“Hope grows naturally like a dandelion between the bricks…”
A somber man addresses us with his wisdom, while around him the joy of many makes him a fool.
Alabaster is telling us “I Feel Good”, backed by an orchestral score. Behind him, people with painted skin are laughing, playing, fighting, and pulling his walls down. They behave like live humans beings, while Alabaster tries to tell us how he manages to live. The actions are revealed through a single tracking back shot.
In this film, the human interactions evoke the individual will required to persevere in daily life. The lone character addressing us with his obstinate resolve to remain positive is swamped by a colourful cast whose heedless behaviour makes a mockery of him, and a ruin of his surroundings. Watching the film, we can identify with the central character surrounded by a world of chaotic and irrational events.
Script, lead role, score and audio recording – Angus Fairbairn
Director – Melodie Roulaud
DOP – Leo Naessens
GRIP – Hardy Damavand Saleh
Made using group games from Misha Gloubman / Sheila Heti and Clive Barker, and the full input of the cast. Filmed in a gallery under railway arches in Waterloo, London.
GAMES PLAYERS:
Paul Blakemore
Sam Buckley
Will Calderbank
Oliver Conway
Danyal Dhondy
Susan Fong
Chloe Frejaaville
Justin Gartrey
Liz Greenfield
Anna Higgie
Dominie Hooper
Matthew ‘Jell’ Jennings
Sally Jenkinson
Wilf Merttens
Sam Reader
Stan Skinny
Holi-May Thomas