'Strings' is short film of the drama genre directed by Richard Turley and funded by Film London in 2015. It has themes such as coming of age, realisation, discovery, lies, secrets and desperate measures.
Bafta nominated multi-genre Director, Richard Turley has more than a decade of experience in broadcast television and more recently, film. His work to date has largely been factual or drama-docs though increasingly he is turning his focus to narrative drama. For Richard story is key and he has a passion for bringing great tales to screen whether through real life testimony or dramatic interpretation.
In 2012 Richard produced his debut independent short film ‘Darklight’ with backing form Film London. Directed and co-written by Richard the resulting film shines with imagination and charm that have become his hallmark as a director. Described as ‘a constantly surprising tale that leads you eager for a sequel ‘Darklight’ went on to be long-listed for a Bafta in 2013. Since then he’s made two more shorts including ‘Strings’ which won gold at Worldfest Houston before showcasing at the prestigious Palm Springs Shortfest, DC Shortfest, Columbus Film Festival and Miami Short Film Festival.
Strings is a story about Dean, who following the death of his wife, leaves the Army to care for his son Luke. Convinced his dad’s actually a spy, Luke embarks on a journey that leads him to discover the awkward truth. It is a boys own tale of secrets, subterfuge and fallen heroes set against a backdrop of 1970s Britain.
The narrative of the film is told through the narration of Dean's son luke whose innocent outlook on life is an effective juxtaposition with the darker subject matter of the film. Highlighting the issues touched upon through a child's perspective, although a filter of innocence has been places over the harsh realities of life. Luke narrates the film as though the whole story is part of a James Bond spy adventure, noting down times and events in his spies secrets notepad which again reinforces the themes of the film to the audience from a child's point of view.
It is also interesting to note the use of cinematography with in the film and its effect. For example, at the beginning of the film there are many orange and yellow tones used which connote happiness, warmth and comfort, together with happy upbeat music, consequently represent equilibrium within the narrative.
However, when Luke embarks on his journey of discovery in search of the truth about his dad's career, the tones within the film suddenly change, to dark grey's, blacks and other dark shades such as brown and burgundy. This is symbolic of the dark nature of Dean's profession and the negative stigma that is attached to it. As Luke watches though a small barred window in the bathroom stall feels almost prison like, symbolising Dean's crimes and the overall negative atmosphere that is built through Luke's observation of the scene. This use of cinematography is an effective display of the disequilibrium within the film.
And finally, when Luke returns to the comfort of his gold car and familiarity of 'the known', the colours return to the same yellow and orange tones once again.
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