CALUMET opens up with a haunting sound of a locomotive train whistle. The first visual in the film is a vase of dead white daisies. A symbolic film – yes.
Irene is worried and waiting in her kitchen. Her husband comes through the door of their home. Immediately the dialogue confirms what these characters are dealing with – a form of Alzheimer’s/Dementia for the husband.
Played BRILLIANTLY by Austin Pendleton and Ann Whitney, you can feel the visceral struggle and love between the two through the beauty and simplicity of baking a cake for Irene’s Birthday.
Written and Directed by Alex Thompson, the film uses sounds in beautifully symbolic ways. The train whistle, represents riding the train of life together, navigating the tracks of their journey. The isolation of the howling winds connects to the isolation that Pendleton’s character feels – knowing he’s losing his mind. The clock ticks in the background, as a reminder that time has run out.
With stellar performances by two brilliant and seasoned actors, this short tugs on the heart and is a must see.
CALUMET is streaming now on AMAZON PRIME VIDEO https://www.amazon.com/Calumet-Austin-Pendleton/dp/B07CKKJ3TH
