Film Review: Devolution Reckoning (short film) (2012)

SYNOPSIS:

Fed up with the failures of mankind, a cruel race of UFOs set out to destroy Earth and all that inhabit it. Can civilization survive the incredible onslaught of the attackers? BARAKA meets WAR OF THE WORLDS in this unique sci-fi allegorical adventure, told through an unconventional arrangement of dramatic timelapses, ancient radio plays and seat-shaking sound design, from Gavin Heffernan.

REVIEW:

From the mind of Gavin Heffernan, comes the unique experimental film short. Using time lapse photography/video and a collective of video sceanrios, Heffernan has created a short film built on invention and old radio broadcasts. The piece has already garnered an impressive array of awards at festivals and is now available online for viewing

http://vimeo.com/12120049

I’ve experimented a little in timelapse myself, so I know how much planning and footage goes into to making these work. This particular piece has special appeal by using a careful set of images that enable its storyline using common events and events that relate (especially when sped up). I was glad to see that composition was taken into consideration to keep each moving (despite the fact that it’s moving very fast in sync). It’s a nice mix of fast meets slow, just simply working from a viewer perspective. To enhance the piece, tonal correction and some clever overlays help to move the intended story along wrapping up into a perfect little 10 minute festival piece. I’ve aways been a fan of motion directed films. Devolution Reckoning is no exception.

While the aliens and premise of world invasion are only suggested (using stills and skyline videos), I believe viewers will celebrate the compositional sense which relies more on scenery and careful photography. In short “Devolution Reckoning” is not something you see everyday which makes it that much more interesting.

Devolution Reckoning (short film) (2012)