Fade in: to Murder By Declan Smith
Directed by Declan Smith, “Fade in: to Murder” unfolds as a captivating short film, thrusting viewers into the intriguing chaos of a film festival turned crime scene. The synopsis teases a fortuitous murder, and our guide through this unexpected turn of events is the method actor Grace Goodman, tasked with unraveling the enigma that shrouds the festival.
Smith infuses “Fade in: to Murder” with a delightful layer of comedy, employing a clever blend of background jokes and funny dialogue.
The Writer’s adeptness at crafting humor enhances the overall viewing experience, bringing an additional element of entertainment to the narrative.
One of the standout elements of “Fade in: to Murder” lies in its deliberate choice to employ blocking techniques reminiscent of a stage performance. This decision introduces a unique dimension to the film, creating a seamless transition between scenes. As actors exit the frame and one scene concludes, the entrance of another actress marks the commencement of a new scene, contributing significantly to the overall mood and pacing.
The film’s visual composition is a testament to the filmmaker’s dexterity, as the combination of fast camera movements and tranquil shots proves to be a source of satisfaction for the audience. This dynamic interplay between swift and calm sequences engenders a visually engaging experience, ensuring that viewers remain captivated and intrigued throughout the unfolding narrative.
The film’s visual composition is a testament to the filmmaker’s dexterity, as the combination of fast camera movements and tranquil shots proves to be a source of satisfaction for the audience. This dynamic interplay between swift and calm sequences engenders a visually engaging experience, ensuring that viewers remain captivated and intrigued throughout the unfolding narrative.
A noteworthy artistic choice made by the filmmaker is the utilization of the high key lighting technique, strategically employed to emulate the ambiance of stage lighting. This not only enhances the atmospheric quality of the film but also underscores the influence of theatrical elements on the storytelling, providing an additional layer of depth to the visuals.
In terms of performances, the cast ensemble delivers peculiar and mysterious portrayals that effectively mirror the pacing of the movie. Sherice Banton and Simon Crudgington particularly stand out for their exceptional portrayal of frozen characters, injecting a sense of tension and intrigue that propels the storyline forward. Their contributions serve as a pivotal force in maintaining the smooth flow of storytelling, devoid of any distracting diversions.
Adding another layer of uniqueness to “Fade in: to Murder” is the exceptional music scoring by composer Vaughn Teufel. The music seamlessly integrates with the story’s ebb and flow, offering a layer of calm, light, and harmony without overpowering the narrative. Teufel’s nuanced approach to scoring contributes to the overall cinematic experience, enhancing the emotional resonance of the film without overshadowing the unfolding events.
In conclusion, “Fade in: to Murder” stands as a commendable short film that masterfully combines stage-like blocking techniques, dynamic camera work, and strategic lighting choices. The cast’s mysterious and peculiar performances, particularly by Sherice Banton and Simon Crudgington, contribute significantly to the film’s overall impact. The smooth storytelling flow, devoid of any deviations, and the exceptional music scoring by Vaughn Teufel further elevate this short film into a compelling and unique contribution to the genre.
K.Araman
Monthly Indie Shorts
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About Declan
Declan Smith is a Derby based filmmaker with an overwhelming passion for cinema. Whether it’s writing, directing or acting, Declan has always been involved in storytelling, wearing multiple hats. After study ingStage and Screen at Sheffield Hallam University, graduating in 2019, he pursued filmmaking. A fan of thinking outside of the box, not going with the norm and delivering refreshing ideas, Declan chose to create a romance drama that utilises visual storytelling; whilst also staying relevant with the problems of modern day dating for their first professional short. They Directed, wrote and produced Ghosted (2022) it was filmed around the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire areas in August 2022 and completed post production in October 2022. With the help of five creatives involved in the making of it: two actors, one composer, one director and one cinematographer. On a budget of £300, it has since been accepted in over 26 festivals worldwide and picking up awards for Best Soundtrack and Best LGBT romance. Declan’s follow up short film Fade in to Murder is a Columbo esque murder mystery, is about to begin the festival run.
