This is an excellent short film. What great meaning there is for the young man and the fight against his own life. He sees his life in such a bad light. It is amazing how the pill provides a new life that gives him his perception of his life in a much better light. There is great genius behind this film and makes a very powerful statement without saying a word. That is one of the things that makes this short film so great- it says a lot without saying anything at all. Kudso to the entire cast and crew of this film. I am definitely looking forward to seeing others and recommend them to anyone who wants to see a great film with solid meaning behind it.
10 Reviews
A Beautiful Downward Spiral--slight spoilers
blackrockchick6 October 2006
Warning: Spoilers
There are slight spoilers below!!!
All that I can say is that Anthony Spadaccini has done it again. His latest foray into the human heart and mind is a perception bending piece of artistry that will leave you wanting more. Emo Pill is the story of a young man stuck in the throws of sadness and the misery of his life, the movie provides a glimpse into his journey of escape. This film is bright and dark all at once, there are parts that are in black and white as well as ultra bright surreal color. It looks like a dream and feels like one that the audience might not wake up from. The cinematography and some of the shots in this movie are genius. There is one scene where the camera spins around a violin player in the park and it just makes you feel some of the confusion that the main character feels.
The director has chosen to forgo dialog in this film and instead relies on visuals and a stunning score of violin and piano that just pulls you into the loneliness of the character and makes you feel. There is an urgency in the way that the movie was shot and scored, this urgency is further shown in the fact that this film is a mere 18 minutes long.
I really enjoyed this movie. It is artsy and complex and there are many ways to interpret the action in the film. The actors did a wonderful conveying their emotions with actions and facial expressions, the lead actor was especially adept and displaying sadness and ennui. My only regret is that this film is short. I would love to see Spadaccini and company expand this into a full length feature.
All that I can say is that Anthony Spadaccini has done it again. His latest foray into the human heart and mind is a perception bending piece of artistry that will leave you wanting more. Emo Pill is the story of a young man stuck in the throws of sadness and the misery of his life, the movie provides a glimpse into his journey of escape. This film is bright and dark all at once, there are parts that are in black and white as well as ultra bright surreal color. It looks like a dream and feels like one that the audience might not wake up from. The cinematography and some of the shots in this movie are genius. There is one scene where the camera spins around a violin player in the park and it just makes you feel some of the confusion that the main character feels.
The director has chosen to forgo dialog in this film and instead relies on visuals and a stunning score of violin and piano that just pulls you into the loneliness of the character and makes you feel. There is an urgency in the way that the movie was shot and scored, this urgency is further shown in the fact that this film is a mere 18 minutes long.
I really enjoyed this movie. It is artsy and complex and there are many ways to interpret the action in the film. The actors did a wonderful conveying their emotions with actions and facial expressions, the lead actor was especially adept and displaying sadness and ennui. My only regret is that this film is short. I would love to see Spadaccini and company expand this into a full length feature.
Lovely, emotional short film
fabfilmguy20 November 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Emo Pill is a lovely, emotional short film, one of the best films that I saw at the Del. Valley Film Fest a few weeks ago. It is definitely not a film for anyone, but I didn't find it pretentious or self-congratulatory at all (sorry filmjunkie, I think you're the minority). In fact, I found it to be quite the opposite. As many other reviewers have said, the film is a moving canvas, a work of art. The lead character's journey from suicide attempts to total utopia back to suicide is a painful one to watch. I think we've all been there at some point in our lives and it's a hard thing to overcome. Especially in the teenage years (it wasn't that long ago for me, I must admit). The main character in Emo Pill is one that anyone can relate to, even though some situations are extreme.
The images and cinematography is top-notch (maybe the lighting in some scenes is dark, but I'd rather have that and an emotional story than a film that's well-lit by technical standards but has a story that blows chunks). The music is awesome. It's an original score from what the credits say.
So, while the movie is not for everyone (obviously), it's one that's hard not to relate to. I recommend checking out Emo Pill at the next indie film festival!
The images and cinematography is top-notch (maybe the lighting in some scenes is dark, but I'd rather have that and an emotional story than a film that's well-lit by technical standards but has a story that blows chunks). The music is awesome. It's an original score from what the credits say.
