Bravo. What a fabulous story. It doesn't take a whole lot to make a person feel more whole; to have purpose; to have friendship. Just a spark is enough.
@@loverlyme thank you, me too - I think the algorithm has been helping me a lot. Of all these nice comments here, none are from people I know personally (as far as I can tell from usernames) and I don’t have a big social media presence to build it. I’m super grateful that the video is being suggested to people who’ll really like it! Please share with anyone you also think would resonate with it.
Wonderful. My oldest friend was born in 1919. He passed away at the age of 101. He was 44 years older than me. In the last 10 years of his life, I and many of the other "youngsters" who he had mentored, made it our business to call and visit with him. His attitude improved noticeably and he laughed and told stories right up till the end. He told me every time I called that I and the others were keeping him young and how much he appreciated it. Rest in Peace, Captain Jack.
I especially love the devotion of the friend. He remembers the anniversary, constantly checks in, and we he sees that Lily is part of his friends failing mind, he composes himself and proceeds to the apartment. May we all be so lucky to have a friend like that!
Incredible cinematography and superb acting. As part of the unwinding generation I can tell you that a smile from a stranger at the grocery store can brighten even the darkest day. Let’s all observe and serve. ❤
I always smiled until one year a lady who previously dropped an item in the grocery store and I picked it up for her scolded me later after we met again outside in front the bakery saying loud “What are smiling about?” And my whole being was like 😮. Ever since I tried not to no more thinking others may take it differently and I was right when a bunch of loud adorable kids blocked my way in an isle and the guardian looked at me wondering why I stopped there “smiling” gesturing what I wanted and instead of telling her the kids were in my way and I was afraid to hurt any brushing against them with my trolley I said “God bless them.” and she looked away as if was disgusted by me. 🤷🏻♀️ I no longer smile now only when I meet someone I know. People are hurtful.
@@hana.the.writer5074 I’m sorry those crappy people have soured you on being yourself; you seem like a good soul to have that motivation to smile to a stranger…I appreciate you watching my film all the same.
I lost my husband to cancer nearly 3 years ago and the beginning of this movie brought me to tears. It is hard to go out especially as my other half was more the conversationalist. Excellent short film on the importance of people looking out for one another. Thanks
@@mariabarnard1546 I’m sorry for your loss; that sense of being incomplete without the other is what I had in mind for David from the beginning, as I’ve had an extended family member in a very similar situation as him. I appreciate your comments, and am glad it resonated with you.
My husband died 8 months ago, and every night, even though I know he's not there beside me in bed, I look over at his pillow and reach out to his side, just like the main character did in this film when he went to bed. Thank you for creating such a sensitive and respectful film about grief.
@@nancyn347 my condolences for the loss of your husband. Regarding that moment - I think Kevin played it beautifully; I’m very glad it resonated (as tough as it may be). I appreciate your comments.
After my husband divorced me 26 years ago,, I still slept with my arm over his pillow for years. This was THE BED, that we prayed together in every night all through our marriage. I understand grief. It is a scar on your heart that never heals. I’m so sorry for your loss. 😢😢
@@marylogan6711 Nice! Related note - I’ve been waiting for someone to comment on the reversible duvet being flipped over from the dark side to the flower side when he wakes up the morning after meeting Lily and finding his new lease on life, but maybe it’s working on a subliminal level. ;)
This is absolutely brilliant and incredibly moving. Being older, married with no kids and living thousands of miles away from family, I could see myself in this position ultimately. Friendships are one of the most important things we can have in life.
@@jeremypearson6852 thank you, Jeremy; very kind words. I’ve had an unusual life myself, living abroad for over a decade, so the sense of isolation was one thing I know very well. Glad you responded to it this way; agreed re friendships being even more important to maintain as we grow older / more self-removed from society. I appreciate your comments greatly.
I don’t know how I was lucky enough to have this beautiful movie show up on my UA-cam home page. I never would have found it otherwise. While watching, I noticed that my breathing was finally regulated and my pulses of adrenaline had stopped. This movie is much more than a story being told.
@@IM-jq8hp this is one of the best comments I could’ve received. Thanks for telling me that. The editing / pacing and scoring were all intended to create a specific effect; it seems you recognized and felt it. I’m very happy it resonated with you.
