There are times when I just want to watch a bit of silliness, especially when death is on the line. That’s what I got from writer-director Blok’s short film, A Dishonourable Death: At Twenty-Seven Minutes Past Six.
It’s 1837, and important disputes are still resolved to the death through dueling. On this morning at twenty-seven minutes past six, George (Chrisos Lawton) and his second Thompson (David Fulton) are late to George’s duel against what Thompson believes is a Chinese man. No one is there when they arrive at the specified location, forcing George to question whether they are at the right spot.
Just as they are about to pack it in, a trio of strangers show up and denigrate George’s wounded pride. The family insulting him consists of Seamus (Roger Thomson), his wife Catherine (Claire Rafferty), and their daughter Grace (Gracie Walllis). So, it looks like there might just be a duel this morning after all.
“No one is there when they arrive at the specified location, forcing George to question whether they are at the right spot.”
As mentioned before, A Dishonourable Death: At Twenty-Seven Minutes Past Six is simply a series of silly moments, one after the other. From Thompson’s sure-fire investment opportunity to the unclear reason for the duel and even more unclear opponent, the comedy is handled well. It is done in the dead-pan dry style we expect from the British, and it works.
Weirdly what impresses me the most is the production value that went into this short film. The story starts with an overhead shot of a horse-drawn carriage in the forest and pans inside, bouncing in tune with the horses. Then it goes through its windows, and we peer upon the trees rushing past. A good chunk of change when into this production, and for some reason, that warms my heart.
Silliness may not be your cup of tea, but sometimes you’ve got to unplug and have a bit of fun. So put on A Dishonourable Death: At Twenty-Seven Minutes Past Six and enjoy.
For more information about A Dishonourable Death: At Twenty-Seven Minutes Past Six, visit filmmaker Blok’s official website.
