Chris Esper directs Michael Solace; a Faustian tale of misery and bravery. The script, written by Kris Salvi, is an imagery heavy piece relying upon the writer’s battle with ownership of his “baby.” Solace,; the titular character, seemingly opts to do a “Stephen King” in this brilliant short film.
Esper is a long time favorite of Mike’s Film Talk and this offering is no different. It is an enjoyable thriller that hits all the right notes.
Michael Solace Story
Michael Solace is a screenwriter. He desperately wants to see his project get made, with himself in the director’s chair. Unfortunately for Solace, the buyer wants a lot in return. Michael finds that the price of selling may include more than he wants to give.
The Main Cast
Justin Thibault is Michael Solace.
Diana Porter is Monica Vallencia.
John R. Smith Jnr is Marcus Shadowman.
Paul Noonan is Angel Donovan.
Let’s Talk Michael Solace
Salvi and Esper give us a some great touches here. Angel Donovan, when he appears to Solace, made me think of the pickaxe dragging zombie in the first Resident Evil film. The second undead we, along with the team, see in the bowels of Raccoon City. It is a great touch and one that put me right where, as a viewer, I needed to be.
The entire 14 minute short feels like an acid trip. A prophetic vision, or to be exact; visions, lead Michael to a horrible conclusion. Monica starts the ball rolling with her almost dismissive attitude towards the screenwriter and his “baby.” She is not just alluding to the Stephen King quote: …kill your darlings, even when it breaks your egocentric little scribbler’s heart… *A variation of “murder your darlings” attributed to Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch.* Monica is telling Michael, in so many words, that he must surrender control of his darlings, in essence he must kill/murder them all.
Michael Solace works as a brilliantly staged cautionary tale for new script writers. From choosing your agents wisely to being prepared to lose all control to your pet project, this one hits home.
It all Works
The allusion to Faust (A German tale of a scholar selling his soul to the devil in exchange for unlimited knowledge, magical powers and worldly pleasures (See “Faustian.) is clearly on Michael’s mind in the cafe where he meets with his agent.
His odysseys into the dreamlike prophecies are clearly related, or perhaps influenced, by the legend of Faust. The eyes of Marcus Shadowman indicate that Michael will soon be in the land of demons.
Thibault sells his character adroitly as do all the players in this tale. We witness the cautionary visions of the screenwriter here. There is no doubt that Michael feels that the unseen “Mr Blanc” is indeed the devil with Shadowman acting as Mephistopheles.
DP John Westcott makes the most of each dreamlike sequence and Esper, acting as editor, segways the story almost seamlessly. The two work hand in glove to set this tale up as a disturbing look at independent filmmaking and the struggle to maintain artistic control. Salvi’s script is as masterful as the director’s film itself.
The Verdict
Michael Solace is a solid 5 star effort. This short film is evocative of the dark side of filmmaking. It entertains and makes the viewer think about the pitfalls of screenwriting and of getting the writer’s visions on the screen. Keep an eye out for this one, it is well worth the time to watch this excellent film.
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