Between Eyes Open and Eyes Closed was filmed over a week in mid-February. It was an exhausting experience, but incredibly rewarding and as usual I learned loads.
Directed by Chris Dart, it’s about a young man’s struggle to deal with the past in order to begin to live in the present. The results are terrific and the efforts Chris put into preparing, filming and post-producing speak for themselves.
I love the the wonderful quirky elements throughout the film. Chris was inspired by the work of Michel Gondry, but I think there are also some lovely Terry Gilliam-esque moments, particularly the shot of the Hypnotherapist’s. I guarantee it looks nothing like that in real life and yes that is the receptionist who actually works there!
There is a shot of Wayne looking very bored at work that I’m particularly fond of, but my favourite scene is on the bridge in a park in Stafford where Wayne and Dr Harding release a lantern into the sky. It nearly didn’t happen because the park keeper hadn’t got the memo about us filming that evening. He was not amused, but John managed to calm him down and we got a couple of takes in before finally getting kicked out. The poor bloke probably just wanted his dinner.
I’m very proud of the work I put into this film. As ever there is loads to improve on, but certainly a significant step in the right direction.
Directed by Chris Dart
Wayne - Matthew Swan
Miranda - Emily Anne Salter
Dr Harding - John Symes