The atmosphere, the costumes, the characters, even the banter feels old timey. That’s what makes the short film “Private” so fun. The story is simple, taking place in a single location and featuring two characters.
The film comes courtesy of Blackwood Productions, with Steve Blackwood serving as writer, director, and co-star. At 20 minutes, it doesn’t overstay its welcome.
Simple Story
Jim Calloway (Blackwood) is a Detroit gumshoe with a penchant for delivering dialogue in an intentionally dramatic style. Calloway wears a fedora and a necktie that’s two inches too short. He smokes Pall Malls (a nice touch). Calloway was hired by a hot woman…scratch that…a beautiful dame (played by Sandy Bainum) to search for her missing husband. A husband who she may or may not have murdered.
The acting is great from both Steve Blackwood and Sandy Bainum. Its dialogue heavy, and each are up to the challenge, and not afraid to have fun with their parts. Both characters are well-developed. Considering that the movie is only twenty minutes long, it’s a testament to the way they are each played. I liked them both.
50s Noir Style
“Private” reveals itself as a noir styled detective film. Or, at the very least, one whose makers were inspired by that genre. The shots are well executed. Could it run longer than twenty minutes? Yes, but it doesn’t need to. It accomplishes its mission within the allotted time. Jeffrey Buckbinder handles cinematography, and the film flourishes with an excellent original score by Charlie Barnett. And I love the biography of Steve Blackwood. Outside of filmmaking, he teaches acting, sings, does stand-up comedy. He’s a versatile artist with a passion, and that’s to be respected.
“Private” won Best Drama at the London Indie Short Festival. And Best Narrative Short at the Berlin International Art Film Festival. It won’t be available outside of the festival scene until the summer of 2023.
If you enjoy noir styled films, keep an eye out, and a Pall Mall lit for “Private”
