HOLD UP | Omeleto
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- Опубликовано: 22 июл 2023
- A homeless man asks a stranger for a slice of pizza. Then it takes an unexpected turn.
HOLD UP is used with permission from Alex Rollins Berg. Learn more at alexrollinsberg.com.
Graham is a video editor and a New Yorker who must get uptown quickly. But when he misses his subway train going downtown, he's accosted by a man trying to sell him something: a watch, some lotion, anything. The man is desperate, hungry and agitated, and he presses Graham to help him. Feeling guilty and nervous about the man's intensity, Graham agrees to buy him some food, especially since the train is running so late.
The man relaxes when Graham buys him a pizza, and the pair talk, with the man sharing more of his story: born in Eritrea, drove a cab for some years in New York, sharing his name, which is Hashim. But when Hashim proves insistent on help, even after the pizza, Graham must decide how far his generosity can go.
Directed and written by Alex Rollins Berg, this compelling, thought-provoking short drama takes a sadly common encounter that many have had as its starting point: a homeless person approaching someone to sell or ask them something. But the superb writing and directing prolong what is often a cursory exchange into something more haunting and resonant, asking questions about the limits of empathy, the hollowness of "awareness" and just how we should help those experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity.
Shot with an urgent, agitated naturalism, the narrative is essentially a two-hander -- an emotional encounter between two characters that changes one or both of them in some way. But rather than a domestic or enclosed setting, it's placed against the larger canvas of New York at night, with all its sometimes sinister possibility and unsettling transience. This larger context is key to the film's resonance and meaning, raising the stakes for both characters: for Graham, it's the threat of the unknown, and for Hashim, it's another night spent riding and sleeping on the subways, with nowhere to go and no idea where his next meal will come.
The pair collide in a way that many city dwellers will recognize, and the dialogue between them is realistic about Hashim's desperate press to get something to eat and Graham's misgivings about helping him. The storytelling, too, is smart about planting some key seeds about Graham's state of mind -- he'd just been editing a video about recent events about race and aware of questions of unconscious bias. It also makes Hashim perceptive and persuasive enough to pick up on Graham's guilt in saying no, parlaying this encounter into an unexpected direction.
Actors Philip Ettinger and Renrick Palmer are both excellent, nimbly balancing the quicksilver currents of thoughts and emotions between Graham and Hashim, traversing initial mistrust, pained vulnerability, uneasy desperation and even tentative human connection. But when Hashim presses too hard -- and against the borders of Graham's boundaries and fears -- that connection can only go so far.
Powerful and intense, HOLD UP works so well because it enters into both Hashim and Graham's perspectives with empathy and intelligence, and viewers can relate to and sympathize with both. We understand why Hashim is so anguished; we also understand Graham's fears. Homelessness is a complex social issue that elicits complex responses, where many have the innate desire to help -- but will only go so far, especially when it disrupts our homes, lives or routines. If anything, the film shows the limit of the personal when it comes to such a large, complicated social issue. 
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i cant believe my guy graham stuck around for so long
and before someone gets me wrong, i know the other guy had the best of intentions but you cant risk your chances on the street. trying to convince you with pity and taking you to unknown and/or empty places are MAJOR red flags
good point
I've been to much dodgier, worse places and it ended well for the most part. Yes you can risk your chances on the street, if you want. It's a personal choices either way is fine.
graham stuck around for so long because the director told him to, otherwise there would be no movie. People don't do that in real life.
@@braetonwilson4296 there's people that definitely do that... people with lof self-esteem or some issues that just can't say no most of the times, so they get stuck in things that they don't want
true you're right
I can't blame the dude for leaving. That situation is not ideal.
Neither is starving and sleeping in a shelter you know what i mean?
Trudat, but that kind of inner conflict can reeeeaaaallly mess a person up.
@@exejeremy3152 it's good that you have a couch to offer to the next homeless man that approaches you.