Next time I see an older person looking lonely I will strike up a conversation...I may look stupid for forward but just the same. Thank you for the lovely story
@@LauraFRAN17047 thank you as well. Some of the best conversations I’ve had were unexpected; you never know what you’ll learn (or give) in the process. Thanks for watching.
You'll not regret it. My best days have been because of a spontaneous moment of humour and warmth with a stranger. In a supermarket queue, waiting to cross a road, in a car park. Sounds corny,.but just one smiling remark can spark a happy connection. In elevators, I sometimes ask as I push the button. "Where should we go? You choose." It's unexpected and more often than not raises a laugh but sometimes a person will get the game and join me in a brief to and fro about what adventure we would choose. The energy bounces happily around and we both leave the elevator with a smile ready to share with someone else. My Mom used to start conversations with anyone on the train. Embarrassed us as teenagers. Now I see what a gift she had to give.
This was so thought provoking... Being an introvert..I thought solitude is best... The movie brought out the feel of loneliness and desolation....so profoundly. This has changed my way of thinking... will cherish the few friends I have... I really appreciate that you have replied to each comment so much..in depth. Thanks for creating this film .
@@sivasundarisuresh6689 I’m glad you found it so (thought provoking); that’s all I could hope for. I’m doing my best to reply to everyone, am still a few behind, but seeing people’s reactions has been the best part of this. Yours is among the most gratifying. Thanks!
Everyone needs a friend to share their stories. Often times, people just need to be heard. This is a beautiful reminder to take noticed of people who might be in despair looking for a deep sense of conversation. Blessings!
Beautiful, deep, and real. Never doubt the power of a tiny act of kindness. Once upon a time, and this is a true story, the police found a note from someone who just committed suicide by jumping off the golden gate bridge. The note said: If you’re reading this, I’m no longer here. I made a deal with myself that if just one person smiled at me in my walk to the bridge, I wouldn’t jump. Of course, the most important thing is self-compassion, from that can spring compassion and kindness for all. Never forget: Each of us, no matter what our current age, is a little child carrying a very heavy backpack.
@@nicoleurdang4909 thank you for watching, and for your comments. I’ve heard that story, always breaks my heart. And I love your point about us all being little children struggling with very heavy backpacks. I couldn’t agree more.
Thank you so much for this beautiful story. I was yearning to take in something other than war and greed... here i found humane compassion and loyalty, expressed by three very engaged actors. What a gift. Again, my deepfelt thanks.
Lovely film, lovely music. Thank you! I'm older, a single gay man, almost everyone I loved gone, now, but their spirits don't die. Sometimes, they let me know they're here. I carry our connection everywhere, just as I carry classical music inside me. Yesterday, I was feeling good about a significant accomplishment in my garden, and it struck me that all my loves knew, and they're all thrilled that I'm still here, still at it, doing the rest of my time, being and becoming here. Someday, maybe once I finish whatever garden I'm really here to make, my time here will end, and I'll leave this bodily separation from them, and I'm smiling as I write. There is so much beauty.
@@BigSky000 aww this is a very sweet comment. I love the way you express your approach to life. Thank you kindly. (And special thanks for shouting out my music; when I started in film 35 years ago, I joked that I only made movies to score them, haha - but this is the first I’ve done completely by myself.)
@@ruthdavies2795 appreciated, Ruth. I’m glad you got that so clearly; that was my primary intent in making it. (And my paternal grandmother was named Ruth, I’ve always loved that name.)
This was a beautiful film. Being an older person myself, I can understand this happening...why everyone has to stay connected to others, however possible. Thank you. Very fine acting.
My very best friend died a couple of years ago four days after her 90th birthday. For years, we talked about everything. No one else had the breadth of knowledge that she had. I could bring up any topic and she could make a conversation out of it between the two of us. There is no one to replace her. I miss her every day. The same way I miss the best dog I ever had, every day I miss him still. Growing old can be really tough some times. It doesn’t matter if you exercise, the body still wears out. I have decided I need to start believing in reincarnation because I need to believe that there is something else still waiting out there for me.
@@libbyworkman3459 I’m sorry for your loss of her; may she RIP. Of the 4 friends I dedicated this to, 3 died by suicide in their 30s or early 40s, while the other was my on and off again creative partner since we were in high school - 40 years - who died of a series of strokes. I know he and one of the other guys would especially be proud of this film, and I felt them with me when making it all along the way.
