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Written and Directed by Fred Cavender
Story by Fred Cavender and Anne Sinagra
Starring Lloyd Lewis, Kaitlyn McGill, Rob Lawrence
Short Film Review by Chris Olson
Given the deplorable revelations coming out of Hollywood with regards to the treatment of women by male execs and even filmmakers over recent months, it would be interesting to posit the following scenario. If women were a rare, even endangered species, would men treat them any better? Such is the premise of short film A Man’s World, written and directed by Fred Cavender, and the answer is regrettably a resounding no.
Set largely in a dark car park, Charlie (Lloyd Lewis) is in a van with Jack (Rob Lawrence) and the two of them enjoy some light banter and a hip flask whilst they wait for their boss to finalise their transaction, which concerns the merchandise in the back of the van.
Tying in a science fiction story with relevant themes, Cavender is on his best form with a film like this. In the same way that The Damned was a cinematic and compelling sci-fi, A Man’s World is suspenseful and gripping whilst occupying a fantasy world not so far removed from our own. The topical nature of the plot enhances its impact tenfold and there is a foreboding atmosphere throughout that is utterly engaging. Characters are well thought-out, and the final third of the movie is genius.
As with many science fiction short films there is a degree of exposition needed and this is handled smartly. We understand fairly quickly that in this world of Cavender’s creation, women are a rarity, which has left men pining over the days of plenty, ergo leading them to establish a black market of human trafficking. It was fascinating to see the story play out, and, without spoiling the ending, deliver a knockout punch towards gender roles through the character of Charlie.
Lloyd Lewis delivers another solid performance with A Man’s World. Having had turns in Cavender's The Damned and The Golden Shore, among other titles, he sustains a believable character throughout and copes well with the central conflict which is his main motivation. Scenes where he reluctantly chatters with Jack are loaded with subtext, creating a building sense of tension for the viewer. Rob Lawrence is terrific as the unsympathetic delivery driver. His shameful attitudes and disgusting behaviour later in the movie are the perfect villainy to reflect the themes of the story.
Want to watch a free short film? This film has been added to the UK Film Channel so go right ahead...
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