The Tragic End of Rodney & Madlyn U.

Inspired from the short story "The Fall of the House of Usher" by Edgar Allen Poe.

Between December 2021 and January 2022, I had some moments of melancholy and depression. I became disillusioned with my persue in graphic design industry after having a verbal fight with my typography professor. And during the winter break, I felt very burnt out by everything and suffered some imposter syndrome. At that point, I realized that I need something to leave behind before I loose myself and disappear from this world. I had an idea for the experimental short film that is made out of voice-over narrations, grotesque figures, and still images shot from various angles (based on this Japanese video art I saw from the past). After trying to think of the story, I came across this short story "The Fall of the House of Usher" by Edgar Allen Poe, it fits very with the mood I was aiming for and decided to adapt this into my film.

Overall, producing such short film was a huge learning curve for me. At least I learned some aspects of casting and collaborating with actors.

Then I have received some constructive responses about how depressive and boring the short film was. And this inspired me to make my next work more optimistic and empowering.

Thank you all helping me to bring this alive. And also keeping myself alive while making this movie.

It's the year 2023 and I am sharing this on the very day I was brought into this world - June 27th.


Official Selection:




Cast:

Scout Tafoya as the main narrator/the doctor

Anthony Rodriguez as Rodney Upatio

Meredith Nudo as Madlyn Upatio

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