My husband died in November, and his birthday is coming up this Sunday, the 18th. He was from Bangladesh, and I miss talking to him in my limited Bengali and hearing him laugh when I said the wrong word. We didn't also have kids, and I don't have much family. He really was my whole world. Since he died I have really isolated myself. I know my friends worry about me because I don't want to be around anyone. It's hard to be around other people when it's difficult to just keep living. So much of this resonated with me that it felt almost like it was made just for me. While watching, I decided to plan a trip and studying languages again, something I have always enjoyed. Thank you for making this. Just seeing it really did give me hope that maybe everything won't always feel this horrible.
@@racheeerach aww I am really glad you got that inspiration from the film! That’s a great reaction. I’m sorry for the loss of your husband; in a way, I did make it for you - an older friend in a very similar situation informed a big part of David’s backstory - so please keep enjoying it as your own.
What a beautiful story about your friend, Libby. The way you speak of her makes me wish I knew her too. But I do know others like her that need friends who will spend time with them. Thanks for encouraging us to do that as you have done, simply by sharing your story of her. I felt compelled to tell you of something better than reincarnation. It’s called resurrection: Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” She *said to Him, “Yes, Lord; I have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God, even He who comes into the world.” What you and we all hope for is to go on as you’ve indicated, and we find the way to that state of being in the person of Jesus who conquered this death we all hate so much by rising after he was crucified and very dead. Oh, I would encourage you to read the gospel of John and see him, the true creator of all, there in those pages. Thanks for your post.
Kyle! You did a great job - Naeem and I really enjoyed working with you and our whole UK crew - and I’m very glad you can be proud of the end result. Many thanks! We shall do it again. :D
Great you’re just the person I want to ask why did the young man hesitate in the end when he was going up to meet his friends friends? I really didn’t understand the ending. I was hoping to see the young man actually meet the young lady.
It kind of made me think we can be our own rescuers. I was in that position as a 29 year old woman, left alone with a baby. Dying seemed like the only solution - but what about my baby? Just couldn't do it. Said a prayer instead and was filled with an amazing golden love/peace. Never really looked back since then. I'm 67 now, still living alone, I made peace with my solitude and found all kinds of consolations in it. I have grandchildren now - so lovely so full of life. I think I was very, very lucky to get through those early years.
Brilliant film. Say hello with a smile to the people who you pass on the street or shops. 99%of the time you get a lovely response. Your hello and smile may be the only one the other person gets that day. It also brightens your day ❤❤
I came to this country 11 years ago. I was lonely but one day a beautiful lady gave me a beautiful smile in a thicket near my place and another day a small boy waiting the traffic light change holding Mum's hand smiled at me standing opposite him. Of course so many other people are giving me smile everyday. And these are my strength to go on.
Thank you - and I wish I could've met him, too! I have a handful of old LA friends who were part of the Ojai / Big Sur scenes and also saw him back in the day. His work was very impactful on me, and that quote has long been a favorite of mine. Glad to get it some more light. :D
What a beautiful and meaningful film. I miss so much cooking for and serving my husband. And I’m Better at it than ever now,,, only no one to serve. I bake deserts and take them To my neighbors. They say my deserts are first class. The compliments are nice. I just will never hope to have a companion again,,, but I do ask God that I not die alone. 😢
I understand completely. I too love to bake, and I don't have anyone at home to bake for, so I share with my gardener and a couple of neighbors. I feel so isolated, and I pray for a caring person to share the rest of my time with. My husband died 5 years ago, and my son lives out of state. At 65 it's not easy to find new friends, I've been trying. I would love to have a roommate or two to share good meals and laughs with. I never imagined I would end up totally alone. ✌🙏
@@julieye71 ah, very nice -I’m glad. I’m an American who met my wife Susie (Chinese) when I moved to Beijing in 2016, had been back and forth between there and Hollywood a lot previously. I’m especially a big fan of tea culture, which is why I used the nice pu’er tea cake and tea set as a special memory David had been saving for his intended last day on earth. (That tea is really good; I drank a lot of it with Kevin - “David” - the day we shot that scene, and have the rest back in Beijing. We drank it and ate some of that cake, which the crew finished after lunch when we were done with it on camera. The cake was great too!)
