Audience Member
Gin and Dry is a sophisticatedly delivered short film that contains a well-balanced and layered narrative. The film depicts an accurate and relatable representation of an ageing generation with nothing to lose. The film bares all the hallmarks of a classic comedic caper, whilst simultaneously can be read to ask fairly profound questions including society's treatment of the elderly and, ultimately, death and its handling. The film superbly negotiates the fine line between bitter and sweet, and with a running time of just over 15 minutes the film packs quite an emotional punch.
Set in the sparsely festive-decorated residential home of Twin Willows, the film centres on the likeable and unassuming Albie (David de Keyser) alongside an ensemble of colourful pensioners who carry out an audacious heist for the rationed Christmas alcohol. The film undoubtedly nods back, if not only shares similarities, to one of the great Ealing comedies, Alexander Mackendrick's 1949 film Whisky Galore!. Mackendrick's film follows a similarly comedic caper around the shortage, discovery and retention of alcohol; in their youth, the residents of the Twin Willows retirement home could have fitted in nicely with rebellious characters of Whisky Galore!.
David de Keyser's performance of Albie is a real standout and is critical in providing not only a straight face for the comic relief to bounce off but also to offer thoughtful and heartfelt moments. Albie comes across as maintaining a ‘tortoise and the hare' approach to life. This is highlighted in the brilliantly shot, with fast paced close-ups of a speeding wheelchair, ‘hallway chase' scene in which slow and steady, very much so, won the race. Indeed, from the outset the film's stylistic and technical elements can be admired, as it begins as it means to go on with a delightful extreme close-up shot of ice clinking and fizzing in a glass. As the film progresses so too does the variety of shots and stylistic choices for comedic, ambiguous and sentimental effect. The use of crash zooms during the discovery of board games instead of alcohol works well in a comedic sense as well as to keep the tempo of film going. Throughout the film the use of focus, and lack of, is used astutely, particularly for when Albie interacts with his wife Dee (June Watson). The camera would often lose Dee in a blurred out focus, brilliantly laying the breadcrumbs for the, certainly heart breaking, final scene. At this point, a special mention has to be made to the use of Billie Holiday's I'll Be Seeing You throughout the film, playing a very reflective role of the crux of the film; not least in the final scene where the piece of music becomes empty, hollow and echoing, making for moving and poignant viewing.
Thematically, Gin and Dry raises the question of how society treats the elderly. A regular criticism is the restrictive treatment of the elderly, limiting their choices, often undermining their ability and impeding on their freedom; Albie even makes a point of the fact that many of his generation, including himself, fought for our liberty in the Second World War. The narrative unfolds to oppose such restrictions and make the audience consider how we treat an older generation; to who we owe so much. A further point can be raised of the purpose the alcohol serves. It is apparent in Albie's case it is used as a form of medication to deal with a recent agonising loss, a common theme and occurrence during the twilight years, in which memories are re-lived and profound, difficult and often painful questions must be confronted.
Gin and Dry negotiates the pitfalls of a solitary location effortlessly, implementing a dynamic, fresh and compelling style onto the film. The film provides great moments of humour that make for entertaining and easy watching, whilst simultaneously delivering engaging and thought provoking issues in a truly well-rounded short film.
Rated 4.5/5 Stars •
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
02/25/23
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