Bear (2011)

 

Bear, directed by Nash Edgerton, is a short film about a dysfunctional Australian couple released 2011.

Despite the utter lack of large wild bears in Australia being well known, the gun wielding man at the end 

of the film acts as if they were widespread fauna. That’s something of a plot contrivance. I really 

enjoyed the sound design of this film, except perhaps the strangely antique music emanating from the 

television. The sound of the film can be overbearing at times but there’s no doubt that it contributes a

lot to the experience. Whether it's the sound of the alarm at that introduces the film, the birdsong in the 

forest or the footsteps of the man as he frantically searches for his fallen girlfriend all the sounds are 

well composed and tactile and they work to tell the story as well as establishing ambiance.

 

I think the film is slightly at fault for having such a closed ending. It certainly makes an immediate 

impression but after you stop watching the film it doesn't linger in your mind or invite deep 

philosophical musings.

 

One half of the dysfunctional Australian couple is very stereotypically presented as something of an oaf 

or fool. Using stereotypes (you might say schemas rather than stereotypes) is definitely an efficient way

 to get the audience up to speed with a character so good job with that.

 

 

There's also a lot of impressive stunts and production design in the film. It's one of the more technically

impressive short film's I've seen for my coursework.. 

But otherwise good job Nash Edgerton! This is a great comedy about murder, mystery and

mayhem!