Learning languages brought me a lot of joy. I am not good at English but I want to improve little by little.The first word I want to learn while traveling outside of China is”Thank you” and last one is “Goodbye “The middle word should be “Why”. I don’t know why I watched your touching film last night by accident and had a chance to talk to you. Thank you again. I always “drink “coffee in U.S. and only when I visit my parents in Shanghai I have time to “taste” the tea without checking the schedule for working.
Just finished watching "The Unwinding." What a lovely sentiment. The older gentlemen would seem to be about my age (70). I, too, have no children, family or friends, really. I am a woman who lives in California. I have recently had thoughts like the ones the gentleman had. Life is hard. It only takes that one "connection" when you are feeling hopeless to make you feel alive again. Bravo!!! p.s. I have been wondering a lot lately, "What is the purpose of life anyway?" I don't know the answer to that question. Many people probably wonder that same thing. Take care of yourself.
This is a lovely, emotionally-stimulating, subtle film. As E. M. Forester said, "Only connect"! I am in awe of people whose love for their partners is so profound. I was left with many questions. What will happen when Lily leaves for school, for one thing . . .
Cellphones have taken so much from us. People have no time for others, particularly older people. No time to even say “Hello” let alone have a chat and bring joy to each other. The world is getting lonelier and sadder.
This is a work of art. Very well directed. The acting is impecable. The settings, the timing, the dialogues. The light and the music. I'm not a person who has truly enjoyed many movies recently, short or long. And I truly believed there was something wrong with me. I'm old enough to have seen classic directors, from Yasujiro Ozu, to all his disciples, Kurosawa and many others. Also Germans, French and Italians, from the time when cinema was truly an art form. It still is, but the access became more arduous! All this to say that I've seen enough to tell you that you are absolutely fabulous. May your career continues to grow and please, make more films!!! 👏👏👏
@@Songbirdoflove I just now saw this comment - I saw the one on my follow-up post earlier but missed this one - and all I can say is a grateful and humble THANK YOU. This is so kind. I’ve got a lot brewing in me, many more stories I want to tell - including making the feature film of this short - so I hope I can find the hours in the day, the years in my life, and the funding to do even a portion of them. I very much appreciate your comments.
What a poignant and touching short film. It makes the viewer discern about the ending or move him to see the film again. Its good I read all the comments and I understood how the story ended. Losing a loved one especially under unexpected circumstances is unimaginable. It is through our deep faith in the Almighty and the realization that we are only passers by in this earth that help us go through the grief and recovery process. Congratulations on an excellent short film and I look forward to the feature film!
¡Hermosa historia! La imaginación del viejito lo hace revivir. Es quizás el recuerdo de las cosas vividas lo que nos hace seguir adelante hasta que llega el momento del adiós final. Gracias por recordarnos que la vida es un regalo ❤
@@tinayou2530 thank you, Tina. My wife is Chinese, I’m American, I’ve lived in China a lot over the last 11 years; wanted to 1) make the wife (May) from a foreign culture to David, and 2) set the film in a culture other than my own. Glad you enjoyed it.
Wow, very pleased I watched this. Great story. Found the first five minutes very disturbing and graphic, but realistic. I was widowed 18 years ago at a young age, so was able to relate. Chris with an Aussie accent was intriguing to me being a Kiwi. Thank you. ❤
@@jenbell9823 thank you - I’m glad you enjoyed it, despite the harsh start. It’s a tricky line to walk when writing a movie description- you don’t want to give anything away, but you also feel the need to let people know that something gets pretty heavy so that they are a little bit ready for it. I’m sorry to hear how you personally relate to David, but it makes your review all the more meaningful to me. Oh and Charles - who played Chris - is a fascinating mix - his family background if I recall correctly is Irish, Chinese, and Aussie, he has three passports! Absolute gem of a human, too - all three lead actors are people you’d have a great time chatting with over a dinner.
Thank you. Very toushing movie. After the first 4 minutes I felt like I should go knock at his door, invite myself in and strike a friendship; he looks like a nice man , he won't through me out. Please no dementia. Just leave it be. Let them all live happily ever after.
@@sivaselvigunasekaran9499 thank you for watching - I’m glad you felt that way about wanting to befriend David. I shouldn’t give any spoilers about the feature script other than what I’ve written in other comments here already haha, but David is very happy and at peace with his life in the very last scene, and I think anyone who likes the short film will like the feature.
