Please Punish Me (2014)
Starring: David Sackal, Joanna Donofrio, Bradley Rhodes, and
Mark Carter.
My Review and Thoughts:
FIRST A SIDE NOTE: WHAT I THINK ABOUT SHORT FILM MAKING:
I think one of the hardest types of film making and storytelling
is short films. These have to consist of grabbing so much detail and story that
the viewer has to understand and be satisfied in such a small period. To make a
successful short film to me is a very hard accomplishment because I need detail
and focus on a subject to really grasp the understanding of the piece. With
that said I am a true fan of the medium and art form of short films. To me a
true skilled director or artist is the one able to crunch the imagination of a
films subject into a small space.
My Review:
Moving on to this short film which last a little under 15
minutes.
I first experienced Chris Esper’s work in his short film
Still Life from 2012 which you can read my review for here:
Chris has a talent with the lens of a camera. He expresses
what I detailed in my short little introduction. He is able to capture a
complete story in a small amount of time, and that is the beauty of solid film
making.
Punish Me is a totally different subject. This is pure
comedy. It’s a funny trip into a short film that lingers on your made, and
makes you giggle even after it’s over. The plot is written by two, Tom Paolino
and Rich Camp. Both have created a funny, memorable short. Esper’s quality of
direction, mixed with written humor, and actions satisfies the film lover.
The low down of the plot is your main character Scottie Lee
has everything going for him. Life has given him everything and more and the
persons around him have bad luck, or crap happens. Now through many situations
he feels, and sees that he shouldn’t have all this great luck fall into his
hands. So he takes it upon himself to be punished. One of his coworkers hands
him a card for a place called PUNISH ME PALACE. He seeks out this business in
hopes to be punished, adding a true comical flare to the mix is his attempt by
seeking out the dominatrix setting, which ends up becoming not what it seems.
Your main character Scottie is played by David Sackal. David
does a great job as the, punish seeking businessman. The part of Michelle
played by Joanna Donofrio is absolutely memorable. Both have great
performances. The shining role is by actor Mark Carter, absolutely hilarious.
The whole cast works. The tight direction by Chris Esper’s is what shines. He
is a gifted film maker I see moving on to bigger projects. Please Punish Me is
a great little film that stands out.
A fun, comical short that thoroughly entertained me.
INFO