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★★★
Directed by: Bellopropello
Written by: Bellopropello
A world populated with Transformers-type robots is bad news. People, both in real and reel life, have warned about the destruction that would be caused if these machines start walking among us. Dystopia, directed by Bellopropello, presents two sides of the same coin. One consists of robots armed with guns, and another shows them holding books. Could something that’s programmed in nature develop free will and intellect? Or could we at least change the weapon from bullets to contestation?
Dystopia kicks off inside a factory where robots, after being manufactured, are equipped with guns. A worker walks on the top side of the frame, ensuring the apparatus functions properly. The whole short lasts somewhere close to 9 minutes (8 minutes 43 seconds to be exact), and this runtime is filled with a monotonous routine. Every scene, every step stays on for so long a time that it all gets stuck in your mind. I could still, in detail, recall how every part moved to assemble these robots. It does grow tedious, but maybe that’s the point: To show how mechanical process gives rise to an uncreative outcome.
After familiarizing you with the assembly part, Dystopia welcomes you to the area where the bots are handed their weapons. They shoot in your direction, giving the impression of an inventor being killed by his own invention. Nothing is explicitly stated, but this visual could very well mean that humans would be overpowered and betrayed by their robotic creations. At least, this is what I gathered until bubbles infiltrated the facility. The machines stop, and when they resume, they swap guns with books. The robots now exit not by firing but by chattering some gibberish. Are they arguing or having a meaningful discussion is something I cannot say. Their voices become incomprehensible. Even if they are fighting with one another or some other individual, it’s nice that they are not doing so with a rifle. As for the bubbles, they could mean freedom, education, civilization, or nothing from the mentioned list. See for yourself and take your pick.
The animated frames containing fiery steams, electric rods, and circular gears, all against a black-colored paint, resembles nothing short of a dystopian society. A quick glance into the credits of this film, and you would find that it was entirely made by Bellopropello himself. He has directed, written, and produced Dystopia. A single man donning every single hat deserves nothing but great respect.
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