Very touching! All you need is one or two good people to care and who knows where that will lead, hopefully to a long friendship! ♥👩❤👨 Thanks Brendan for posting this, much appreciated!
4 years ago when my daughter past away bacuse of covid 19 Every night i hoped to die And dont see tomorrow.. But it didnt work my wish didnt come true.... Little by little i knew my loard and i undrestood that he has aim and he is kind.... My daughter went back her real home where is sorunded by love ❤❤❤ I missed her but we ll meet each other again as soon as posible.... Sorry i m not native English I have a lot of mistakes...❤❤❤ How Wonderful movie Thanks❤❤❤❤
@@Roghi-g1r I’m very sorry to hear about the loss of your daughter; may she rest in peace. And for your struggles. But I’m glad you’re still here, and I appreciate your comments about the film. Thank you for sharing this.
What a beautiful, deep and thought provoking film. Thank you. I found myself wanting him to have something to care for, a reason to leave his bed in the morning. I was imagining an older kitty to salve his loneliness all the while he was imagining his lost wife. I don't think anyone could ever ask for a more compassionate friend than he has in Chris. I'm so moved.
@@krisdiperna3929 thank you kindly. I have a friend in my life named Chris who I was definitely thinking of when I wrote the one in this film. We are lucky to have them.
Although I tend toward tragedies (Shakespeare) or tragi-comedies (Beckett), the surprise ending shocked me a bit, I guess because I wanted her to be real and not imaginary. This was nicely done, and what the character says along with the title are perfect. What it brought to mind, strangely enough, is when I was in high school (I'm American). We had a unit in English class where we had to write a storyboard for a short movie. I chose the same theme you did. There weren't a lot of movies around back them about this subject. Harry and Tonto, about a man and his cat, was the only one. I based my story off of my aunt who lived alone, and the story she told me about the man next door leaving the paper for her after he had read it, except I had her forming a slight romantic attachment to the man (in her mind and wishfully), but one day the paper is no longer there because he has died. (That was fiction. My aunt had no interest in the man in reality, and she didn't feel lonely or at least never told us she did.) We had a student teacher at the time, and she praised all the boys who had super-heroes leaping off of high buildings and flying around. She told me my story didn't have enough action, so she said it would not make a good, short movie. I'm glad you have, in a way, proven her wrong.
@@Jan96106 I like your story, too - I am likewise American, and was lucky to have a great English Lit teacher who introduced us to all sorts of dark and complex things, like A Cask Of Amontillado, and encouraged us to get into the psychology of both the characters and the writer, and he was an astute teacher who really dug deep and helped us to do so also. But having lived a long life since then, I realized how rare this experience was. I’m very glad you liked the film, and especially that the title theme resonated with you. This version of the story - a rewrite from its original version set in Los Angeles with younger male characters, first draft 2014 - was informed by recalling that quote at a time I was also interacting a lot with a senior friend struggling with her growing awareness of her dementia and losing her mental fastball. Around the same time period, yet another friend - younger than me - died by his own hand. All those inputs led to this output. (And the closing piece of music - I scored the rest of it as I edited - was a new recording of something I wrote in 1995, so this thing has roots that go WAY back.)
Hi Brendan. I hope you have your short movie promoted at Seniors Festivals around the world. I think David said it in a nutshell. Lily gave him purpose. That's why he became animated. People need people. I think it's a sad indictment on society that so many people feel lonely and disconnected. This is no longer an old person's disease. I hope at least your movie opens up meaningful discussion. Maybe you could start a "movement". Maybe your next project could be a reality TV show on elderly people being matched up with younger people as one option in the way forward. Shared hobbies, mentoring, conversation (remember that??) etc. Good luck. You have a BIG heart Brendan. Warm greetings from Australia 🦘
@@LoudandClearChastity thank you for watching and all the great thoughts / ideas. My feature script that this is the first act of is indeed something I’ll target carefully when I’m ready to find a distributor who it’d be suited for. We may do some seniors charities screenings of this, it’s been a discussion. I appreciate you engaging with it so deeply!
What a wonderful story. If we open our heart when the opportunity presents itself we learn to live again. I noticed the young man from the Chinese restaurant, he could be her brother who was concerned about her. ❤
beautifully made, you really captured that sense of endless emptiness that lands in your life around after the death of a beloved. Very well acted too, Brava!
