Movie Name: Live Bait
Directed by: Szilárd Demján, Gergő Bárdi
Helmed by Gergő Bárdi and Szilárd Demján, the short film “Live Bait” explores the hierarchy of society. How lower class people are suffering and suffocating as they are crushed by the upper class individuals. The film also comments on the survival of every human being. The film stars Károly Szívós as the grandfather and Csanád Bosnyák as the grandson.
Overview
The film opens with a grandfather (Károly Szívós) and his grandson (Csanád Bosnyák) fishing in a lake. Beside them there is a fishing box and a jar full of live worms. These worms are used as the live baits for the fishes. As the grandfather makes the bait he shows the jar to his grandson. He explains how this jar represents the life of humans. Every worm is trying to climb up to survive. But the worms who are all the way down are being crushed by the worms who are all the way up. This represents the hierarchy of society, How lower class are crushed and exploited by the upper class. However, an upper worm is one of the firsts to die on the hook.
This moves the grandson. After fishing, they go back to their home. The grandfather dropped the grandson near his house and drove away. Before entering the house, the grandson opened the fishing box and took out the jar. He releases every worm from that jar.
Review
The film is visually very serene. Every frame captured by Aron Somay has a calmness in it with an excellent sound design. Károly Szívós and Csanád Bosnyák shine in their characters. Two generations are represented in the film. Directors Gergo Bardi and Szilárd Demján wonderfully draw a society hierarchy through a very simple narrative without preaching the message on the face. Editors Gergő Bárdi and Aron Somay have also done a commendable job.
Conclusion
Overall, the Gergő Bárdi and Szilárd Demján directed drama short film “Live Bait” comments on the society very subtly with a great storyline and performance. The story raises questions in the viewer. Is this really what our society is like? Are the top really the lucky ones? Is there hope for change? And the little boy resolves the tension at the end of the film. This film is thought provoking in every aspect and will leave a deep mark on your heart.