The Hillman Curtis short films all have one thing in common; tension so thick it’s palpable. He creates that tension through the use of the story line but also by beginning and finishing his films without a start or end point. I felt as if I was coming into the middle of the story, that it had been happening already like it existed in reality but I just caught a snippet of the conversation. He likes to cut the film short so that you don’t know what’s going to happen, that’s his hook.
He constantly films using tight shots. We feel like we’re there for these private little moments through his use of camera work. The black and white color theme gives the films a serious quality, as though he wants us focused on the story line without any distractions.
The interaction between characters is really interesting. People are very direct and inquisitive and awkward! I feel like some of the interaction is so weird in that it makes you curious about what exactly went on between the characters before you “came in”.