Thank you for watching. All credit to Bucky Fuller for that great description, and to my friend Rook Overman for introducing it to me so many years ago. The metaphorical concept of unwinding vis a vis old age / coming undone as depicted here is mine, but it's implied in so many of Fuller's other works that I can't take full credit for that either.
Very moving. Living doesn't mean only existing. Especially in old age with just memories alone. Living is to live every moment, loving ppl around you. No matter what your age is.
I haven‘t read all the comments - has anybody except me noticed that the Chinese girl doesn‘t seem to be real? When Chris arrives he sees the delivery guy from the Chinese restaurant leave David‘s house. An he sees his old friend through the window, talking lively with nobody in front of him. Maybe he invented the girl as a way to survive?
@@chris2110ms yes, that’s exactly right - you got it all. I’ve replied to a lot of previous comments in more detail, but…you got it. Thank you for watching!
That was the greatest part of the movie. I understand the sentiments most share about the movie, but that was the crucial part. And the fact he had some old unopened Pu-Erh ;-)
@@BrendanKDavis omg. i was completely confused and didn't understand. Now thanks to Chris2110ms I understand. This is hard hitting. When I was in my 30s I was so infatuated with someone, that I had audial hallucinations. For instance when I was asleep, I would wake up suddenly, thinking I heard the phone ringing, that he had been calling me on the phone and I just missed the last ring. Over and over this happened. But I had not missed the call, rather the truth was there was no call, my love was unrequited. It was a fabrication, a wish fulfillment, and emerging from the subconscious, because this would happen when I was asleep and woke up abruptly. From longing. Or maybe listening to music with headphones, or deep in thought about him. And I couldn't tell whether I was making up the sound or actually missed his call. Very scary at the time not to be able to tell reality from fantasy. But it justified trying to call him 'back'. Loneliness and longing have physiological sources and effects. Hormones drove it. Happily, old age and I get along very well, I protect my solitude now, very cautiously. But I appreciate that solitude is not for everyone, in fact a taste acquired very early in life and at great cost.
A good friend of mine once said, you need to have friends who is 30+ years older than you and 30+ years younger. You can learn a lot of life's lessons from them.
Watching from the Philippines. I lost my husband 4 years ago. We're blessed with 5 kids. I still miss my husband to this day though. My confidante and my 'partner-in-crime'.
Very nice little film and so nice that the young lady was able to make the difference between life and death… i feel like I have no purpose in life yest a have a good family and kids and grandkids and a wife.. so what is there to be unhappy about… good question. Yet I do …. I am so depressed …. Been like this for many many years, decades even. Y whole life really underlying, not so apparent un my younger years but as I approach 60, so many questions so many uncertainties, even life doesn’t seem real anymore.. like it’s all some great big Truman show…it’s painful
@@buffplums if there’s anything I’ve learned from my own life and those of friends, it’s that depression isn’t always very logical. Of the friends I dedicated the film to, 3 of whom left us by their own hand, one was a Grammy-award winning musician who played with the biggest names in the world; another had advanced degrees from several universities including Harvard and a professional pedigree of accomplishment that wouldn’t seem real if you wrote it for a character in a story…but depression got them. I hope you can find that spark of light whenever you most need it, for yourself and all those who love you.
@@BrendanKDavis I am so sorry for your losses. My deepest condolences. I too lost a brother to his own hand, may his memory be for a blessing, and it is sorrowful and challenging. Recently I lost a dear friend (natural causes) and he was older and I know lived a long life, still the loss is so hard and disorienting. Thank you for your film that reminds me /us of human connection and the power of connection / care/ love and healing. Peace and goodness to you and everyone. Wishing you the best I your career as well.
@@HookBeak_66yes that was the goal - he invented a reason for himself to keep on waking up every day, something to look forward to. Thanks for watching. ❤
@@BrendanKDavis I can’t praise this film highly enough. Everything is beautifully done. As an actor I was of course blown away by the performances - nuance perfect. Uplifting. Will highly recommend it to all!! Well done!!
@@duncanhamilton1311 Thanks Duncan! This one came together really nicely - my first Zoom read through with the cast blew my mind. There were several good Davids but Kevin was head and shoulders above the rest. Charles was hired from his first read - no callback. And Izyan had the part from her audition too; getting Lily right was so key and she just GOT it, immediately.
