A man attends an interview for a job he desperately needs, but not all is what it seems in the surreal short film The Double Room by Martin Del Carpio.
Martin Del Carpio’s surreal short film, “The Double Room,” provides a captivating exploration of the surreal genre, a realm often appreciated by connoisseurs of filmmakers like David Lynch and Alejandro Jodorowsky. While surreal films can sometimes appear daunting to the general audience, enthusiasts find themselves drawn to the enigmatic visuals and otherworldly audio that define these cinematic endeavours.
The narrative of “The Double Room” unfolds with the protagonist, Honor (Matt Pascua), immersed in a dreamscape filled with peculiar imagery—a mask suspended amid forest trees. Awakening from this dream, Honor finds himself atop an 80s-style television set housed in a wooden unit, his makeshift bed in an abandoned warehouse. The film skilfully weaves surreal elements as Honor engages in unconventional activities like dancing within the desolate warehouse and shaving in front of a grimy mirror.
Amidst this dreamlike sequence, Honor shares his anticipation for an upcoming job interview, expressing a mix of dread for the paperwork involved but also hope for a fresh start. The ensuing interview scene takes place in a nondescript room with perforations in the walls, featuring a simplistic table adorned with a Chess Timer. Seated across from Honor is the enigmatic interviewer, credited as 755M (Dan Shaked). The initially promising interview takes an unexpected turn as Honor is abruptly rejected, leaving 755M to exhibit bizarre behaviour.
Throughout “The Double Room,” Del Carpio employs intriguing visuals, including black and white photography capturing someone walking barefoot over feathers. These visuals provoke contemplation, inviting viewers to decipher the underlying narrative the director seeks to convey. The film’s sound design significantly enhances the overall experience, elevating it to new heights. However, a minor critique arises during the interview scene, where the presence of lav mic disturbances on 755M is noticeable and slightly distracting.
Despite these minor imperfections, “The Double Room” stands out as a testament to Del Carpio’s innovative thinking. While surreal films are not a novelty in the contemporary cinematic landscape, the film’s distinctive approach sets it apart from the multitude of shorts produced each year. The performances of Matt Pascua and Dan Shaked contribute to the film’s success, leaving audiences intrigued and eager to witness the future endeavors of this talented team.
In conclusion, “The Double Room” serves as a commendable foray into the surreal genre, skilfully blending unconventional storytelling with mesmerizing visuals and sound design. Martin Del Carpio and his team’s ability to think outside the conventional cinematic box promises an exciting trajectory for their future projects, making them a creative force worth following.
