setup, punch: WHAT?

[ambree40]

Having to rewatch films because you miss so much of the spoken word has it's advantages, as I found out with Elijah's short film "Setup, Punch" (link).  My interpretation of what's actually happening in the film took a complete u-turn

Comments

[jaramajo]

"you had to look and think twice to be able to appreciate Elijah's work as an actor!"

Absolutely true.

[ambree40]

Pity some people are too lazy for that.
But it's the main reason why I admire his work so much. There's always more to discover.

[addie71]

Very true!

[ambree40]

My admiration for Elijah's work is as strong as when I first "discovered" him, 6 years ago. :-)
I wonder if I'm the only one who saw two such very different interpretations of this little gem of a film.

[ladysnaps]

this is a brilliantly written script and elijah plays it perfectly. setup, punch or punchline is standard in comedy and we as viewers were the audience, not the audience in the film. those poor guys still think reuben's marriage proposal failed and we found out it was all part of his routine.

reuben was elated the setup succeeded and went through a lot of emotional release after trying something he wasn't sure was going to work. i've been there myself but in different scenarios.

for me the punchline was dot saying "did you get them back?" after that, i knew i was set up. this little gem really needs more exposure and it took way too long to get out to the public. elijah chooses some great things to work on and i think this is the best short film he's done.

[ambree40]

It sure is a little gem! It's like a detective story, with that muttered word "Capricorn" as a hidden clue for the unsuspecting audience (us).
Elijah's work in this was absolutely brilliant.
I'm still wondering what that guy was saying to Reuben when he gave him that little box and what was in it.

[ladysnaps]

they guy said "my mints are not digital" which goes back to reuben saying how he has no good place to store his weed since the age of photography went digital. plastic film canisters is one way to do it. so there's weed in that mint box! and that guy is elijah's friend kyle. he's a bit heavier with longer hair.

[ambree40]

Thank You!! It's sometimes really difficult for me to understand what people are saying.
I thought it must be weed in that box.
Aha, Kyle. Just spotted him in a pic with the SpectreVision team & the Canadian P.M.

[mistybog]

This was JUST an excellent short.

Amazing how you can tell a story with a great twist in such a short amount of time.

My theory on Elijah's work is that it will become a routine assignment for film/acting students in the future...

his work is so versatile - he will be the go to case study

x

[ambree40]

His versatility is really amazing. There was so much physical comedy in this role. He pulled that off perfectly.
Elijah's work in all the textbooks. Yes!

[jaramajo]

I think have read in one review of SFFTS that he is a chameleonic indie.

[ambree40]

"chameleonic indie" That is so true!!
Elijah has this natural empathy with people that allows him to play any character he wants. He also loves to work with friends and help them to realize their vision. It all worked out brilliantly in this short film.