Horror Short Film "Pursuit of a Jigsaw" | ALTER
Vložit
- čas přidán 2. 05. 2022
- Subscribe to ALTER on CZcams: goo.gl/LnXRC3
In a retroist Suburban-America, a corporate labor begins to lose his sense of self after entering an undesired marriage.
"Pursuit of a Jigsaw" by Sam Mizrahi-Powell
#ALTER #horror #shortfilm
Connect with the Filmmaker:
/ sammizrahipowell
/ _sam_mp
sammizrahipowell.com/
/ @sammizrahipowell
"Pursuit of a Jigsaw" Credits:
Writer, Director, Editor, Sound Design, Producer
Sam Mizrahi-Powell
Ben
Jamie Roy
Donna
Caitlin Thorburn
Paul
Garrett M. Brown
Mary
Ivy Votolato
Manager
Joey Martin
Deformed Co-Worker
Joshua Moomey
Music
Pierre-André Rigoll
Director Of Photography
Justin A. Stern
Camera & Electrical
Connor Colebrook
Sound
Fady Garas
Special Effects Makeup
Yun Nam
Stunt Coordinator
Darren Breen
Catering
Susan L. Mizrahi
On-Set Photography
Joshua Jin-Seo Yang
Co-Producer
Aidan Callanan
Office Workers
Brian Funnagan
Thomas Lambert
Tim Alcoser
G. Robert Daily
Original Jazz Song by
Juani Varela Espinoza - Alto Saxophone
Nicolas Baumberger - Double Bass
Juan Di Nallo - Piano
Javier Portela - Drums
Locations
Monique Powell
Totai America, Inc.
The Duchess Yacht
Captain Skip Rutzick
Anna Caldeira
Lifeguard
Seth Lam
Special Thanks
Adobe
Alter
Danilo Franeta
Dylan An
Emma Mizrahi-Powell
Gabriel Deocampo
Gail Vogel
Gopyur
Helen & Kerry Welsh
Jeremy Yap
Joanne Kuroyanagi
John Bishop
Marah Gail White
Michael Powell
Mitsy
Paul Kim
Sarina Powell
Scott Powell
Sundance Institute
Wendi Russell
About ALTER:
ALTER is an ever-expanding platform for the most daring storytellers in the world of horror. We are a home, community and launching pad for our filmmakers. Slip into the dark, disturbing corners of cutting-edge horror.
Filmmakers should visit filmfreeway.com/alterdustsubm... to submit your horror shorts. (Only completed horror shorts will be considered. Unsolicited scripts or pitches will be immediately deleted without review.)
Watch more: goo.gl/yvB7EM
Website: watchalter.com
Follow us on Facebook: goo.gl/X4LhGr
Follow us on Instagram: goo.gl/G6W7zn
Sign-up for ALTER newsletter: eepurl.com/dChYXb
About Gunpowder + Sky:
Creating content that resonates and impacts pop culture conversation, by empowering creators to take risks and experiment relentlessly in the pursuit of novel stories and formats.
Video Title
/ watchalter - Krátké a kreslené filmy
Hi I'm Sam, the writer/director. Thank you so much for watching my film! Great thanks to ALTER for giving my film a platform. I'll be answering as many comments as I can, so shoot!
I think I know what’s going on but idk can you explain?
My congratulations on a well-conceived, thoughtful, and frankly, psychologically disturbing short film. The direction is solid, as is the acting; The makeups effective, showing that from the start, this man was not "normal". The potent use of black and white photography intermixed with the color, coupled with the choice of shot-framing and cuts, highlight this person's ongoing mental decay, as who he believes himself to be slowly fragments in the face of a reality he cannot, or believes he cannot, stop. (The continuing references to the ocean, which fills many purposes in the story!) I would like to know who your influences may be. But, regardless, thank you for a most interesting and ( Enjoyable?) film! It is especially relevant to me...
You see, your protagonist recalls to me several people in the workplace I left three years ago. I have no regrets...
I love the elements of losing oneself in an infinite ocean, especially with the symbolism of the two oceans crashing into teacher to form it. Big fan of the film! Very well done!
