Directed by Benjamin Cleary Written by Benjamin Cleary | Produced by Jill Altemus Edited by Benjamin Cleary | |
Starring Matthew Needham
Eric Richard
Chloe Pirrie Release date July 8, 2015
(Galway Film Fleadh) | ||
Stutterer is a short drama film written and directed by Benjamin Cleary and produced by Serena Armitage and Shan Christopher Ogilvie.
Contents
Summary
Greenwood, a lonely typographer struggles to overcome his speech impediment while attempting to form a romantic relationship.
Plot
The film opens on Greenwood attempting to discuss a bill issue over the phone, however his stuttering problem keeps him from getting the words out and he is hung up on.
Meanwhile, in an online conversation, we learn that Greenwood and Ellie have been talking online for 6 months. Ellie says she has a surprise for Greenwood and will tell him the next day.
In public, Greenwood makes "snap judgment" observations about strangers he sees, clearly speaking the thoughts inside his head. While walking to his father's house, he practices in his head a quote he wants to speak to his father. While playing a game with him, he's finally able to get the quote out and his father is pleased.
Later that night, Ellie nervously messages Greenwood and let's him know she is in London for a week and wants to meet him in person. Greenwood, on hold to attempt to deal with his bill problem still, doesn't respond, fearing that he would have to show her he has a stuttering problem.
The next day, Greenwood is at his father's home and his father is on the phone arguing with the company about communicating with his son about his bill.
Later, Ellie sends another message sad that Greenwood has not replied. He begins to craft a response with a made up excuse why he can't meet her but changes his mind and doesn't reply.
The next morning we see that Greenwood can't communicate effectively with people so is learning sign language and pretending to be deaf to avoid speaking. But in his head he clearly answers people and wishes he could talk to them.
Later, Greenwood realizes what an idiot he was being and responds to Ellie, telling her he would love to meet her. That evening while waiting for a bus and nervously waiting for a reply, Greenwood intervenes when a man is attempting to assault a woman. The results of the intervention are seen when Greenwood has a bandage across his nose.
That night while lonely and practicing his sign and waiting for a reply from Ellie, Greenwood makes a snap judgment on himself, Greenwood observes that he's a poor communicator and is full of self pity. But just as he's about to go to sleep, he hears the alert of a message reply.
The reply isn't shown, but Greenwood looks nervous and pleased. The next day he's shown getting ready and then traveling to see her, all the while practicing what he will say to Ellie in his head.
Once he arrives, standing across the street, he witnesses as a stranger attempts to speak to Ellie from behind. She does not respond until he taps her shoulder and she turns to sign to him, showing that she is deaf. She finally makes eye contact with Greenwood and they both smile. She finally waves and signs to ask him to cross the street. He smiles and nods and we fade to black.
Cast
Critical reception
Stutterer won the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film at the 2016 88th Academy Awards.