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DramaComedyDocumentaryAnimationExperimentalMusic
Fence
Matthew Murdoch
average rating from 14 members 
       
drama | 2005 | South West | 4 min
Published 09 Oct 06
Secure or insecure? It depends what side of the fence you're on.
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synopsis
A short film about a young boy's reaction against the pressure to conform in a new environment. Sometimes our fantasies can become a little strange in reality.
short fact
"At the time of making this film I was interested in physical boundaries, their claustrophobic effect on behaviour, and the rebellion against the necessity to conform to an environment.

I wanted my character to quietly attempt to escape, which would lead to unpredictable circumstances."
crew
  • director Matthew Murdoch
  • writer Matthew Murdoch
  • producer Matthew Murdoch & Matthew Milloy
  • editor Alice Powell
  • director of photography Frederik Herneoja
  • sound Ayush Ahuja
  • music None
  • production assistant Animesh Raval
  • cast
    • Alex Alex Jopling
    • Paul (Dad) Jeremy Smith
    • Headmaster Levi Summers
    festivals, awards and screenings include:
  • Raindance International Film Festival 2005, London
  • Runner-up for best film, Halloween Short Film Festival London 2006
  • Lille International Short Film Festival, France 2006
  • Emergeandsee Festival in London/Berlin/Budapest
  • Adobe Design Achievement Award 2006, Toronto (Finalist Live Action catagory)
  • Hull International Film Festival 2006
  • format
    16mm/Super 16
    budget
    £850
    © 2005 Matthew Murdoch

    comments

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    comment by Nick  Barrett
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    posted Jan 6, 2008

    A too short short! I don't often say that, but this really could have done with being a tad longer, some expository scenes of the boys alienation or a couple more shots of how oppressive the school might look to him.... The last chilling shots stick in the mind and mark this film out, it really is quite a shock cut, and definitely makes a subtle point about society, conformity, fitting in etc. A good idea that needed expansion so three stars!

    comment by Simon  Page
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    posted Oct 19, 2007

    This was interesting. Sure, a couple of "off" scenes, like we never see the teacher's face but the final part worked very well. I liked it.
    It sent a message... either conform to the group or become an outcast. So, to me, the story was effectively told and the message delivered. Well done.

    comment by Mark  Mocarski
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    posted Aug 18, 2007

    I did not see you make your point/and I did see one scene that was a piece of poor videoography..mostly you have a fair eye for scenes in video/I myself have been in such situations..as your movie must attire too/in that subject the movie was not getting anything done..the audio portion was very good.

    comment by Sherry  Reidford
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    posted Jan 8, 2007

    This is a great film, Matthew!

    I can certainly identify with the solitary character here.

    A perfect clip to raise the issue of bullying to every worried parent or every bullied child.

    Powerful ending. It had me in stitches!!

    Let's save the World together...

    comment by ROGER  GOLDSMITH
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    posted Nov 24, 2006

    Something of a let down. I thought perhaps that the boy had something about him that warranted his desire to run away, like a stammer. But there was nothing. The film, in truth said nothing. And did nothing.

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    useful links
    • www.matthewmurdoch.co.uk
    film network submission
    This film was chosen by the Film Network team through our online submissions process.

    more shorts with similar themes

    This film is included in the film catalogue under the following themes:

    • Child's Play
    • Outsiders
    Film Network Submissions Index

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