@@darda2449 Thank you so much for your compliments! I'm glad you have no regrets! My biggest cinematic influences are probably Stanley Kubrick, Ingmar Bergman and Andrei Tarkovsky. They're the all time greats. Another thing that comes to mind is a painting called "The Lovers" by Rene Magritte which was also quite a direct inspiration for this film.
@@user-sw2ul9vr7q Thank you!
Hi I'm Sam, the writer/director of the film! Big thanks to ALTER for giving my film a platform. I'll try to answer as many comments as I can, so shoot!
One question is, how are you so talented?
@@roastedbraincells6303 I was thinking the same thing!
@@roastedbraincells6303 Haha thank you! How are you so sweet?
It never ceases to impress me how simple, basic elements can be
the basis for a horror story.
Stephen King built his career on this.
The narrative is very much like
AMERICAN PSYCHO.
The horror here is psychological
instead of physical( no blood & guts,
etc.)
Most Impressive.
@@billmurray7473 Thank you very much. I agree. Sometimes the most terrifying things are simply the basic elements of our own minds.
Not only does he lose a sense of self he also loses the sense of reality that his perspective of his marriage and his personality gets distorted
This the perfect picture of two people who are still unprepared for marriage. He's immature and she just doesn't want to face the fact she picked the wrong person.
These people don’t have any personality traits because they are not real. It’s like saying Joey from Friends is stupid. They’re all stupid because they don’t live in the real world where their actions have consequences.
Noone is prepared for marriage. Marriage is for noone. The film describes this
@@ThaTruKru they represent real traits and real situations (in a "methaphorical" way, but its still valid).
@@guybrushthreepwood1118 dude, following that line of thought, then even life is for no one lol
That’s one interpretation lol
9:08-11:00 That infinite feeling of drowning has been portrayed in a perfect way in this scene, great visual, great short. I enjoyed it and thanks for that✌️
This hit me because I used to be in a similar relationship. As an introvert, I need to be alone sometimes to recharge, reflect, and focus on my hobbies. My then girlfriend was manipulative and would make me feel like a bad person for doing anything without her, so in order to make her happy I sort of gave up that part of my life and just hung out with her as much as possible. This wore me out completely, and I gradually realized we weren't right together. Fortunately we hadn't gotten married, though.
Like in this short film, the man has his own private place, the beach, where he can be alone to reflect in peace. But his wife has the unrealistic expectation that his identity should be centered around their relationship, and they need to be together always. It's like they figuratively and literally become one person, and their marriage is their new identity.
It's healthy to spend some time apart every now and then. It doesn't mean you don't love each other.
Thank you so much for this.
My ex-girlfriend was extremely jealous.
I loved going to the gym. Eventually, we started going together.
She would incessantly throw a fit and start fights every time she thought I was even glancing in the direction of other women at the gym. Eventually, going to the gym filled me with so much anxiety that I stopped going. I started feeling like I was losing myself and becoming this tamed servile imbecile that would do anything to avoid conflict. 8 horrible months later, we broke it off.
It's honestly scary how accurately your movie captures that feeling of dread.
Wow sorry you went through that! That feeling of "losing yourself" can truly be the most terrifying thing.
@@sammizrahipowell What really struck me watching this is realizing that the gym was my beach haha.
Thanks again for making this incredible piece of art. I wish you the very best as a filmmaker!
@@yagsidog Thank you very much. That means a lot to me.
That's a terrible situation mate. She definitely has issues that need to be checked. However, as a very insecure person myself, I can relate to her, and believe me the suffering is enormous on this end, if not bigger than yours: you see, you know you're wrong, you know you're exaggerating, but your insecurities and fears just take over and then an internal torture begins. One needs a lot of patience and understanding to deal with this. Like, my ex used to go out with his girl friend without even asking me if I was alright with this. If he did at least I'd think he had consideration for my emotions and that he wouldn't go if it really bothered me, but he never did. Even though i knew he wouldn't cheat on me, I felt 0 commitment for my emotional well being, which led to a lot of toxicity. So yeah, I don't know you but I understand your struggle. Just please never forget issues like this are draining for everyone, specially for those who carry it.
Woah
I can completely see this as a woman's perspective as well as a man! Marriage is scary and unsure of the future no matter what kind of past you had as a couple
2001: A Marriage Odyssey ✨
Hahah yes!!!
