BRIEFLY ON LIBERTY
A SHORT FILM
From Nick Perlman on Vimeo.
From Nick Perlman on Vimeo.
FILM INFORMATION
Year: 2009
Genre: Drama
Running Time: 10 minutes, 23 seconds
Color, 16 mm
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Production Time: August 2008 – May 2009
PRINCIPLE CAST AND CREW
Director: Nick Perlman
Screenplay: Nick Perlman
Producers: Theodore Darst, Mary Mullane, and Nick Perlman
Director of Photography: Alexander H. Nelson
Editor: Cody Duckworth
Starring: Ryan James and Christine Verderese
Production Design: Mary Mullane
Art Director: Joe Taylor
Sound Supervisor: Brian Kucinski
Script Supervisor: Katja Stotmeister
Music: Nick Perlman
SYNOPSIS
Ant—an immigrant to the U.S.—is a shy waiter at an upscale restaurant. He is dissatisfied with his life, living a tedious job, and unable to connect with the new culture which surrounds him. Through one night of debauchery, “Briefly on Liberty” explores the connection between freedom and isolation.
DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT
What planted the seed for “Briefly on Liberty” was an introspective analysis of isolation. What is isolation? How does one become isolated?
From a very personal place I created a character trapped in a disconnect between himself and others. The character then evolved into someone that stood to represent more than an isolated individual but a paradox in the system which that very character desired to be a part of. The question was no longer about isolation, but freedom. Is freedom the parent of isolation?
Caricatures suggestive of excess began to emerge in this story, and eventually what formed was the script for “Briefly on Liberty”.
Stylistically, I approached the subject matter through the filter of a noir. I wanted to draw an emphasis on the ambiguity of the events taking place, juxtaposing a sinister tone to what should be a fun, rowdy evening. I wanted the city itself to become an antagonistic character. The noir filter allowed me to accomplish this.
The final product is a dark meditation on isolation, excess, and of course, liberty.
Photographer: Derek Scearce © 2009
More stills are available upon request.