@exejeremy3152 It's not either/or. This isn't a morality tale, it's a slice of the human condition and frustrations. It is easy for us on the safe side of a glass to think of what each of these players could easily have said to defuse tension and to advance each of their goals (mainly a mix of a bit more humor and honesty) .. but before attributing that to author oversight, I've been in enough similar situations to know that real life settings kick in primitive survival instincts that temporarily over-ride higher reasoning and more nuanced emotions. (And sometimes experience - the first time I bought a hot coffee for a homeless looking white man sitting sad and alone at a table in McDonald's, only to have him toss it in my face (and this was way back when that coffee was served steaming hot) .. was the last time. (It didn't harden my heart .. but did make me smarter. Standing near that third rail would be enough for me to prioritize my own skin over anything but saving a baby.)
@@exejeremy3152 You take him in, then.
A couple years back I helped a homeless guy off the street. Invited him to my house, gave him food and all. He seemed happy and appreciative. Before I could even involve other channels to help him, the lad ran away with my car. Took 4 months to find him, the police was involved and i lost so much and I was a mess for a whole year.
Do not trust easily, you can get hurt. Sometimes trusting your instincts can be good, other times it’s a bite in the butt for ya!
This short film had my emotions all over the place, uncomfortable, anxious, nervous, scared, relief, then sadness and crying at the end. So many of us are safe in our own little bubble of life, not realizing how good we have it until we see a short film like this one. Really good film, thought-provoking.
My words ! I too was everywhere 😢
Turns out, all his rush and in a hurry for a couch. How unexpected 😂.
Thank you so much for taking the time to understand the film, we really appreciate it.
Omg!!! absolutely. My emotions were all over the place watching this. I kept thinking Graham was going to get robbed when he was walking with homeless guy then he disappeared… but towards the end when the homeless guy stared opening up about being tired and speaking about his grandmother my heart crumbled.
IKR I love my grandma, I can't image not being able to eat her food anymore. "Strangers passing in the street
By chance, two separate glances meet
And I am you and what I see is me" (from echos by pink floyd)
Wow and he comes home to his wife complaining about a couch… knowing dude has nowhere to sleep. DEEP
Yeah suddenly their problems are small compared to the homeless guy .
After the guy robbed him for a pizza
@@mcdonald1743 lmfao on my soul
It is not his fault the other dude is a poor.
When someone pushes himself on you and won't take no for an answer, that's when I hightail it out of there.
@@CU476 It was America , and yeah there's that fear of weapons... plus it's supposed to be in the pandemic with social distancing.
@@gemstar7286 It could be any country and this situation would be scary lol
Correct
@@theskateboardfanYes sir
My anxiety was through the roof the whole time. I was uncomfortable for that man. It’s an extremely difficult position to be in once you engage it. The dilemma is impossible to solve. You want to help but it’s just not safe. There are proper channels that are equipped to help.😢😢😢
Lol. Ok.
some ppl dont have the luxury to get approved by those channels. Those starving on the streets dont have time to fill out paperwork before they can get a meal or a bed. A lil kindness goes a long way.
I agree about it being difficult and dangerous. And anyone who says they'd be totally fine inviting some stranger into their home to sleep alongside their family members and putting them up for a while is either lying to look virtuous behind a keyboard or extremely ignorant of the very real dangers they'd be putting themselves in.
@@itzGCODE That is very clear. Does that lower the potential risk level of the situation for the person trying to assist? Can you really not think of the any of the myriad of scenarios that someone could be putting themselves in by doing something like what the character in the story did?
P.s. I was also anxious for the first guy. Heart broken for the second one.
Gosh, this was so emotional. I could imagine exactly why Graham was trying to escape the situation from the very start... Things like this often don't end well and I'm not entirely sure we could blame it on the person. Then I felt so sorry for the homeless dude for many reasons, but mostly how obviously lonely he was and how he wasn't able to find company or express his intentions clearly, without being too pushy or overwhelming. I also felt so sad for Graham when he arrived back home - rushing only because the sofa was white as if it was such a big deal to stress over. A sofa that the homeless man would've died to sleep on while Graham's partner claimed nobody would want a sofa like that. Very powerful.
You absolutely right thank you for taking the time to watch it and grasp the message.
@@renrickpalmer8616 is that you in the film? Good acting 💯
@@renrickpalmer8616 seriously, great acting. i usually dont notice acting unless its bad but i clearly noted in my head halfway through how good you were!
that look he gives her when she says who in Gods name is gonna want this thing and they now show the homeless man, damn.
The ending of this really made me think. What we don't want someone is praying to have.
