Mikes Film Talk

Clark M Smith gives us Roadkill (1990) a short film that could have been titled: “Watch the Road!” This four minute long mystery works very well. It is shot in good old 16mm and actually looks great because of it.

*I have to admit to missing the good old days of celluloid. There is a “feel” to those films. The cinematic version of reading real books vs “kindle” offerings. Yes, digital filmmaking works. It is easier to edit, incorporate VFX, et al. But doggone it. Celluloid looks better. Plus, 16mm was good enough for British television shows, once upon a time, despite appearing that bit grainier.*

The Roadkill Story

A lone woman driving along an almost deserted road runs down a man flagging for help. She believes he is dead and leaves.

The Cast

Leilani L. Smith is the woman.

Kyle Fellows is the man.

5 Minutes

Smith relates that this was a student film. Regardless of it’s “beginning” status, Smith pulled this under 5 minute film off with confidence. It shows in the film. The editing is spot on. Although there is, apparently, a bit of fuzz, or lint, in the gate during the opening sequence. Something that was, apparently, fixed between scenes.

Roadkill moves quickly and has no dialogue. To be fair, there is no need for it. The woman doesn’t have to say anything. Her face says it all. Those sidelong glances, the hesitation. It is all there.

It Works

Roadkill works brilliantly. The visuals tell the story. A single woman, driving alone on a dusty desert road, hits someone who is in trouble. Most likely the struck victim is dead. Regardless of his status, the woman bolts. She flees the scene of the crime.

Her decision to leave the scene of the crime is going to have long term implications.

Oh, yes.

Smith makes good use of the 16mm camera. The grainy, streaked appearance of each frame helps to sell this one. Regardless of the woman’s motivation, we feel her paranoia. The fear that the “dead” man is following her makes a certain amount of sense.

The Verdict

Roadkill earns a solid 4 stars. It loses one entire star because of that lint laden gate. Still, the film entertains and looks great. It is available on YouTube. Head on over and check it out and see what you think. I highly recommend checking out all of Smith’s films. They are good and very entertaining. Don’t take my word for it, check them out yourself.

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The Film