For a short film, Hawk is impressive on a large scale. Vast, dramatic landscapes are the setting for an complex story of an old man and a young boy. The old man has rejected the new ways of Christianity in favour of a shamanistic lifestyle and teaches the boy to respect and worship nature.
The film is visually stunning, and the sound design is massive. Each scene is framed in awe-inspiring backdrop that is graded to give a moody, ominous tone to each scene. The camera work is at its strongest in its super wide landscapes and minute, visceral close-ups. The score is responsive to the story and adds to the darkness of the film.
The folklore is told interestingly through stories told by the old man, and they are echoed by the narrative which often references them. As the line between reality and mythology becomes more blurred, we get a sense of this through the narrative. The special effects are impressive, as they also seem to blur this line. They are subtle enough to confuse the viewer of what is real and what is not.
This is a very strong film which is firstly ambitious and beautiful to look at. The script which has its own philosophical depth and intrigue, fights with the visuals for the audience's attention and may just be overpowered. Hawk, overall, is entertaining on all levels and engages the senses in a way other short films won't.
The film is visually stunning, and the sound design is massive. Each scene is framed in awe-inspiring backdrop that is graded to give a moody, ominous tone to each scene. The camera work is at its strongest in its super wide landscapes and minute, visceral close-ups. The score is responsive to the story and adds to the darkness of the film.
The folklore is told interestingly through stories told by the old man, and they are echoed by the narrative which often references them. As the line between reality and mythology becomes more blurred, we get a sense of this through the narrative. The special effects are impressive, as they also seem to blur this line. They are subtle enough to confuse the viewer of what is real and what is not.
This is a very strong film which is firstly ambitious and beautiful to look at. The script which has its own philosophical depth and intrigue, fights with the visuals for the audience's attention and may just be overpowered. Hawk, overall, is entertaining on all levels and engages the senses in a way other short films won't.