing to do to survive?