So, while the movie is not for everyone (obviously), it's one that's hard not to relate to. I recommend checking out Emo Pill at the next indie film festival!
one of the best films I've ever seen
tristatecutie206 November 2006
Warning: Spoilers
emo pill is one of the best films I've ever seen. i don't get the chance to watch many short films, i don't even really like artsy movies. im more of a horror fan, however emo pill was an incredible movie. its visually spectacular, like a artist's painting, moving and showing us things we expect, things we don't expect, and things we want and desire, as well as things that we hate or don't want in our lives. some of emo pill is a tiny bit extreme, like the dysfunctional family which is a borderline absurd scenario. however, its not entirely unlikely that some families might be like this. the teenager in the movie is a sad character, someone who is angry and bitter at the world, but longs for satisfaction and happiness.
as i said before, the movie is a masterpiece, told visually. there's no dialogue, just music. the music in itself is beautiful. i tried finding the soundtrack online and couldn't, its an incredibly moving work of art. i saw this movie @ the delaware valley film festival this weekend. some of the cast and producers and directors were all there. i didn't get a chance to meet them, but they did speak at a q&a. they were all very nice.
i highly recommend emo pill and i hope it plays in future festivals and comes onto DVD soon!
as i said before, the movie is a masterpiece, told visually. there's no dialogue, just music. the music in itself is beautiful. i tried finding the soundtrack online and couldn't, its an incredibly moving work of art. i saw this movie @ the delaware valley film festival this weekend. some of the cast and producers and directors were all there. i didn't get a chance to meet them, but they did speak at a q&a. they were all very nice.
i highly recommend emo pill and i hope it plays in future festivals and comes onto DVD soon!
absolutely stunning, beautiful film
deliverme1520 September 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Emo Pill is Anthony Spadaccini's latest film, a short film about a suicidal and depressed kid whose world is coming apart at the seams. If you are not familiar with Anthony Spadaccini's work, his films are artsy and always beautiful to look at. This might turn some people off, but for me it was an incredible movie. And beautiful to listen to as well. The score for this film is awesome, to say the least. The composer did a great job. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Spadaccini at the world premiere of this film and he was very nice and explained some of the interesting red herrings and images in the film. Emo Pill is not for everyone, but it's a beautiful, artsy, and stunning film that will capture the imagination of those who watch it.
An artistic, emotional film with impact
Madmandave4 October 2006
Anthony's latest short film shows his growth as both a director and writer. Without dialog, Spadaccini has taken an in-depth look and approach to a turmoil-engulfed teen life, and brought about an unusual solution that is deceptive in its simplicity and elegance. Whereas filmmakers are striving to ensure full breath of visual artistry with the latest effects, Anthony takes a more realistic and achievable approach so as not to throw the viewer off the story line. An artistic mixture of black and white, the film never veers to far from the confines of video, but its never an issue. What would be a turn-off for some viewers looking for a straightforward story enlightens this little gem with off-kilter characters within a tight, claustrophobic space. Well done.
self-medicated happiness
movie_missy_6422 November 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Is it possible to self-medicate in order to achieve happiness? That's one of many questions that director Anthony Spadaccini asks in his ambiguous short film Emo Pill. While the film isn't all there as far as explanation (I had a dozen questions when the film ended), it was nice to see a moving portrayal of teen depression. I struggled with self-medication and depression in my teen years and really fought to overcome it, but when doctors are just prescribing you pills to make you happy as opposed to dealing with the real problem, there's a problem. Like I said, Emo Pill is very ambiguous in its presentation, but it's a very beautiful film to look at. The score is amazing as well, capturing happiness and sadness all in less than 20 minutes. I've seen a few of Anthony Spadaccini's films and he always manages to make a statement while entertaining. I would recommend Emo Pill to anyone who enjoys a good artsy short with a message.