@@sammizrahipowell Congratulations to all, truly a great psychedelic short film! The masks are something wonderful! If I had one I would wear it to play live!
@@PrimitiveInTheExtreme Thank you! The masks are in my office and I admire them every single day!
@@sammizrahipowell 💘
Wow. That was abstract and challenging. It is a very personal type of horror that hits the viewer.
I see our main character as struggling and feeling like he is losing his self identity. He sees others as lost and even two faced. Even with work, he sees his purpose waning. Then his marriage leads him to being the very thing he abhors. The final nail is losing that last thing he held as self important. That's my take.
Superb job to all involved. The camera work was so good. There were great touches such as the waves in the picture. The lighting and haunting background music also helped push the story.
Impressive effort and here is to having future success to those involved.
Peace.
Love the analysis! Thank you very much!
The idea of losing your self/individuality/voice is scary, but it doesn't have to be a loss of self when joining a "team". Just make sure to find a team that lifts you up instead of dragging you down.
These videos are always super interesting and intriguing, they never fail to capture my attention completely. Thanks!
Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed the film!
@@sammizrahipowell It was really good! One question, what did the two oceans converging on him represent? I didn't really understand that.
@@nathanbattraw5803 I won't answer what I feel things represent, but I can say that nobody in the comments or on letterboxd has completely hit the nail on the head yet. Which is good. If I gave the answers it would diminish the art and constrict the experience of watching the film.
@@sammizrahipowell Ok, that makes sense. Thanks again for such a good film! Very meaningful
@@nathanbattraw5803 Thank you Nathan!
The more you fit in the more you lose your integrity.
This was very good. People say marriage changes you- I guess we never know how much!!
Unless it's gay marriage, then it's a travesty that should be banned at all costs....
I wouldn't want to see this version of divorce *cringe*
eeks, my ex used to buy us matching jackets and we started talking alike after a while .. on my own now and I think I'm getting back to my "regular" self lol
@@allisonblair6254 OMG, I would totally run from matching anything!! My husband and I don't even have matching or stylistically similar wedding rings!! 😄I just want my relationships to be something like this- We have our life together, but we're still allowed to have our own lives outside of our relationship, including friends we may not share. What's comforting are the things we have in common, what's interesting are the things we may not... If that makes any sense at all, lol. 🤷
You and your partner becoming one… literally!
Yup!
LOVED the Kubrick vibes!!!!!
Fuck yeah!!
@@sammizrahipowell And… I felt a sense of the foreboding narrative - the ‘Jon Hamm monologues’ of the FX series, LEGION. Drawn in, anxiety wells, can’t pull away, must… know… MORE.
Such a smart way to explain something, really enjoyed it. 😊
Thank you! It makes me happy that you enjoyed it!
Well, I understood that relationships were pretty much a nightmare, but this really underscores the cosmic body-horror quality of it.
Interesting take on relationships and social pressure. This story was both enjoyable and disturbing.
Thanks for watching!
Being married doesn't mean losing part of your identity. This was just a short about a bad marriage. In my marriage I still have my independence to do what I want to do.
The woman looked as miserable as her future husband did. I would too!
There should be a sequel showing the true horror of marriage which is when the kids come along ;)
My voice just faded away after a bad marriage. It hasn't been the same, nor has it returned. It's a shame how toxic relationships can suck the life out of you, literally and figuratively. Embrace your youth and don't waste it!
Extremely interesting, and that achievment in sound design is amazing!
Anybody else get the impression the Narrator is a BIG fan of Keanu Reeves?
I might have traded some of my party nights for the "confines" of marriage. This video started my wheels turning. I've heard of people who start to look like their pets after a long time. I've never seen a case where spouses begin to look like each other. Maybe if I do some research I will find spouses who look like each other. That would be beautifully bizarre to me. Loved this short film!
Thank you very much! I am glad the film got your wheels turning. I appreciate the kind words.
I see it all the time. Especially in affluent areas of SoCal like Beverly Hills, Huntington Beach, La Jolla, and Cardiff/ South Encinitas.
Interesting interpretation too - food for thought…
Very underrated film. Deserves more views.