Thank you for watching, Carolyn
Did the part where the guy got robbed for a pizza make you think?
good point
I Was Confused About What This Video Meant Until I Saw Your Comment. If That Guy Came Up To Me, I'd Stay And Actually Help And I'd Basically Forget What I Was Doing And Spend The Rest Of My Time With Him. I Don't Understand Why That Other Guy Was Uncomfortable. That's Just Pathetic. I Love Company From A Stranger.
Very true. However some men would have injured that persistent homeless man. Well, no a firm warning to back off by a man who means it is enough. They look for spineless people.
This was a very powerful short film. Part of what was powerful is that you feel the characters' distance and disconnect when he arrives home to hear his girlfriend complain about the sofa. And then there is the stark contrast to the homeless man trying to sleep on the subway. It was heart wrenching. This is an excellent short film.
Thank you Jennifer. We really appreciate you taking the time to watch
There's also the matter of him working on BLM videos but he still has his biases when it comes to black people. He immediately assumed he was going to get robbed. Perhaps the black guy's aggressiveness was Grahams perception as the guy turned out not to be too bad.
@Ramzeis oh I missed that tiny aspect of the beginning of the short film. There's so much in the opening first lines of dialogue and visuals.
@@VioletEmerald true, there is, I also missed it the first time, had to go back
I completely agree this was very powerful and thought provoking.
Terrific acting from Phillip and Renrick, I loved the simple authenticity they brought to their rolls.
Yep their roles were great
@@classicwhitebread thank you for watching
First thing I thought when they met was “really great acting!”
If you're from any major city you would know that if you gave money to everyone that asked for it you'll be begging right along side them quick.
The homeless man standing there alone with his large pizza box on the street corner got me. 😥 Powerful short film.
Wow. Art. Beautifully done. That was gripping and magical. And tragic. It's got me thinking.
Very good actors. They sold it, and I bought it.
At first, I was annoyed by Hashim's aggression, until I realized he was just extremely desperate and simply needed a friend.
He needed to just take his large pizza and go on bout his business most folks wouldn't have even done that
So when this kind of opportunity comes your way you'll buy him food and take him home right? Because after all according to you, the stranger just needs a friend.
You're so right. As a culture we've grown so cold towards each other. The color of a sofa is more important than another human being. This film hit so deep. Amazing actors and brilliant script. One of the best shorts I've ever seen. Wow.
I wouldn't give him a damn thing. Guy had no decency.
@@iamnegan1515 it's called hunger, homie. Decency kind of goes out the door when all you can think about is something to eat
I can't elaborate enough how incredible this film was. I've spent a lot of time in NYC so I understand the dilemma of being approached by a "street-person" and the immediate reaction to fear for your safety and valuables/money. Yet underneath that is a human being; tortured and beaten by poverty and a society that prioritizes the color of a sofa over the well-being of a human life. This short beautifully captured the duality of protecting yourself while genuinely caring for the health and happiness of another person - the coldness of self-preservation weakened by our humanity towards one another. Incredible. To whomever made this, thank you.
That was beautifully articulated.
I wish the real people were genuine like this guy. A guy walked up to me in a store asking for money claiming to be homeless, so I offered to buy him food. He walked away so quickly.
I see two ill-equipped men. One who was un-resourceful enough to be off the streets and the other who lacked the courage to enforce boundaries. Both men are headed for disaster. The homeless guy is obvious. The spineless Graham will suffer from his lack of courage. We need both to survive. We need to be resourceful and courageous.
There was nothing to imply the black dude was un resourceful. There’s a lot of reasons out of your control you might end up on the streets, especially for a black man
It is so hard to know if a person means to do you harm. His desperation is both heartbreaking and terrifying. The whole time I am thinking how would you ensure your safety and also help. I’d like to think maybe if the camera kept rolling, he might find this guy and make good on this…in a better world perhaps.
You have no discernment and respond horribly to adversity. So it's safer for you to assume everyone from a particular demographic has ill intent
@@dkmrap1 I'm black, and felt like the woman commenting. This was well written, and not made for ur rhetoric. It isn't his skin, but the nature of the interaction all together. It ain't safe out here anymore, and I'm not gonna act like a "Graham" wouldn't have had to worry in my neighborhood after hours
Maybe in a better world indeed thanks for watching.
poor man, he just doesnt want to let someone down. he's exhausted and terrified at the end i can tell
The truth of the matter is, majority of people in these comments will not understand the homeless mans situation; or life on the streets. When your basic needs (food, shelter) are unknown/not met, especially on a daily 7-day/round the clock basis, people will go beyond social norms just to survive.
