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Sisyphus short film review

Updated: May 4, 2021

★★★★

Directed by: David Graziano

Written by: Christopher Di Nunzio, Bryan Casey

Starring: Jami Tennille, Diana Porter

 
Poster for Sisyphus showing animation.
Poster for Sisyphus

Two women friends meet at a coffee shop and discuss their friendship and marriage issues.


These women are Greta (Tennille) and Marlene (Porter) and Greta announces to her friend that she is divorcing her husband. Marelene has news of her own: she decided that it would be better to end their friendship. A year later, Marlene asks Greta to meet again at the same coffee shop, explaining that she misses her and appears to want to rekindle their friendship.


This short, emotional story is Graziano's directorial debut follows the personal struggles that two divorced women go through and explores themes of marriage, divorce and friendship. The two heroines have experienced failed marriages, with partners who did not appreciate them. It is indicated that the bond they have between them is stronger than their marriages. However, they seem to be unable to make connections with each other and remain friends.


Both leads deliver outstanding performances. They are very convincing and emotional as individuals who have gone through unhappy times and can only find solace when they are with each other.


The cinematography by Nolan Yee looks great and the filmmakers make effective use of voice-over, fast motion and jump cuts.


The score consists of gentle guitar music by Steven Lanning-Cafaro, who also has a cameo as a guitar player.


There is a rather interesting and moving sequence that should be mentioned, which involves two long takes. One after the other, both leads break the fourth wall and speak to the audience about how their marriages deteriorated and why they believe that their friend is the strongest bond they have. As they talk, their words and faces are full of emotion, making this part rather dramatic.


The film also appears to suggest that mobile phones are a communication problem. It shows people interacting with their devices inside the coffee shop, not talking to those around them. Even a conversation between Greta and Marlene is interrupted by a call. All this indicates that although mobile phones are utilized for communication, at the same time they actually keep people apart.


This drama looks into the struggles of marriage and relationships. Remarkably acted, with beautiful cinematography and a sentimental score, this achievement deserves a great deal of praise.

 

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