A descent into insanity can be shown in many different ways.
Whether its visions, significant changes in behaviour or simply getting a bit stabby, someone snapping has been portrayed many ways by filmmakers.
So we come to Julia E. Cooke’s short Red Yellow Blue, which typifies its lead’s slow unravelling with jarring and bizarre visuals.
Having said this, there is some intimacy to Cooke’s filming, really getting into her face and showing she doesn’t quite understand what is happening to her and why.
The stages of her transformation are typified by the titular colours red, yellow and blue. This short feels like a commentary on getting support for mental health issues, whether this is medication or support from peers; or perhaps both.
Red Yellow Blue is a character study that leans on surreal elements, making it at times a surprising watch.
The film is extremely low-budget, but its chinks aren’t as distracting given the story it is trying to tell.
Look out for Red Yellow Blue potentially on the festival circuit this year.
Bloody Flicks 