Both these men had fears.
Homeless man: Fear of the unknown, trying to survive, escaping a difficult lifetime situation
Man with a home: Fear of the unknown, unsure if his life is in danger or escaping a difficult situation in the moment
Help wanted signs all over the place. he could have just as easily offered to sweep the pizza joint's floors for a slice of pizza and a coke in return. THIS is the real problem, people want everyone else to solve their problems for them, take care of their messes for them, instead of taking care of themselves.
Wonderful explanation
Thank you Kenro. You really understood our intention with the film, and articulated it in a way I had not thought of explicitly.
@@aarons7975and just as many are not that way
@@aarons7975 You're very naive. Homeless people like Hashim do not get hired that easily. Most ppl expect you to have an address even if you're hired to sweep up floors.
I felt for him, but this is NEW YORK. Hell, this is AMERICA! You can't just bring anyone home where you live. Good way to wind up with your throat cut or your head bashed in. I'm looking at the comments seeing idiots trying to bash the people who said they wouldn't have taken him home. Those are the same people you'll see dead on the news. Don't feel bad for not putting your own safety and the safety of your loved ones at risk no matter what anyone thinks. I grew up in the projects in New York and have seen the best and worst of people. Buy em something to eat, and if you're feeling really generous and you have funds like that.. maybe put em up in a Hotel/Motel for the night... but don't bring strangers to your home.
That whole situation was dangerous. Unfortunately we don’t live in a perfect world. I’m glad he was able to feed him for the evening but the amount of intimidation and aggression from him would make anybody uncomfortable. I wouldn’t have left the train station with him. Most of the homeless folks I’ve helped have been kind and friendly this dude was psycho
Very true a kind approach would work with me. Even taking NO for an answer. I often give to people who are nice even after I say NO. I end up returning.
I agree
"Here sniff this"... Oh hell no lol
The emotional rollercoaster I was on watching this
Hashims acting was very powerful, and conveyed so much. Bravo man!
He's lucky he didn't get stabbed.
I had tears at the end.
I could feel for all sides.
I was a mess watching this. Talking to the tv i was very nervous for that young man. It had me on the edge of my seat. Wow. As a woman and a new yorker we are trained to believe every homeless person means us harm. But over the years i have been able to meet many who like so many living paycheck to paycheck lives can turn on a dime They just needed some help. But I will be honest the ominous feeling of this video had me super scared for him.
We never know a persons story, the depth of their pain, anger, confusion or loneliness....
This film hit me right in the feels. Excellent job! Excellent job. I got to the end and watched it over. I have no words. Perfect execution. Great acting great everything.
I'm not sure if I'm more glad I watched this or wish I hadn't. I guess a little bit of both. I was blown away by the use of music to make us feel what Graham is feeling throughout the night, to the point that as soon he is away from Hashim that eeriness changes and you can almost feel the tension leave your body with Graham's. But then to see Hashim standing, holding his large pizza, your relief is replaced with a sense of shame - almost regret - because a few moments ago you were praying nothing would happen to Graham. And now your prayers are with Hashim. It was beautiful and devastating and I don't think I'll ever be the same.
It made me cry. If you agree with his skepticism you’re part of the problem. A simple hi can bless a day. I checked myself with this one💯
Striking, evocative writing, filming, acting, directing - kudos to everyone involved! I've been at the 155th Street subway. - always makes me feel vulnerable, can't justify why.
Thank you Roger! We appreciate the kind words. Yeah, I chose that station because (a) there wasn't much security or passenger traffic and (b) there are these random screeching noises that reeeally put you on edge. We put some in the movie.
@@alexrollinsberg4736 Ha! Yeah, those noises contribute to the unease too! 😀
Excellent work. Love seeing Phil.Tense.
Amazing filmmaking. The intensity was taut the entire time. Echo other comments about the whirlwind of emotions.
Very thought provoking. The actors really did a great job getting to my emotions.