Today I showed The Unwinding to a group of acting students at uni in Japan, as an example of how to make a film - direction, cinematography, acting, script etc etc. Needless to say, they were completely blown away. This work is timeless and works brilliantly across cultures. Bravo!!
@@duncanhamilton1311 ah, that makes me very happy to hear - thank you, Duncan! The former film professor in me is extra pleased to hear that your students appreciated it, and that it translates well for them even with the cultural divide. I'm currently editing the teaser for a drastically different follow-up project - more on that by month's end, if I hit my self-imposed deadline - and comments like yours are rocket fuel for my efforts! Cheers.
Wonderfil gentle film. Man was lucky to have a friend phoning to ask how he was. Then lucky to have Chinese girl delivering take-away. Life is not like that. I know lots of people and am friend but no of ever phones to ask how I am.
Bravo. What a fabulous story. It doesn't take a whole lot to make a person feel more whole; to have purpose; to have friendship. Just a spark is enough.
@@loverlyme what a beautiful review. Thank you kindly.
@@BrendanKDavis It's a beautiful story that you brought to our thresholds. I hope a lot more people get channeled to it by YT.
Poignant.
@@loverlyme thank you, me too - I think the algorithm has been helping me a lot. Of all these nice comments here, none are from people I know personally (as far as I can tell from usernames) and I don’t have a big social media presence to build it. I’m super grateful that the video is being suggested to people who’ll really like it! Please share with anyone you also think would resonate with it.
Same goes the way around... Wish people would get that...
Wonderful. My oldest friend was born in 1919. He passed away at the age of 101. He was 44 years older than me. In the last 10 years of his life, I and many of the other "youngsters" who he had mentored, made it our business to call and visit with him. His attitude improved noticeably and he laughed and told stories right up till the end.
He told me every time I called that I and the others were keeping him young and how much he appreciated it. Rest in Peace, Captain Jack.
@@pugsymalone6539 sounds like I’d have liked Captain Jack. Thanks for this. :)
I am so sorry for your loss. I recently lost a friend and it is so hard. May Captain Jack rest in peace.
@@Jade-ms2ys Thank you, Jade.
I especially love the devotion of the friend. He remembers the anniversary, constantly checks in, and we he sees that Lily is part of his friends failing mind, he composes himself and proceeds to the apartment. May we all be so lucky to have a friend like that!
@@amberplattner8317 thanks for this - and agreed!
Oh, she wasn't real ¿
Incredible cinematography and superb acting. As part of the unwinding generation I can tell you that a smile from a stranger at the grocery store can brighten even the darkest day. Let’s all observe and serve. ❤
@@m.harris2429 on behalf of my colleagues who did the mentioned jobs, thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed / appreciated their work and the film.
I always smiled until one year a lady who previously dropped an item in the grocery store and I picked it up for her scolded me later after we met again outside in front the bakery saying loud “What are smiling about?” And my whole being was like 😮. Ever since I tried not to no more thinking others may take it differently and I was right when a bunch of loud adorable kids blocked my way in an isle and the guardian looked at me wondering why I stopped there “smiling” gesturing what I wanted and instead of telling her the kids were in my way and I was afraid to hurt any brushing against them with my trolley I said “God bless them.” and she looked away as if was disgusted by me. 🤷🏻♀️ I no longer smile now only when I meet someone I know. People are hurtful.
@@hana.the.writer5074 I’m sorry those crappy people have soured you on being yourself; you seem like a good soul to have that motivation to smile to a stranger…I appreciate you watching my film all the same.
‘Observe and serve ‘ ; beautifully said!!! 🤍💛 🔨 💛
I lost my husband to cancer nearly 3 years ago and the beginning of this movie brought me to tears. It is hard to go out especially as my other half was more the conversationalist. Excellent short film on the importance of people looking out for one another. Thanks
@@mariabarnard1546 I’m sorry for your loss; that sense of being incomplete without the other is what I had in mind for David from the beginning, as I’ve had an extended family member in a very similar situation as him. I appreciate your comments, and am glad it resonated with you.
My husband died 8 months ago, and every night, even though I know he's not there beside me in bed, I look over at his pillow and reach out to his side, just like the main character did in this film when he went to bed. Thank you for creating such a sensitive and respectful film about grief.
@@nancyn347 my condolences for the loss of your husband. Regarding that moment - I think Kevin played it beautifully; I’m very glad it resonated (as tough as it may be). I appreciate your comments.
