In writing there's a phrase that's used over and over again–show, don't tell. Though writing is a medium very different from film, it's almost impossible to deny the close relationship shared between them, especially regarding that phrase. And the short film of "Tomorrow's Memoir" illustrates this perfectly.
Filmed in a pseudo black and white color scheme (with all the scenes appearing in different colored "tints" of black and white), this twenty seven minute film depicts an elderly man recollecting his life as he writes his memoir. But there's more to this man than meets the eye. As the film progresses it is revealed that he is a man of secrets who is haunted, bitter, and all too human at once.
Watching the film, the viewer is treated to brilliant cinematography that artfully uses light and shadow to deepen the slow nostalgic dance of the storyline. This, coupled with the smooth melancholy music of the film and the reflective nuances in the voice of the narrator, makes this work reverberate with "memoir" down to its very roots.
Overall, for the short period that this work occupies, this film is heavily layered and clearly demonstrates this fact by how it strategically drops hints and clues to who the elderly man really is. Through the use of flashbacks, narration, passing dialogue, and symbolism, answers circle the viewer subtly without jumping into their face. With some exception to the very end, the truth is ultimately revealed by remaining unrevealed at once–an ingenious art form that many full-length feature films of this day have grown tragically lax on.
By the time the movie finishes, it feels as though one has inhaled a steak dinner in a ten minute sitting–somewhat overwhelmed, but all-too satisfied. The only real complaint that this film leaves is the slightly wooden acting at certain parts of it, namely by one particular supporting character. But despite this short coming, the majority of the acting, including the narration, hit the notes that needed to be hit without disturbing the fluidity of the rest of the film. For what it is and what it set out to do, "Tomorrow's Memoir" is a brilliant piece!
Overall Rating: Four and a half out of five stars.
Written and directed by Jim Cliffe, Tomorrow's Memoir is approximately 27 minutes long and is available for download on ifilm.