Written and directed by George Elias, ‘Boulder’ is a short drama film about a man who initiates profound changes to his life. Starring George Elias as the main character, the narrative acts as a character study of the protagonist – exploring his impulsive decision making whilst delving into his disturbing mental well-being. Filmed entirely in black and white, with limited dialogue, the drama is sporadically poignant with a dark comedic underbelly.
The 6-minute short opens with the unnamed central character revealing his intensions to relocate to a friend. The narrative unravels his maternal estrangement and his simple, albeit mundane lifestyle. An inanimate object acts as an ear to divulge to – suggesting his dispirited loneliness and depression.
The use of static black of white cinematography from start-to-finish aids the sombre tone of the entire narrative. George Elias delivers an intriguing performance as the melancholic protagonist – a captivating portrayal of a man desperate for a clean sweep. The narrative hints at a more sinister reason for his relocation, but this can be open to viewer interpretation – a suicidal motive perhaps? Visually, the film is nicely shot with neat cinematography and post-production. Sound is equally commendable. The drama wouldn’t benefit with a glimpse into the character’s new set-up or to explore further his justification for moving. A decent short worth your precious 6-minutes.
