Maya Mizrahi’s grounded ode to a deteriorating cityscape brings with it a catchy electronic number produced by Itay Shaked and an interesting subtext behind it. Urban Decay opens with an ominous panning shot amidst an old concrete building and progresses through the building as it follows the performance.
Ran Schneck’s methodical and inventive camerawork aids Mizrahi’s choreography, which is nothing short of stunning. Each movement and delicate twist has weight behind it, giving the showcase a strange but still intense quality. The performance also works well against the vast disrepair. It’s a haunting backdrop that the crew explores both inside and out, highlighting a gorgeous seaside and impressive graffiti work.
It’s towards the end that the overall effect comes undone a bit, with a handful of shots prominently featuring an electronic drum kit amidst the rubble. It’s an odd choice to create such a disconnect between the environment and the performers, but the short’s message (under 4 minutes) still manages to shine through. The dance has a psychological element that should make people ponder the divide between the man-made world and the natural world. The filmmakers have chosen to use a simple metaphor to support their work, but the execution is guaranteed to have a lingering effect.
