On paper August is a lot about what I don't like in a short film. It is poetic in nature, and the performance is very much a performance rather than a character or person. It also has an obvious meaning which is perhaps not totally superficial, but is certainly not a lot of scratching below that point. However the total delivery and structure of the film overcomes these aspects, and produces a very strong whole.
The film sees a woman trapped in a relationship by a man, who oppresses her but in a way that she is cooperative with, and accepts – losing herself to be what he defines. On that hand it seems obvious the politics and statement. However the film sets this within the frame of the man telling the woman that the outside world is toxic, and that he protecting her by going out each day with a mask on to find food to keep them safe. This narrative sounds like it will be something else, but the narrative is background as the character takes the fore. From this point she delivers a poetic drawling monologue which pulls across the film in the same way as one moves through a hot, humid day which saps and slows. It is really impressive how all the elements come together into a whole; the delivery and design working together.
Take your pick for this – the cinematography, the direction, the voice work of the actresses, the music, and so on; all of it creates a sense of place, atmosphere, and character – with the last one being the most important. This strong delivery prevents the message and character seeming pat or obvious, instead one is drawn in and can connect to the person. The film is surprising in its beauty and construction – it sounded like everything I would hate, but won me over effortlessly.
