|
|
Introduction –
The Desk, by Albert Gonzalez is a paranormal romance movie. From what we read on various sites and review platforms, it was a made by a media student as a part of his project. Although, some of the shot compositions and few editing jerks are a proof to this theory the overall film making, story and the use of piano notes as background score is commendable.
Synopsis –
Peter ( Spencer Jefferies ) is a new student in school and friendless. He is also bullied by a fellow student ( David Jacobs ). Back home he faces a similar situation; complete alienation and solitude. However, there is a girl ( Bianca ) in his class whom Peter adores. Days later, during the English class, in room 111, he sits at the back and unknowingly scribbles on the wooden desk – “Hi! I am Peter”. This we assume is targeted towards the popular girl ( Bianca ).
Next day, he is shocked to receive a response to his scribbling. The response is “Hi, I am Julie”. And thus begins the conversation with a mysterious girl in the most unusual way. Then one day, before the class ends, and after scribbling yet another piece of information, Peter heads to the exit. However, he walks back when he realizes that he’s left his bag on his desk. His focus shifts on the last message which he wrote just a minute back. To his surprise Julie has already replied to it.
He looks around. There is no one in the classroom. He eases back and scribbles another question. To his shock the desk replies back. He scribbles again and once again the desk responds. His last message to Julie is that he wishes to meet her. The desk ( supposedly – Julie ) says she too wants to meet him. Dazed and unable to make any sense he exits the classroom. Next day, he rushes to school. Unfortunately, a paper sticker on the door warns him that his class has been shifted to room #140.
Dejected and sad he looks around as if waiting for a magic to happen. The magic does happen a little later when a girl walks into the classroom. The class teacher introduces her as Julie. Peter is shocked. If that is not enough, Julie who sits behind him taps him on the shoulder and offers a note. Peter unfolds the paper and reads the message. It says – Do, I know you? He looks back and offers a smile. Julie smiles back.
Analysis –
The film doesn’t look like it has been made by a media student. It has all the elements of a professional cinema. Of course, there are a few nettles. What impressed us the most is the use of piano in the entire film? The varying notes give each shot a different depth, a different dimension. On the performance front, all the young actors have done their bit quite well. Cinematography is good but could have been better. We found unnecessary use or should we say overuse of close and medium shots. It turned an otherwise perfect work a little jerky.
2010 | 2012 Albert Gonzalez Albert Gonzalez 8 Minutes YouTube