Thank you so much for watching and saying so
If you can't help you can't help , you don't owe anyone anything just as you are not owed
A stunning short, so thought provoking. The beauty of this film is it gives you the ability to see it clearly from both sides. A pizza and a couch isnt going to solve this one. I think the best he could have done is sat and had a meal with him. He could then have signposted him to the right support.
Thank you for your thoughtful words, and for taking the time to understand. This film doesn’t adhere to ideology or provide easy answers. Not so long ago, this used to be the point of art. In the words of Akira Kurosawa, “the role of the artist is to not look away.” I aim to make movies in this spirit - to transcend politics and ask the uncomfortable questions . If the artists won’t ask them, who will?
@@alexrollinsberg4736 thank you for responding. I shall look out for your next piece. You have great insight.
Signposted?
@thetaekwondoe3887 pointed him in the right direction of service specially aimed at people in his position. Those who know exactly what is available and are professionally qualified to help deal with them in a holistic way.
Thanks for taking the time watch 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾
This ain't racist, I'm a black person and I would have done the same thing
Same. Just thinking how many times I have felt this way with people.
who said it was racist?
The point is safety, if someone says no which they have a full right to say that should be it period. Being pushy, constantly invading personal space, not excepting no for an answer, following and demanding money and food and his time and presence….this is not admirable hustling this is dangerous. Any race applies here. And it is late at night! Streets are empty! On and on and on. Guilt aside safety is safety not everyone is a love able scamp who just wants to dance with you.
Also black. Also made uncomfortable by the man’s persistence. If he was white, Asian, etc. I would still be uncomfortable.
Pizza is a blessing
Sometimes the base is crusty, sometimes the base is fluffy. But the base cannot be argued with. It is an inherent part of the whole.
The purpose for this film. Blessings can happen at any time.
I've never been to Eritrea, but the pizza in Ethiopia is amazing. One of my fond memories. Like this video - great pizza in East Africa challenges a lot of prejudices and assumptions. Thank you, Omeleto.
I just discovered this channel with two films in and I love it already. This one really jerked tears out my eyes. Funny how the things we don't need is another man's prayer request.
I'm happy to hear you enjoyed our film. Thank you for watching
@@alexrollinsberg4736can you explain the symbolism of there is any of the other two men standing outside the store?
@@realbobbyfilet absolutely. As I've mentioned elsewhere on here, much of the Hashim interaction is based on a real event, and his dialogue and actions are pulled directly from what the real Hashim said and did. Just like in the film, I saw two guys by the deli who, when I left the station with Hashim later, crossed our paths again in exactly that way. Hashim nodded to them and said "alright, alright," as if he knew them. Turns out he didn't at all. There isn't any additional symbolism. The film is ultimately about that dance we all do between trust and fear, compassion and survival, a dance that both Graham and Hashim are engaged in.
I've had the misfortune to be on both sides of this equation at different points in my life. Neither side is pleasant. Great little film; it showcased both sides of this all-too-familiar coin with unflinching realism.
Thank you so much, I really appreciate it.Thank you for sharing that and wishing you good fortune ahead
So very much to think about. Sadly I have opened my home to people in need who have conned me, robbed me, refused to leave. At some point you have to say this is what I can do for you, but this is my limit. Still, so much to think about. PLEASE VOTE AS IF YOU ARE HUNGRY AND HOMELESS. This is the single most important thing any one of us can do.
im hungry
I've helped a number of people over the years and all but one screwed me over. I finally had to stop helping people so I wasn't taken advantage of; I guess I'm not a good judge of character. I always want to believe the best in people.
Where has voting gotten any of us all around the world? Not just America.. still the same ole greed
@@valerieking5265 I'm sorry you went through that, it makes it hard to help people. But it's so nice you wanted to help, that one person must've appreciated it so much. Thank you for trying to help.
Thank you for sharing. I'm really sorry you went through that, thanks for trying to help.
“Oh Lord you know I’m tired, oh Lord you know it’s true.” 🎶
That part got me so close to tears... The whole short is so powerful.
That's why I always keep a little change in a separate pocket. Someone ask me for change, I go into that pocket give it to them and say ""Sorry, but this is all I have!" It's scary when your dealing with the homeless. You want to help but you, don't know what their intentions are. Hashim, got his pizza, and then expected to go to Graham's house to sleep. When would it have ended.
