Currently streaming on Omeleto on YouTube is the British short film, The One Note Man. The movie – written and directed by George C. Siougas – stars Jason Watkins as the titular One Note Man, with Sir Ian McKellen on board for a spot of narration.
In the film, it is the run-up to Christmas and an unnamed bereaved man gets dressed in a dinner jacket and cycles to the theatre to take part in a classical concert. The man is part of a small orchestra, who perform the same music every day, and he is an integral player in the arrangement.
However, despite his importance, his dedication, and his professionalism to the orchestra, his role is in many respects is more hassle than it’s worth. The man only plays one note in the entire song, and once he is done performing this note he packs up his instrument and returns home.
But one day, the monotony of his daily routine is disrupted when he sees a beautiful violinist performing in the orchestra. From here on out, he hopes to catch her eye before the Christmas break, yet as the days fly by he realises he is running out of time.
You know, sometimes the simplest ideas are the most effective. You can chuck as much cash around the screen as you want, but if you have a stellar idea, which you know how to utilise to its fullest, this is all that really matters.
And do you know what? The One Note Man not only has a stellar idea, it knows exactly how to execute it.
Across the course of its 20-minute runtime, The One Note Man tells a captivating tale filled with hope and of course, romance. It is subtly placed romance, which builds up in small ways, but it is romance nonetheless and it is easy to fall in love with what’s on offer.
The short takes a straightforward premise about a man who has lost his way in life, and it demonstrates how he finds a new reason to feel enthusiastic and revitalised again. His interest in the violinist gives him a sense of purpose, following the death of his partner, and it becomes a catalyst for change.
What once was a quiet, unassuming man, who faded into the background, is soon transformed into a confident musician all because of attraction. Sure, it takes him some time to pluck up the courage and make the right move, but he learns a few things along the way and his journey is worth sticking around for.
Jason Watkins is fab as the One Note Man, and his performance is one filled with expression and nuances. This is a mostly dialogue-free short, so Watkins has to rely on his face and body to convey his emotions, but he nails it all perfectly.
It also helps that director George C. Siougas knows how to stage Watkins just right, to make the most out of his plight. A few gestures here, the use of some reputation there, helps to cement his struggles as well as his frustrations and the finished product is sublime.
The combination of actor and director works brilliantly, resulting in a tight little treat. It zips by in next-to-no-time, and with its slight festive flourishes it feels perfectly placed at this time of year.
The One Note Man is a great short, and one to seek out. If you fancy something a little different, or you’re simply pressed for time, give it a go and you’ll soon fall for its charms.
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Thank you for taking the time to read this review on It’s A Stampede!. For more reviews, check out the recommended reads below.
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