Missive (2007)

Director:

Adam Stolfo

Writer:

Daniel Bernardi (written by)

Genre:

Short | Drama | Mystery

Tagline:

The moral conscience of the mind

Plot:

A sick elderly man, who's been living in reclusion since his family was brutally murdered 15 years ago, is paid a visit by a hired hit man, who discovers that the old man has one final and unexpected request. |

Plot Keywords:

Murder | Briefcase | Emotional Blackmail | Redemption | Past

Cast

Paul Reichstein	...	Darius Satch
Sean Scully	...	Walter Boyle
Michelle Cele	...	June Fenton
Andy McPhee	...	John the Funeral Director
Fr. Peter Edwards	...	Priest (as Fr. Peter Edwards OSJ)
Zina Petridis	...	Lynn Boyle
Lola Petridis	...	Sarah Boyle
Tom Vogel	...	Walter's Victim #1
Daniel Bernardi	...	Walter's Victim #2
Gregory Pakis	...	Walter's Victim #3
Michael Hadjion	...	Walter's Victim #4
Heidy Medloby	...	Victim's Date

Runtime:

15 min

Country:

Australia

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Filming Locations:

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Company:

Liberty 37 Productions

Trivia:

Self-funded by writer/producer Daniel Bernardi

Solid suspense drama that defies short film conventions

"Missive" is the story of a sick old man who is payed a visit by a mysterious hit man. The hit man's course of duty is interrupted when the old man stops him in his tracks and delivers a final request. This in turn kicks the film into overdrive and is reminiscent of a big black hole that proceeds to swallow up all of the integral characters raising erstwhile issues of regret and how it inflicts emotional blackmail and guilt.

This is a short film that is unlike the majority of short film product being produced. Rather than something situational, "Missive" looks and feels like a feature film in a 15 minute running time. By that I mean, the story and lead character evolves from point A to B and the film has three acts which I have never seen in any other short film. The film establishes a major conflict that it resolves within its fast paced, short running time. Extremely universal for an Australian film.

The story is extremely original, the screenplay is elegantly written conveying an emotional tale which is wrapped in a plot driven narrative in a way which is quite unique. Subtle direction serves the story brilliantly along with superb production value and revealing performances (especially the lead Paul Reichstein in a standout role) all work together to form one of the best short films I have seen in a long time. The power and timing of the score compliments the material which surrounds the viewer in an emotionally hectic way. This disturbing yet vivid tale took out Honourable Mention for Best Screenplay at The Angry Film Festival which may be portending to further deserved successes on the festival circuit. Highly recommended!