Man that was amazing work, I sensed a lynchian influence especially the black and white and jazz music scenes. Amazing
Thank you very much!
Really liked this short. Almost reminds me of a Rod Serling’s Twilight Zone episode. The little touches, like the fingernail polish was great! Thumbs up!!👍
Hi Diane, thank you! I am glad you liked it!
"Let's eat!" *-proceeds to sip wine then burst into tears*. Girlie is a mood 🥲💔
Damn, the scene from 6:15 definitley my favorite of all the film, without a word it says absolutely everything the character is thinking.
Thank you!
Great film! It resonates with me, as I am a man who cannot fully give myself up to another person again. I need my own space!
This movie has a deep meaning.
Thanks very much!
Beautifully...bizarre. Loved it!
I don't get this marriage and overall couples logic😂 sometimes they hate each other, but don't break up for long time, or even marry each other. YOU JUST MAKE YOUR LIFE'S MORE DIFFICULT, It's best on your own, at least in my opinion. That's just true horror. Some people are stuck in bad marriages, I would be perfect and trustworthy, and real with my girl, but I just never get one
Great comment.
It’s easier to say this as someone on the outside. The reason a lot of couples stay together despite not really enjoying their company is because people are scared to go back to being alone. When you have someone there constantly to the point where you’re sleeping in the same bed it’s hard to go back to life before dating/marriage.
This.. THIS is the TRUE horror (not Freddy, Jason, etc.) We should be showing our children to prepare them for what nightmares will really be like when they "grow up"...
Wish I was told...
Dude's got issues. Perhaps a little weed might help.
Cool short. Kudos!
Yeah hes gotta chill out. Glad you liked the film!
11:02 This takes the bad guy from Batman Two-Face to an entirely new level.
Heads or tails
My husband and I've been together since 2006. And I guess we look like each other (we got it, like animals and their tutors I think ) and I have to say: I love it🤣🤣🤣
I really enjoy it! Be marriage is not to anyone... Congrats!
Haha thanks!
These films are crazy entertaining keeps me wanting more.
Thank you!
Now that's true horror. Marriage and fake love nowadays, I just stay single forever and have fun in my life. You don't need anyone
The scariest things in life are perhaps the things we blindly accept as part of our reality
Yeah that's the whole issue, They shouldnt of been together at all.
Wow! Reminded me of something from The Twilight Zone, but more intense.
Thank you! The Twilight Zone is the best.
This is brilliant. I like everything about this film, the script, the acting (fantastic), the cinematography, sound design, everything. It reminds me of Vivarium, the way it's both a horror piece and a surreal look at common fears.
Totally bizarre - a powerful message presented in a very original and very strange way. Excellent
Thank you!
This gave me strong Lynch vibes. Well done!
MASTERPIECE!!!!
we don't even need to talk about it
my god
this one is perfect
Just wait for the children to start coming. You'll be a full totem pole by then😓. Great heads up movie🔮
Hahah thanks!
Amazing work! Well done 💗
Hi Cynthia, thank you!
What a fantastic movie. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 I never understood the concept of marriage. I’m never going to get married, have kids because I freaking want to be able, If I have the means, to go anytime, everywhere I want because I’m not chained to one place, losing all my identity.
Glad you liked it!
Having a wife and kids is the greatest thing in the world. You get to share your life with family.
@@lourdesroman5186 I'm happy for you, that you found your soulmate, getting married to the love of your life, having such a lovely family to share your love and life with. Also happy for you, regarding having a spouse and kids, that everything turned out as you envisioned or even better. 😊 ❤
Wishing you and your family all the best! Stay healthy and enjoy your lives to the fullest! ✌🏻💖
_how old are you? Just curious. If you’re young you may or may not have a change of heart._
Losing
I read these words on a car-sticker years ago. Helped me to stay free until today for decades : " I am a woman. I am able to make YOU to believe IT all went the way YOU wished "
Bravo! An amazing metaphorical look at marriage and adult life. Thanks much. Love to see more...
Thank you! So glad you liked it!
That's no marriage nor adult life, that's immaturity kicking in. It's what happends when you take an important step you were obviously unprepared for.
@@JustYetAnotherUser exactly.
Head over to my channel to see behind the scenes content and more shorts I've directed!
