Bums: A Day in the Life

An insight into the lives of two unemployed men as they spend the day together, wandering around and discussing their current situations and dreams for the future.

Steve (Truswell) is a 25-year-old man who is unemployed and wants to become an actor. He spends every day with his best friend Rainbow (Radford), who also does not work and has a troubled past. The two of them walk through the streets of Nottingham, listening to each other's problems and goals and trying to support each other, while at the same time attempting to avoid a local bully nicknamed Dirty Pete (Dexter).

This short drama was filmed like a documentary, with the idea being that a film crew follow Steve and Rainbow as they go about their business. Characters often look into the camera and address the audience. The main focus is the strong friendship between the two friends. They have known each other for many years and care deeply for each other. The story begins more or less with a lighthearted atmosphere and as the viewer learns more and more about their lives and struggles, things get rather dramatic and emotional. It should be mentioned that there is a scene involving adult humour that might be offensive to some viewers.

The three protagonists deliver realistic performances. Truswell is a guy who is lacking the required confidence in order to pursue his objectives and Radford is an aimless man who behaves childishly and has a drinking problem and is sad that he has been estranged from his children but nevertheless is supportive of his friend's ambition of becoming an actor. And finally there is Dirty Pete, who (as his nickname suggests) is a despicable person who enjoys picking on people in order to make himself feel important. The characters are well-explored.

Dexter directs well and creates effective long takes. There is very little music throughout, however the score that was provided by Oscar Wright-Shaw is used to good effect. Editor Thomas Daniels does a great job and develops a well-constructed montage sequence.

This is an emotional story about two well-meaning individuals who are struggling to find direction in their lives. The narrative explores the value of friendship, of being there for each other and of wanting to move on to better things. It is an achievement that will most likely leave a positive impression.