Melancholia (2018) – A Two Ton Heavy Thing – A Fitz of Horror Short Film Review

Bob Coldicott (Gothic Bob) May 2, 2019

Synopsis- A depressed writer, who after losing his family, struggles to finish one last book as he searches for redemption.

I first became aware of this short film in the height of 2018’s summer, as it made its way around film fest circuits, picking up numerous nominations. It’s not a surprise to me that it also took home quite a few awards, from Best Screenplay to Best Film.

The movie opens as, and leans on heavily throughout, a narrative. Martin Schackle, played by Mu-Shaka Benson (Dwelling, Crossbreed, The Shed), is writing his final book whilst making a lot of grim observations about life. Martin is reflecting on some poor choices he’s made, arguably with remorse, while exuding a lot of disdain for society’s programmed/predictable behavior. It’s questionable whether or not he’s masking his own shortcomings and painting some anger onto the human condition. He frequently visits the home of his ex-wife Becky but it’s mostly to talk to their daughter. He tries some small talk on Becky, played by the recently departed Mela Hudson (may she rest in peace), but she’s not impressed with his aspirations after the abuse she’s suffered at his hands. Martin struggles with more reflection, ultimately rationalizing a very drastic and grim path to reconciliation…something he knew he was going to do all along.

Melancholia is DEEP and it’s probably one of the things I loved most about it. In fact, when discussing this with Writer and Director Redouane Elghazi (Rain, Tarot: The Arcane Chronicles), I described it as a “lovely and deep film, very profound”. To be less broad, Melancholia sits on your chest like a two-ton heavy thing. I know, “thing” is pretty broad too. To understand what that thing is, one must understand Martin Schakle. Martin’s ramblings could be construed in multiple different ways. Some of his proclamations are a bit redundant or cliche but that, in and of itself, adds to the realism of his character. I teetered between thinking he was solely an anxiety-ridden egoist, narcissist…then a philosophical intellectual, mentally ill or  wounded artist…the list goes on and on. This complexity [of character], along with Mu-Shaka’s somehow patterned yet dynamic delivery and brilliant performance (which won him Best Actor at WNY Film, Art and Music Event), Emmett Van Slyke’s score and Michael J. Rudolph’s camera work made it understandable why I heard the positive things that I had. Melancholia skirts the line of a psychological/philosophical piece of art…one that leaves you feeling dejected and morose. Truly Red Elghazi must be happy to have this film as part of his canon of work. I would be.

Check out Melancholia on Amazon Prime or follow it on Facebook!