Their whole life experience is scary, even dealing with you and begging for your prepared pocket change.
Where would it end?
There are so many empty rooms everywhere. And so many homeless people who didn't commit any crime. Why couldn't they just meet each other (the rooms and the people)? Every innocent human being deserves a place to sleep. If not, a forest is more fair than a society.
A gun would be better
@@yanawald5918 Because landlords need to be able to take a half of every bodies paycheck, which are paying their mortgages
and throw them on the streets when they get sick or can't work for a few weeks. What Mao did to the landlords was right.
@@yanawald5918Have you met an innocent human? I understand there exists an epic tale just of a lifelong search for one honest man.
I'm homeless hey. So I know what this feels like. Back when I had a wife and a nice apartment and heaps of nice stuff to fill it, and we had a spare room and bed we didn't use. I let a homeless dude stay a few days in it I didnt even know and at the time I'd never ever been homeless before. So I know what it feels like from both sides of the fence now. Great short film. Interesting message. It's really hard to know what it feels like till you've been there. But you don't have to know to care enough to try. He was actually fine. Decent fellow. He had issues yeah. Like I do. But well I know a lot of homeless people now I'm homeless (have been for five years on and off) and am currently but the other homeless people have always been mostly cool with me and helpful. They know what it feels like. It's the people with homes I worry about now because to a lot of them think that I must be a bad person just coz I don't have a roof over my head. I must be a threat, and ironically that makes them a threat to me and suspicious of them. Just like they are of me. Go figure, huh? Having stuff or a roof over your head don't make you a bad person or not. Your heart does.
yes, your heart does. Making someone feel uncomfortable and basically force them into doing things for you is not a good heart. I was homeless for almost 2 years. I never manipulated anyone or made them feel guilty for my situation. I took responsibility for the situation I put myself in, I didn't play the victim and make others feel bad for my own personal gain. I tried harder, worked my ass off, and I went from the streets of Detroit to being a home owner in Hawaii. Only 10% of life is what happens to you, 90% is all attitude. If you rely on others to make your own life better, you will never be happy. Don't get me wrong, I still help others, especially homeless, but not those who try to guilt me into it.
@@Harlohaim not homeless but im carless for sure and I walk like an hour and a half everyday to get to work. How did you manage to keep going and what would be your advice? I love somewhere there's no bus line either.
I agree with you mate. The media is magnifying the "homeless problem". A lot of housed folks are dumber than a box of bricks.
A bike would help. You can often find a 2nd hand one cheap @@TheUrthChild
I hope your life changes for the better and you have a home and love soon. xx
Great seeing Ettinger at work. Great film.
If someone isn't respecting your time when you're trying to help them, don't help them.
I remember this moment in time. Living in NY through summer 2020. I would not take the train at all because of all the different people you would meet there. I have done this before buying food for homeless people now and again.
Damn this production is superior
This was uncomfortable, well done, I really enjoyed this!
thank you for watching, really appreciate it!
Glad you enjoyed it 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾
This needs more views
I'm such a fan of cinematography and these short films are just great because you fit in such a good preformance of acting and filming just makes you want to see more.
Good acting, I can really feel the tension. Well done
Thank you for watching, we appreciate it.
I love this! Great in every aspect... another ending couldve been the two guys tried to rob him and the homeless guy ended up saving him.
I thought of that too. The whole scenario felt ominous. They went for the more thoughtful ending. The rain was a nice touch.
That’s also a good alternate ending thank you for watching we appreciate it.
Talented actors
This was really well done because the pushiness made me so uncomfortable and reminded me of situations I've been in myself. Usually the homeless people aren't this put together in NY and a bit more crazy so he got lucky lol
One of the better Omeletos I’ve seen. Good acting, great cinematography. Very well done.
Thank you mirrorspeak! Honored to hear that
Omeleto has amazing actors, lets appreciate there hard work and success on keeping us all entertained!
Thank you so much for watching our film, and for the kind words
Bloody brilliant!
Very thought provoking.
great acting and filming, editing.... amazing
Superbly acted . Great story . A lot to consider from both sides here .. which I love . Making me ponder wins every time for me .
Thank you for watching, George.
In the middle
of the night
no matter what
the story is
are you to go
with anyone
you don't know
from the Subway
up to the street.
