Shot on one cartridge of 8mm film, with only in-camera edits allowed and no post-production, Hard Coffee is three and a half minutes of highly-caffeinated energy. Filmed as part of Straight 8’s 2017 short film competition, Hard Coffee was also shown at this year’s Cannes Festival. The strict rules around only in-camera editing mean that this is a raw and messy short, and it’s all the more enjoyable for it.

With hints of Spaced’s montages of Brian and his unbridled lunacy, this is a trippy, hilarious short film showing the pitfalls of relying on caffeine to get you through a tough day. One minute you’re filing your tax returns, and the next thing you know you’re in your pants running into a lake. If Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas had revolved around Raoul Duke’s reliance on Nescafé, this would be it. Never had to check your own pulse or covered your head in seaweed while filing your tax returns? Well, you’ve obviously not had enough coffee.

With no dialogue and a psychedelic soundtrack, Hard Coffee relies purely on the lead actor really giving it his all as his character spirals out of control. The Super-8 style adds to the chaotic visuals of the film, rip-roaring through its three and a half minutes.

Just when you think you’ve seen the weirdest, funniest part of the film, along comes along another sublimely strange moment to top it.  The end shot alone is a wonderfully constructed, laugh-out-loud visual gag. Hard Coffee is a truly funny short film that you’ll want to watch more than once just to try and take it all in.

You can watch the other films shot as part of Straight 8’s competition here, with entries from filmmakers from all over the world.

Do you have a short film you’d like to be considered for our Short of the Week feature? Get in touch with us at [email protected]

INFORMATION

CREATED BY: The Forest of Black

SYNOPSIS: Made for Straight 8’s 2017 competition on one cartridge of super 8mm film, with only in-camera edits and no post-production. This is Hard Coffee.