The simple film observes a man
(Marballi playing Jon) and woman (Kris Wiener playing Kris) as they embark on
the fourth date of their relationship. Things are going well as the couple
appear to be hitting it off, joke around, and chit chat in Kris’ city apartment. Shots of
empty plates, wine glasses, and candles burning signify the passing evening as the
couple eventually realize that this is the date where they stay up all night
talking; and then they hit a rough patch. At that point I’m pretty
sure I would of just turned on the TV in a desperate attempt to cut through the awkwardness but the couple is determined to overcome
their abrupt conversation block.
Shot in contrasty black and white
and filled with old timey music on the soundtrack, this funny and observant
short is artistically realized by director Matt Braunsdorf. He directs his
actors well; they give perfectly naturalistic performances. It’s obvious
Braunsdorf and his actors come from a background in improv (Upright Citizens Brigade to be specific); you feel like
you’re just hanging out with friends who enjoy talking in silly voices and
having awkward conversations about Christopher Columbus, abortion, and Chinese
food. The humorous, dialogue driven film feels inspired by the relationship
comedies Woody Allen has wowed film nerds with for decades.
The film captures the clumsiness of
new relationships in a way many feature length films barely attempt to do. For what
is essentially a short film about two people talking in an apartment “This is
That Night” really gets human behavior right. It helps that the performers
have a natural chemistry and even if the funny film isn't any sort of visual masterpiece Braunsdorf knows how to make a single location
feel like its own character. I really wanted to know where these people ended up. I’m anxiously awaiting “This is That
Morning." GRADE: B+
This is That Night (trailer) from Jonny Marbles Films on Vimeo.
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