Burning the Bed (2003) User Reviews

The Ritual of Goodbye....

[xof1013 · 8/10 · 18 May 2005]

I was fortunate to see this short recently due to the generosity of two special people. And was very grateful to have had the chance to share in the experience that is "Burning The Bed." The couple in focus here, played by Aidan Gillen and Gina McKee, are separating and leaving their home set off a beach in Ireland. The short film portrays their journey towards final separation as together, they demolish their bed - burning the remains on the beach in a bond fire.

There is little dialog; most of the "story" of the breakup is conveyed through the eyes of the actors and the small clues provided throughout the film. Both Aidan Gillen and Gina McKee give wonderful performances - taking us with them through the pain and loss of saying goodbye.

My strongest impression, the image that stays with me the most - is the reluctance of Aidan's character to actually end the romance. His character is obviously the one being left, and while it isn't a joyful situation for either of them (the pain is there in her eyes as well as his, tears flowing for both) - it is his perspective that holds my attention the most. Because I see a man who loves his lady enough to bow to her wishes, despite his not wanting it to end, and to undergo this film's ritual of goodbye - as if to please her, like a last gift.

(It truly is a woman's idea - the notion of deconstructing the bed and burning it to ash, rather than a man's - IMHO.) Very atmospheric, scenic (the waves should have their own billing...lol) - and wonderfully done by all. I recommend it for all to see.

A short, tender, finely-acted piece of art

[Laurie248 · 10 March 2005]

"Burning the Bed" is a short, dramatic, atmospheric piece, with a running time of only 12:40. In that time, the film manages to communicate a great deal - with very little spoken dialogue.

The underlying premise is simple: Gina McKee and Aidan Gillen (who say so much without speaking), are a couple who are separating in the west of Ireland. Before parting ways, they decide to burn the bed they shared, presumably, for the duration of their relationship.

Before and even after their bed has been reduced to ash, there is the sense that a connection still exists between the couple, which hints at the possibility of a deeper human truth: when a relationship ends, does it serve nothing more than a meager purpose to destroy the artifacts that once symbolized what once was? After the fire dwindles to embers, do we not carry the remains with us the rest of our lives?