Yes, marriage is the scariest horror of all, lol!
That was a real treat, thanks!
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed!
Intense! I gotta say I don't really think about it but yes I'm definitely different than before my relationship started. So is he.
I guess that's one way of portraying the fear of commitment and/or wedding jitters. Also, I like the visual representation of the double oceans, like how even at the one place he found solace in he now feels as if he's constantly drowning.
A very strange film based on fear of intimacy and the loss of self. A very scary look at mental instability and how it can consume one up to the point of individual disintegration. I feel this fear of the influence of others myself. They seem so alien to me, that I fear engaging with them, for I may become an alien and no longer be myself, as an individual. Very powerful film for me.
Imma come back when someone explain wth i just watched
;)
Hahahahahahahaha
Absolutely
I love this so much! So much talent!!! Well done!!!!
Thanks so much!!
@@sammizrahipowell npp!
Amo tus videos, un saludo 🫡 desde República Dominicana 🇩🇴.
This was great! Love it ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you!
This has David Lynch written all over it!!! Great work! cheers
Certified Gold!!!!!
INTENSE! Very special.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed.
Lord, they are one miserable couple. 😂 I mean, please spare this earth for me.
Man everything was well done
Thanks so much!
Great film! Great direction!
Thank you!
Reminds me of if Kubrick made a movie about relationships. I liked it, both the visual aspect and the sound, and the "storytelling". Like from me.
Thank you very much!
Really good love the story
Thanks! Glad you liked it!
This has deep meaning about marriage
Well l liked this
wow this was so amazing
That was some messed up s**t, I loved it, a proper head f**k, & very apt for this day & age with peoples struggles over identity & expected narratives, awesome.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed
WELL DONE!
Thank you!!!
when you over 30 will change
what's you need and want
Really good ✨🥺
Thanks so much!
Great short film.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!
We lose ourselves trying to reach society's hunch of what "successful adulting" looks like...only to morph into a clumpy blob of US... constantly teetering the borders of loving and loathing. Ugh 😩😫
Was this inspired by a bad experience with LSD? LOL
This should be shown in all colleges, get that marriage rate down
Awesome short film. !
Hi Rainbow Gold. Thank you! Glad you enjoyed!
Love. Very dramatic
Thank you!
Great job makeup department!
Yun Nam, who did the makeup and special masks and such, did a fantastic job! Thanks!
@@sammizrahipowell Brought your vision to life perfectly.👍
Omg!!! Jigsaw. Jigsaw means my favorite movie clip
I've never been happier to work for myself or to be single 😆💩👏
Haha!
If you hate marriage so much, then just don't get married folks!
OMG, I did not understand anything. But it was creepy.
Great music! Very disturbing.
i was breathing so slowly thru out the film....phew
I Love ALTER ADICTA TI❤️
"With marriage, the couple becomes ONE! God sees two people entering the temple and ONE exiting it!"
-Fr Nektarios Moulatsiotis on the sacrament of marriage
Sam, I would like to come visit you at the asylum sometime soon. I have a few questions about this film you've made.
Haha! If you have any questions feel free to ask away!
Well I could sum it up to partnership sacrifice.
The single life ain't so bad after all...
The special effects here (the mixed faces) are creepy AF.
This story so grotesque for me,but I don't understand,why they shy take theirs hands together? Why the woman cry? Why I see the creepy faces in the and of this story and seeting together at the table?
I've never been married, and maybe that's why I probably don't understand a lot, but thank you very much for this unusual story, it turned out very interesting.
Becoming one💔
interesting one
So story line wise who were these people were they aliens ?this was actually pretty good but why were they deformed how did they become like this but anyway I really really liked this I hope to watch this for a second time
Bs. Lots of "mature" people still don't marry because nowadays you just don't have to. The beach scene was just too much and people who found true love in the other WANT the partner to be a part of themselves and the other way around. You show it like its something bad.
These idiots who marry people even if they know they don't want to. Jeez. It's their own fault. I just don't know anybody who would do that because, like I said today it's normal NOT to marry than to do it since the divorce rates are enormous.
I kinda like this short film. I love dark stuff. But I don't like what it tells us.
ALTER....( ˘ ³˘)♥