City of Lights Short Film Review

alexjames96
Nov 7
2 min read

★★★★

Starring: #JadenWolfe, #AliceLowery, #LukeCampanella

City of Lights is a crime fuelled short film that hits the audience hard with action, danger and passion. The short begins by introducing the first two characters amid a fight and a brutal one at that. Main protagonist Jaden is being punched and hit repeatedly due to an unpaid debt outside a bar; however, he is spotted by a lady inside who is interested in who he is and his story. Passion between the two sparks and soon they become entailed in a crime spree, hoping to leave their life behind and move to Paris to carry on with their love affair. Unfortunately, for Christian, Millie is keeping a very dark secret, and the story takes a very big turn, just who can you really trust when wrapped up in the world of crime. Directed by Ashton Pulis, this thrilling short proves to the audience you cannot trust anyone.

The film begins in a bar, and this is where we are introduced to protagonist Christian, it’s clear that his involvement in dodgy dealings and putting trust in the wrong people turns him into a huge target and very inapt for the world of crime. Getting into fights and owing some big people a lot of money, it’s amazing that he is still walking around with his head still attached to his shoulders! Nevertheless, Christian manages to catch the eye of Millie, her mysterious aura and curiosity for Christian’s lifestyle only made his attraction towards her stronger, soon they began sharing their true desires and decided to join forces. Their careless attitude towards society and living life on the edge enflamed the passion towards one another. However, all good things come to an end and for this young couple it certainly ended abruptly.

I think that the notable aspects to focus on is the cinematography and acting. There were undoubtedly some exceptionally detailed shots and the colour used within certain scenes really helped to lift the story and create a sensation of mystery and tension. For example, the shot of Millie and Christian resting in bed, and that cold blue light covering her face, was a beautiful and alluring take that portrays her as very emotionless and calculating character. The character Marco played by Luke Campanella; successfully conveyed a very dark and boss like presence, he was able to make other characters such as Christian feel inferior and weak as soon as he stepped into a room.

City of Lights is a perfect combination of lust, crime and dreams. Unfortunately for Christian, this combination brings him to his impending downfall. This short shows the dangers of trusting the wrong people and how the life of crime is not cut out for everyone.