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Hunter’s Fall (2005)

'Elantra Films'

Dir: Joe Burke

Cast:
Scott Hess
Jennifer Celaya
Jeff Boehm

Hunter (Scott Hess) works in a restaurant at menial tasks, watches films in his lonely apartment, drinks too many beers and slips further and further into a depressive hole due to the loss of his girlfriend Jess.

With his relationship over pleasures now seem few and far between, the TV has become a crutch against the weight of loneliness and all quite frankly seems bleak in Hunter’s world.

But then fate offers him a chance to get his life, and maybe even his heart, beating strongly again….

 

Made for a film class at ‘Columbia College‘, Chicago, “Hunter’s Fall” is not only Joe Burke’s technical calling card for bigger things (Burke wrote, directed, produced and shot the film) but also a genuinely complete, emotionally satisfying work that stands on it’s own as a serious accomplishment in short film making.

As the only real actor given any screen-time during the 9 minute film (though the lovely Jennifer Celaya makes a striking visual impression as an important part of the unfolding narrative) Scott Hess is basically the thespian hook on which the entire film is hung. Thankfully, with his expertly judged , crucially natural, deliver of dialogue (as well as body language) Hess is more than up to this important task. It would be too easy to dislike or get annoyed (even in the short running time) with Hunter which would have destroyed the film completely, but Hess never overplays anything and as such we fell for the character rather than judge him.

Aside from the lead performance by Hess the other star here is the beautiful, emotionally astute score by Justin McGrath. It compliments the on-screen action perfectly and when combined with Joe Burke’s lovely, masterful visuals and frame compositions (as well as Hess’s finely tuned performance) it helps to elevate the entire enterprise to even greater heights.

For such a short and simple story to work with Burke and Hess (they sound like body snatchers!) do marvels in ensuring that the emotional residue that the film leaves on the viewer is as strong as it is. The screenplay is a textbook example of lean, stripped down, character driven storytelling and emotion that does all it needs to do in the time it’s given.
And the technically and artistically wonderful writing, directing and cinematography (on crisp looking digital video that makes lovely use of natural light) by Joe Burke show a true understanding of the medium.

And as the final shot plays out (with yet more of that fantastic music) you truly feel at one with Hunter.
He was able to take up the challenge he stumbled upon by being strong enough to shake off that choking grip of depression and loss and as such he could embrace the offer that fate had handed to him. And in the process Hunter reminds us all that life can twist and turn in unimaginable ways and as such no life is over until it IS over. No one ever knows, even when all looks bleak and unchanging, what life can throw at us.
And thanks to Hess (even with such a small amount of time to do so) making Hunter such an involving everyman, that any member of the audience can connect with, he becomes a little island of hope in the dangerous stygian blackness that can threatens to swamp all of us if we lose what we think can never get back.

A wonderful example of character driven short film making that’s not only technically superb and knowing, but also emotionally satisfying from a dramatic point of view. If there is any justice Joe Burke and co will be given the chance to really shine in the bigger arena.

A crisp, non-anamorphic, transfer, and equally crisp sound, showcases Joe Burke’s endeavour perfectly and the simple but effective DVD design gives a clean and professional presentation.
Extras are trailers for “Hunter’s Fall” itself and two other Joe Burke/‘Elantra’ short film productions “Coop’s Night In” and “Disturbance 2013”.
Of main interest though is the 30 minute audio commentary (the film is looped 3 times) by Joe Burke, Scott Hess and Justin McGrath. The basic set-up of filming, the technical difficulties, the intricate sound design and various little titbits about the shoot are covered and all in all it makes for an interesting listen.
The commentary also throws the spotlight of shame onto Warner Brothers who asked for $5000 a minute (it may as well have been $5 million as far as Burke’s financial position was concerned) if the makers wanted to show a clip of “Superman: The Movie” on Hunter’s TV. Way to go ‘Warner Bros’ for their caring attitude to new film makers.

“Hunter’s Fall” and other ‘Elantra Films’ productions are available from the ‘Elantra’ website and I urge you all to support Burke and his companions (and in fact all Indy film makers who get out there and do it) in their endeavours.