Never ever
alone go to the
far end of a
Subway Station.
This was dangerous all around
and
could have resulted in tragedy.
This man was really
from New York City?
Excellent film about
what you should
never do
late at night
in N.Y.C.
+ Durasaxon + ✝️
This man's such a great actor. I like how he conveys desperateness.
This was beautifully executed. The emotions it provoked....wow
That's very nice of you to say. Thanks for taking the time to watch our film.
As someone who was homeless for over seven years, you don’t bully someone into doing something for you. And you don’t sit there and say “I know you got a place for me to sleep” you don’t invite yourself into someone’s home after bullying them into buying you food. You’re a stranger and that is that.
As a woman I wouldn’t expect a stranger to let me into their home, and when they did it was usually to use or abuse me.
I think this would have had a bigger impact if he said something along the lines of “I’d be blessed to have a place to lay my head a futon, a couch, a safe floor” but his terminology was imma stick with my man graham and I know he gonna give me a place to stay. Like huge red flags, no man with common sense would do just let this intimidating ass man into their home especially when they have a gf/wife/kids at home.
Graham wanted to stay in touch and possibly help him out more but the fact that he started to invite himself into his Uber and his home is not okay.
I don’t blame him for running out of there. Again the film would have had a better impact if it was an aggressive nature of the man. And graham still ran out of the parlor in the same manner to get home to his gf.
if only there were proper ways to help instead of NIMBYing a human in struggle. the only reason the guy was scared was because he knows what desperation can do to someone. there are millions without homes and plenty of empty homes to fill. this isnt a homeless problem. it is a greed problem.
You're right
Nailed it. Thank you for watching our film.
@@alexrollinsberg4736Except for the part where it is a greed problem. That too is reductionist, and not being reductive seems to be a theme of this piece. If everything is always as it seems, the dilemma as presented would be trivial to solve. (But I'm preaching to the preacher 😅 ). Excellent acting btw.
NAHHH this was compelling, gorgeous, and a beautiful story with a deep ending. Absolutely loved it and will be using it as inspiration for my own films. Fantastic work Alex Rollings Berg!
Very nice of you to say. Best of luck with your films!
Excellent, emotionally vibrant acting. Nice spare script well fleshed by wonderful camera work, editing and lighting. All round tremendous!
We're honored you thought so! Thanks for watching our film
This is my first time hearing of omelette. Hoping this is the standard level of content they put out 👍👍👍🔥🔥🔥
They get short films from elsewhere, so there's a wide variety of what is posted.
@@thetaekwondoe3887 any good suggestions?
A fine-tuned examination of a timeless conundrum
well put, and nice of you to say. Thanks for watching
@@alexrollinsberg4736 Au contraire, thanks for presenting. Finding this kind of art on any available streaming platform at any asking price is difficult. It's content like this that more than redeems all the junk spewed on this platform, which makes RUclips the number one value in streaming, IMO.
Man this have me feeling some type of way 😮
You have a man that doesn't care what the couch looks like vs a woman who's taking it for granted.
She’s allowed to have preferences, imo. I’m not rich either, and I had been homeless at one point, but I wouldn’t want a white couch in my house.
First World problems versus Real Life struggles ...
It's sad that it is so difficult to choose to help other people out these days because of all the potential risks and the fact that we have become so isolated from one another ... The genuine distress has become polluted by those that want to take advantage.
Furthermore, current society has made us weak that we struggle to make good judgements and stand up for ourselves when exposed to the more raw aspects of other people's lives.
I hope that no-one is going to raise 'racism' about this scenario, as that in my opinion is not what this is about.
this
THANK YOU! ☝
So well said. Thank you for watching
Dazzling white futon couch. Who would want that? Start contrast to black homeless and friendless man in a foreign country desperate for the love of his grandmother he left behind and the basic need of a good night's safe sleep. No one wants him. Graham is clearly under so much pressure in his working life, but he has the magic money card, the ticket out of the nightmare. Wonderful acting, directing, cinematography, writing. Congratulations on so powerfully evoking just the exact emotions you were all trying to draw from us. I suspect a great deal of deep thinking and team work-shopping went into getting this so right.
