The Punisher: Dirty Laundry - A Film Analysis by Appleton Desmond Essel

 

 

Lazy Susan - Film Reviewed by Owusu Ansah Castro Sarpong.

Lazy Susan is a short film that silently tells a deep and emotional story through awkward moments, stillness, and soft humour. At first, it seems like a simple comedy about a woman who doesn’t do much. But as the story continues, we learn it’s really about loneliness, being overlooked, and the quiet power of someone who doesn’t fit in.

The film follows Susan, a quiet woman who lives in a small town. She moves slowly, speaks softly, and does things in her own strange way. Because of this, people around her think she is not smart or important. They ignore her, laugh at her, or see her as someone who just takes up space. However, Susan is not lazy—she is someone who feels invisible and alone.

One moment that stands out is when Susan tries to connect with others by spinning the Lazy Susan tray at dinner. It is funny, but also sad. She wants to be part of the group but does not know how to express it. The film is full of moments like this—awkward, quiet, but full of emotion.

The actor who plays Susan does a great job. She does not say much, but her facial expressions and body language speak for her. You can feel her sadness, confusion, and even hope. Her performance makes Susan easy to understand.

The cinematography is simple but effective. Susan mostly placed alone in the centre of the frame, showing how distant she is from others. The soft colours and still camera movements match the slow, quiet tone of her life.

The sound is also carefully used. There is very little music, and this silence makes the few sounds like the turning of the tray or Susan’s small actions stand out and feel meaningful.

The best part is the ending. After everyone thinks, Susan is useless, she come up with a surprise by inventing something clever using the Lazy Susan platter. It is a simple but an influential moment. It shows that even though people ignored her, she was paying attention and thinking all along. Susan is not lazy or dumb. This tells how she believed in herself. She is creative, thoughtful, and full of hidden value. Making audience not able to predict her next move.

Overall, Lazy Susan is a quiet film that says a lot. It is funny, emotional, and reminds us never to judge someone too quickly. Everyone has something special inside. They just need a moment to show it.

Lazy Susan goes beyond just being original, quiet film; it leaves a gentle but strong emotional impact on audience. It starts as funny and awkward, but gradually becomes touching as we realize Susan is not just odd; she is misunderstood and underestimated. What makes the film memorable is how it reveals something important; people who seem strange or quiet might be holding onto brilliant ideas or deep feelings.

The film exceeded expectations because of how it used silence, stillness, and simple actions to say so much. It mixes humour and emotion in a smart and unexpected way.

I would recommend this film because it challenges us not to judge others too quickly. It is short and easy to watch, but the message stays with you. Lazy Susan reminds us that sometimes the people we overlook are the ones with something truly valuable to offer.

 

Production Details:

• Director: Terri Timely (a creative duo comprising Ian Kibbey and Corey Creasey)
• Producer: David Lambert
• Production Company: Park Pictures

 

Awards and Honors:

·        Best Short Film under 10 minutes – 2020 Short Film – International at the Kinsale Shark Awards

·        Jury Special Mention – FESTICAB (Festival International du Court-Métrage de Bujumbura)

·        Official Selection – Rwanda Film Festival (Hillywood)

·        Official Selection – Mzansi Women Film Festival (Johannesburg)

·        Official Selection – Oaxaca FilmFest