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Nerd

Synopsis

Nerd is a dramatic monologue examining the nature of power in a contemporary context.

In the arts and entertainment industry, money and power is enjoyed by the few. The remaining majority strive and dream, all the while open to the whims and predations of the powerful.

There are many in vulnerable positions. ‘It began with the interns’ Do those with influence open the powerless to greater risk by failing to understand boundaries? Does the industry hold itself accountable? Do we hold each other accountable? Do we spend enough time and energy discussing safeguarding issues? Are the correct policies in place? How does power corrupt? How are monsters born? Nerd does not answer all of these questions. But it invites you to consider them.

Gordon is a movie producer, embroiled in scandal and excommunicated from the elite. He tells us his story.

Review

5/5
A monologue that explores the abuse of power in the film industry.
Directed by Sam Rees, from a screenplay by the late scriptwriter Othniel Smith, ‘Nerd’ is a short drama film that takes an intimate look at one man’s fall from grace. Christopher Pegler-Lambert stars as Gordon (the sole character) – a disgraced film producer who reflects about his rise in the movie industry to career calamity by his sexual misconduct and impropriety. The character echoes the dishonor of Harvey Weinstein and the subsequent Me Too Movement. The drama explores themes of mental health, self-pity and abuse of power.

The 41-minute monologue, constructed predominately in real time and appearing as two-continuous shots, opens with Gordon demonstrating his movie-nerd personality. The film breaks-the-fourth wall throughout, with the character speaking directly to the camera for the viewing audience. Set entirely in an apartment, the drama delves into the imbalance of power and acceptance of sexual advances in an industry rife with scandal. ‘Nerd’ is a hard-hitting, albeit complex drama that will evoke viewer empathy and equally resentment to the protagonist.

Nerd
Othniel Smith has poignantly captured both the vulnerability and willingness of masculine power in the workplace. Sam Rees (Director) has created a riveting watch, alluring viewers from the get-go. High praise to Christopher Pegler-Lambert – a second-to-none performance that deserves high acclaim. Pegler-Lambert’s emotional range delivers enthralling viewing from start-to-finish. The use of long-continuous shots, with a transition break at 28-mins, rewards viewers with a sense of intimacy and melancholy that wouldn’t be achievable without. A chilling drama not to be overlooked. Highly recommended.

Cast/Crew

Director(s): Sam Rees
Writer(s): Othniel Smith
Cast: Christopher Pegler-Lambert
Producer(s): Owain Hopkins, Rachel Pedley
Director of Photography:
Animation (if applicable):

Specifications

Genre:
Subjects: , , , , , , , , ,
Collections:
Country:
Language: English
Year: 2022
Runtime: 41 min

Recommended

4/5

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Cast/Crew

Director(s): Sam Rees
Writer(s): Othniel Smith
Cast: Christopher Pegler-Lambert
Producer(s): Owain Hopkins, Rachel Pedley
Director of Photography:
Animation (if applicable):

Specifcations

Genre:
Subjects: , , , , , , , , ,
Collections:
Country:
Language: English
Year: 2022
Runtime: 41 min

Recommended

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Nerd

Synopsis

Nerd is a dramatic monologue examining the nature of power in a contemporary context.

In the arts and entertainment industry, money and power is enjoyed by the few. The remaining majority strive and dream, all the while open to the whims and predations of the powerful.

There are many in vulnerable positions. ‘It began with the interns’ Do those with influence open the powerless to greater risk by failing to understand boundaries? Does the industry hold itself accountable? Do we hold each other accountable? Do we spend enough time and energy discussing safeguarding issues? Are the correct policies in place? How does power corrupt? How are monsters born? Nerd does not answer all of these questions. But it invites you to consider them.

Gordon is a movie producer, embroiled in scandal and excommunicated from the elite. He tells us his story.

Review

A monologue that explores the abuse of power in the film industry.

5/5
Directed by Sam Rees, from a screenplay by the late scriptwriter Othniel Smith, ‘Nerd’ is a short drama film that takes an intimate look at one man’s fall from grace. Christopher Pegler-Lambert stars as Gordon (the sole character) – a disgraced film producer who reflects about his rise in the movie industry to career calamity by his sexual misconduct and impropriety. The character echoes the dishonor of Harvey Weinstein and the subsequent Me Too Movement. The drama explores themes of mental health, self-pity and abuse of power.

The 41-minute monologue, constructed predominately in real time and appearing as two-continuous shots, opens with Gordon demonstrating his movie-nerd personality. The film breaks-the-fourth wall throughout, with the character speaking directly to the camera for the viewing audience. Set entirely in an apartment, the drama delves into the imbalance of power and acceptance of sexual advances in an industry rife with scandal. ‘Nerd’ is a hard-hitting, albeit complex drama that will evoke viewer empathy and equally resentment to the protagonist.

Nerd
Othniel Smith has poignantly captured both the vulnerability and willingness of masculine power in the workplace. Sam Rees (Director) has created a riveting watch, alluring viewers from the get-go. High praise to Christopher Pegler-Lambert – a second-to-none performance that deserves high acclaim. Pegler-Lambert’s emotional range delivers enthralling viewing from start-to-finish. The use of long-continuous shots, with a transition break at 28-mins, rewards viewers with a sense of intimacy and melancholy that wouldn’t be achievable without. A chilling drama not to be overlooked. Highly recommended.

Recommended

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