It's one thing to have empathy for another...but not at the risk of putting yourself in danger. The way the manipulator tried to have control over the situation by using his "victimhood" to persuade the young man was not only disgusting but put his victim in a dangerous situation. Don't bother with the woke comeback that the "privileged" man should be ashamed for not wanting to be manipulated. Enough is enough...and a sad story of grandma's home cooking does NOT make it alright.
Running away was the correct move at that time. I mean Hashim was talking about staying at Grahams apartment, UNINVITED. You just don't take a stranger in from the street like that. Guarantee it would freak the wife out too.
That was very scary. I would have strarted running at "yo, hey my man".
never follows a stranger in the middle of the night
Art often acts as a mirror for society and that’s fine as long as it doesn’t lead to preachiness. I think this film is successful in walking that fine line. I personally feel, however, that the suspense, uneasiness and anxiety so very well conveyed by the two main actors was enough to carry this film without the need of a moral message. Artistic freedom allows filmmakers to explore a wide range of themes and perspectives and although I personally prefer films with non-linear narratives and unconventional plot structures, I must give a big thumbs up to all those who took part in this project.
Thank you for watching and for this very thoughtful comment. I could not agree more with your aversion to preachiness. My filmmaking motto lately is: humanize, don't moralize.
I have alternated playing both of those characters many times in my life. I agree with you, papillon, that the 360-degree perspective of an all-too-familiar scenario was crafted that triggers all those emotions along with the detached logic being presented without steering the viewer was an impressive piece of art.
The acting is 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Strong and hard! Amazing👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
The emotions while watching this short film is like a roller coaster and in the end, you can see how disappointed Graham is. This is thought provoking. Really sad. Thank you for making this short film, I loved it,
Thank you for watching! I LOVE films that are like roller coasters, that keep you engaged and don't tell you what to think, so your words mean a lot.
Thank you for watching
I can feel myself in him
Powerful
This was just a short-film but the situation is real. Impoverished men in America shouldn't be a thing but yet it is reality for many and men in this type of situation are treated differently than women. I'm not trying to be anti-women it's just the facts.
you could've just said "impoverished people shouldn't be a thing"
POWERFUL
I never thought Rashad wanted to hurt that man, but it's uncomfortable for someone to be in your space, and you can tell they're in dire need of simple things. I would have gotten him the food, and told him I gots to go bruh😆
The dude kept telling him he had to go but Rashad wouldn’t listen and then volunteered himself to go home with him. That’s why the guy ran in the end.
@pathetic2399 I would have walked away because I said I'm going. Guess it depends on your character, I'm definitely not running😏
Nah the homeless man was doing way too much bro. Pressuring people to do something they don't want to is never the way to form a connection with someone. Especially when you're putting them in tight spots or uncomfortable environments
I would have ran too ! That man was very patient.
This was well put together. Brilliant acting too.
Thank you for watching, and for the kind words
Nobody should have to do or give anything they don’t want to. And they shouldn’t be bullied into feeling guilty about it. He didn’t owe that guy anything and he shouldn’t have gotten lured into going anywhere. It wasn’t safe for him.
Dude was just taking advantage.
Both the script and acting are so powerful that I felt VERY uncomfortable the entire time. My anxiety was through the roof watching this. At first I felt bad for the guy trying to sell lotion then I started to feel very irritated with him. It is never ok to pressure someone like that. I get that Hashim was desperate but he was acting as though Graham was the reason he was in his situation. Then I felt bad again when he started talking about his life and grandma. Then I was really uncomfortable again when Graham was buying him pizza and Hashim was talking about how he was going to sleep on Graham's couch. I was all over the map with this one. This is brilliant work but I need a drink after watching this!
Thank you for taking the time to watch our project @rebcote definitely appreciate you.
Jobs produce money ....money buys food....wake up
Why the silence at the end when he sees the couch ?
Because she was complaining like it was a big deal.
Because fear is not real. It’s all in the imagination. The thing he didn’t even want, the couch would of meant the world to that man.
She complains about the couch like it means nothing when hashim could have had something to sleep on for the night.
From 10:14 should explain it.
notice, the cab stopping in the end before the scene ends . Maybe the cab driver and that dude from the start beat him up or something, see his face zoom in the end
Good story, great acting
Thank you for watching, Jenny
Having been homeless I just wanted to give him a place to stay your invisible when your homeless