April 2010 saw Phil Harrison embarking on his self written short film “Even Gods”. I received a call asking if I would like to shoot some images documenting the shoot, arriving on set I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was out of my depth and extremely nervous when introduced to Cherrybomb director, Lisa Barros D’Sa.
‘Even Gods’ is a short by Canderblinks/Manifesto Films telling the story of Hughie (Lalor Roddy). Hughie, a former alcoholic and long-time joker meets his estranged daughter for the first time in over a decade.
Written and directed by Phil Harrison the film stars Lalor Roddy (Hunger, Cherrybomb, Scapegoat, The Shore). Roddy is a remarkable actor whose performance was absolutely gripping. Acting alongside Paul Caddell the scenes were realism personified.
Wisecracking Hughie has been living in a Belfast homeless shelter for 6 years. Lalor’s character is well liked and the life and soul of the Belfast hostel. Phil’s directing approach is upbeat and relaxed and I was soon at ease capturing behind the scenes and portraits of the key actors.
When Hughie’s daughter contacts him out of the blue his boundaries of solid life begin to blur and the wounds of the past come back into sharp, painful focus.
When Hughie meets his granddaughter he never knew existed, he finds himself circling the contours of a life he thought lost. Buried forever.
The performances were gripping and like any well directed film the emotion was palpable.
lovely shots
Nice portrait shots, very stylish.
What a great opportunity as well.
I love these shots and the story. There is a “hauntedness” to each character that comes through in the pictures. Great job!
Wow, great opportunity and looks like you did them proud. Would consider getting a call like that a real honour, so very well done indeed! 🙂
Just saw this on the Shorts cable TV channel. Appreciated it very much. Unfortunately, I didn’t fully catch the closing final words, which I see are the translation of a poem in Arabic. It’s not scheduled to play again, but I will keep a look out, as I loved the mood it created.