Welcome to Britannia. Together We Stand Alone
Short films have immense pressure to beam the director’s vision into the viewer’s brain and make them breathe that discerning “oh” eventually. Some take the obvious route, others take a more cerebral course; this film falls into the latter category.
Transmission is both abrupt and perennial; in both you can find your emotions and thoughts in a flux between both states, but this haze and the eventual outcome is the point of the film. To give you a short answer: the story is told in allegory that alludes to either a profound state of metanoia, or provides a subversive commentary. It slides neatly between what makes you think and wonder; you can piece together what you want, but you’ll always connect more dots.
Special credit must be paid to the set design team for their choices: everything in a scene evokes a direct (and subdued) memory, even the minor details creep in the background. You’ll find yourself wanting to look for additional clues in the background whilst the foreground claws at you for attention. The most obvious sentiment is found in the bunker location that compounds feelings of isolation and claustrophobia, effectively gripping the narrative of the tale, except in the outside and final shots.
The film plays like a 17-minute-long metaphorical advertisement with Lynchian qualities, demanding you observe and draw your own conclusions from the imagery on screen – there is that much to be digested, with so many inspirational sources to spot.
Mental mind crank, or subtle political commentary? Take your pick.
Do yourself a favour and do not read up about Transmission beforehand – allow yourself to be immersed.
The film has just gone live for your viewing pleasure. Give it a watch here: https://vimeo.com/300737107