Beautiful
samusveela72723 January 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Emo Pill evokes a hauntingly familiar feeling of life in the depths of depression. The expressions of the actors (especially Timothy Farmer) capture the essence of distress and the turbulence of adolescence. The visual storytelling is very powerful and moving. There is a underlying darkness in Anthony's vision and style that echoes with the realities of life. The entire film vibrates with emotion and the violin solo is enough to bring you to tears. The way the angelic being interplays with the main character brings to mind the constant turmoil between the dualities of the human psyche. Definitely a must see for anyone who loves art.
-- Insanely Brilliant --
wingslacrosse2726 August 2007
Warning: Spoilers
I had the privilege of seeing Emo Pill a few days ago and I was truly amazed and blown away by this film. It was a short, running around 15 minutes or so. I also never thought that a film that has no words would speak such volumes. I will try to avoid spoilers, but I have two opinions on this film that I would like to share.
The film shows the lead character, Miles Nelson, walking around on a day to day basis in a drug-induced state that is brought on by his own brother and others. He goes about his life, in solitude and without saying a word; while having no clue just how beautiful the word truly is that is passing him by. He sees everything in black and white ... because that is all he knows. However, a presence comes to him and leaves him a pill. I first thought that the presence that visited him was Miles Nelson's guardian angel, but by the end of the film, I thought he could have been the grim reaper coming to claim another soul. However, that is for you to decide on your own after you watch this powerful and moving short.
This pill that he eats shows him how life really is, in bright color. He sees the beauty and the smiles and his friends and family for the first time. Although this time is short, he ultimately must decide which fate he wants to accept. One of solitude and drugs or one of life and happiness? The closing minute of this film left my mouth wide open and I was shocked. The ending let me, as a viewer, decide on what Miles Nelson's fate was, or is. The open-ended question at the end of Emo Pill was brilliant, Period.
Emo Pill will leave you scratching your head, while motivating anyone that is down in the dumps, depressed, or in a drug & alcohol state to see the light at the end of the tunnel; and to better themselves. There is help! There is a better place! You just have to be willing to fight to get there, and accept the help and the hands that guide you there. Do not give up, for a quitter is a nobody, and a winner is a somebody!!
The film shows the lead character, Miles Nelson, walking around on a day to day basis in a drug-induced state that is brought on by his own brother and others. He goes about his life, in solitude and without saying a word; while having no clue just how beautiful the word truly is that is passing him by. He sees everything in black and white ... because that is all he knows. However, a presence comes to him and leaves him a pill. I first thought that the presence that visited him was Miles Nelson's guardian angel, but by the end of the film, I thought he could have been the grim reaper coming to claim another soul. However, that is for you to decide on your own after you watch this powerful and moving short.
This pill that he eats shows him how life really is, in bright color. He sees the beauty and the smiles and his friends and family for the first time. Although this time is short, he ultimately must decide which fate he wants to accept. One of solitude and drugs or one of life and happiness? The closing minute of this film left my mouth wide open and I was shocked. The ending let me, as a viewer, decide on what Miles Nelson's fate was, or is. The open-ended question at the end of Emo Pill was brilliant, Period.
Emo Pill will leave you scratching your head, while motivating anyone that is down in the dumps, depressed, or in a drug & alcohol state to see the light at the end of the tunnel; and to better themselves. There is help! There is a better place! You just have to be willing to fight to get there, and accept the help and the hands that guide you there. Do not give up, for a quitter is a nobody, and a winner is a somebody!!
best experimental short of the year
wjbr995fm5 March 2007
Warning: Spoilers
emo pill is the best experimental short of the year. subtle themes thru out the film help tell the story of teen depression, by showing it from the point of view of an emo kid. he's a miserable, self hating teenager with a really screwed up family (prostitutes, drug addicts, and sugar daddies are some of the jolly sights we see in the movie) who sees visions of angels who give him pills to make his life better. its unclear whether the filmmaker is speaking solely about the emo scene or maybe anti-depressants or just being depressed in general. whatever the motives, the film works both as an experimental short and a music video. the music score in this is beautiful and very emotional. camera angles and photography is awesome as well, its a very beautiful movie, i recommend it to anyone. (its online on veoh.com which is how i found it. Check it out, you wont regret it at all!)
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