Shade of Grey

Jakob Bilinski

Cinephreak Pictures

2008

Reviewer: Bob Estreich

We have seen Jakob Bilinski’s earlier work in films like Concentric and 37 West (reviewed in Synergy earlier this year) and his growing expertise is impressive. In this recent film, Bilinski has produced something completely different from his previous dark action style.

The film revolves around the happenings of a series of people who, for one reason or another, briefly occupy one ordinary room of an ordinary motel. As each person’s life passes through the room we see the love, hate, betrayal, lust and crime, and their effects on the others around them. It is rather voyeuristic, as we only get the shortest glimpse of their lives and their problems and must fill in the rest from our imaginations.

It is presented as a series of segments, not always in chronological order, showing the development of the people and their relationships. These are often decaying and some end in trauma. There is nothing inherently evil about the room itself – it is simply a tiny stage where little segments of human drama are played out. We see some people rise above their weaknesses, some give in to them, some die from them. The only unchanging feature is the room itself. It is only at the very end that we have a glimpse outside the room, and at that point a new couple begins their segment of the continuing story.

The film was written, produced, directed and edited by Jakob Bilinski. His work becomes more professional with each new film, and this one reflects his maturing style from action drama to human drama. Once again I see a few other Bilinskis in the credits, so it looks like Cinephreak is becoming a family affair.

The photography is by Chris Wilkerson, who does a magnificent job changing the whole atmosphere of the room simply by subtle lighting and angle changes according to the mood of each segment. In spite of this, he keeps it identifiably the same room. I must particularly compliment Edward Hatfield and Paul Grajek, who did the sound. Recording in a small motel room with its echoes and confined spaces, accompanied by a film crew, must have been a nightmare, but their work is superb. Some of the rehearsal shots on the website show just how crowded it became.

It’s hard to pick out any actor or actress who is better than the others – they all play their parts well, especially for unknowns. Their skills lift this film from the ordinary low-budget flick to something higher and more intriguing.

For an independent producer, Bilinski and Cinephreak are producing very professional films. It shows what you can do when originality and skill overcome the restrictions of a tight budget. I think this film could become a classic human drama, and if this is your style of film I recommend you have a look at it.

http://www.cinephreakpictures.com/

http://www.cinephreakpictures.com/shadeofgrey/index.html

This review will appear in Volume 2 No.2 (2009) of the digital and print edition of Synergy Magazine.

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