Rye and Rhetoric — Short Film

Logline

A failing painter and the woman who’s grown tired of caring for him share a final moment together.

Synopsis

After their relationship has gone as far as it can, Mary begins to pack her former lover’s things. Like so many times before, Jack’s problems take center stage, leaving Mary to coach him through his feelings one last time.

Cast

Director’s Statement

While living in a gallery in Brooklyn, NY, I experienced narcissism on an entirely new level. One of the last of its kind, the space housed several artists, all with their personalities clashing against the owner’s will, and as my time there came to a close, I became inspired to write a short about the self-absorbed owner. The original script evolved from a story about two artists engaging in one-sided dialogue to a story about a woman who had grown tired of caring for a self-entitled man. I wanted to explore a character who lacked emotional intelligence but was completely unaware. Women often shoulder the burden of emotional strain when in this type of relationship. I took my own experiences of watching people endure emotional abuse under the guise of an artist community and channeled a fraction of their frustrations into a story that revolves around a dying relationship, a relationship that showcases generational decay. We knew our budget was low, so we went all-in on a gritty aesthetic that allowed imperfections to help tell the story. Working with the crew was humbling, and with their ingenuity, we were able to create a film in a challenging space with minimal resources. I grow more thankful with every viewing, and I’m beyond impressed with what we achieved. I hope our story conveys a sense of nostalgia and bittersweet relief for those who view it. We’ve all had to let go of someone at some point.

Crew