Directed by: Marcellus Cox Written by: Marrcellus Cox Genre: Drama Short |
Mickey Hardaway
This title opens with a young man, Mickey Hardaway (Rashad Hunter), having an online conversation with his school guidance instructor. He believes Mickey has a bright future with his art, and even offers to provide space and help open his first art gallery. The instructor also asks if Mickey has received his grant papers? Two copies were sent, one to his home and one to the school. Mickey hasn't, and he doesn't seem surprised. Immediately, we know there's something holding him back from his future. After the conversation, Mickey gets in a fight while in the bathroom as writer, director Marcellus Cox gives us a small taste of what life must be like for this young man. But home life isn't much better.
Mickey arrives at home and finds his father (David Chattam) watching a game on TV. When confronted with Mickey's grant letter, his father informs him that he did get it, but for Mickey to never mind. Mickey wouldn't be attending any art school; Mickey would be getting a dead-end job like he had to. Dreams mean squat when the real world beckons. Mickey's father is clearly abusive, and the two get into a fight. It's during a subsequent meeting with his shrink (Stephen Cofield) we find out that he himself was abused as a child by his own father. Dr Harden then goes into his thoughts on parental abuse, and how for many people, it's done out of love. It's the way they learned, and they're just passing it down. The film ends on somewhat of a question. By the looks of it, Mickey Hardaway is a proof of concept title, so the anti-climactic ending can at least be explained a little. This is a film that explores cliches, abuse, and hard love. It's only around 20 minutes long, so there really isn't much else to write, except that I have no problem envisioning a feature length title coming from this short film. I was a little put off by the black and white presentation, as I'm a firm believer that this style is more gimmicky than anything else, but at least it's not sloppy black and white. Most people from past generations have completely different views on discipline and teaching their children. Some say that physical discipline is a tried and true method that greatly helps raise good, responsible adults. Others are not so sure, but there are some interesting potential topics to expand this short film. As a standalone title, in short film format, Mickey Hardaway is a nice piece of micro storytelling. My final thoughts? If someone gives Marcellus Cox a decent budget, the sky really is the limit. Thank you for reading. |