After my husband divorced me 26 years ago,, I still slept with my arm over his pillow for years. This was THE BED, that we prayed together in every night all through our marriage. I understand grief. It is a scar on your heart that never heals. I’m so sorry for your loss. 😢😢
@@stephaniepiazzese2602 thank you.
You made me go back and check to see him do that in the bed😊..
@@marylogan6711 Nice! Related note - I’ve been waiting for someone to comment on the reversible duvet being flipped over from the dark side to the flower side when he wakes up the morning after meeting Lily and finding his new lease on life, but maybe it’s working on a subliminal level. ;)
This is absolutely brilliant and incredibly moving. Being older, married with no kids and living thousands of miles away from family, I could see myself in this position ultimately. Friendships are one of the most important things we can have in life.
@@jeremypearson6852 thank you, Jeremy; very kind words. I’ve had an unusual life myself, living abroad for over a decade, so the sense of isolation was one thing I know very well. Glad you responded to it this way; agreed re friendships being even more important to maintain as we grow older / more self-removed from society. I appreciate your comments greatly.
What life takes away, the mind gives back.
A precious work of delicate, refined, touching beauty. Thanks
Thank you for watching and your sweet comments. :)
It was very sad to see my mom with Alzheimer's. But sometimes forgetting all about is a blessing.
I don’t know how I was lucky enough to have this beautiful movie show up on my UA-cam home page. I never would have found it otherwise. While watching, I noticed that my breathing was finally regulated and my pulses of adrenaline had stopped. This movie is much more than a story being told.
@@IM-jq8hp this is one of the best comments I could’ve received. Thanks for telling me that. The editing / pacing and scoring were all intended to create a specific effect; it seems you recognized and felt it. I’m very happy it resonated with you.
@@BrendanKDavis Well, you certainly succeeded. Beautiful work. Bravo!
Next time I see an older person looking lonely I will strike up a conversation...I may look stupid for forward but just the same. Thank you for the lovely story
@@LauraFRAN17047 thank you as well. Some of the best conversations I’ve had were unexpected; you never know what you’ll learn (or give) in the process. Thanks for watching.
A simple "good morning" or "good evening", might slightly lift a person's mood. Even if they don't reply, it may have made a tiny difference.
John Prine wrote a song a fewsome decades back, "Hello In There." Give the lyrics a read or listen to the tune.
@@artcflowers I will! He’s great. I wonder if I’ve ever heard that one…
You'll not regret it. My best days have been because of a spontaneous moment of humour and warmth with a stranger. In a supermarket queue, waiting to cross a road, in a car park.
Sounds corny,.but just one smiling remark can spark a happy connection. In elevators, I sometimes ask as I push the button. "Where should we go? You choose."
It's unexpected and more often than not raises a laugh but sometimes a person will get the game and join me in a brief to and fro about what adventure we would choose.
The energy bounces happily around and we both leave the elevator with a smile ready to share with someone else.
My Mom used to start conversations with anyone on the train. Embarrassed us as teenagers. Now I see what a gift she had to give.
This was so thought provoking...
Being an introvert..I thought solitude is best...
The movie brought out the feel of loneliness and desolation....so profoundly.
This has changed my way of thinking... will cherish the few friends I have...
I really appreciate that you have replied to each comment so much..in depth.
Thanks for creating this film .
@@sivasundarisuresh6689 I’m glad you found it so (thought provoking); that’s all I could hope for. I’m doing my best to reply to everyone, am still a few behind, but seeing people’s reactions has been the best part of this. Yours is among the most gratifying. Thanks!
Beautiful film. Thank-you for the simple and gentle way of telling a story. These messages often get lost in this fast and furious world we live in.
@@dorisemone6778 thank you for watching; it was my goal to make something that breathed with the characters, I’m very glad you enjoyed it.
Everyone needs a friend to share their stories. Often times, people just need to be heard. This is a beautiful reminder to take noticed of people who might be in despair looking for a deep sense of conversation. Blessings!
Beautiful, deep, and real.
Never doubt the power of a tiny act of kindness.
Once upon a time, and this is a true story, the police found a note from someone who just committed suicide by jumping off the golden gate bridge. The note said: If you’re reading this, I’m no longer here. I made a deal with myself that if just one person smiled at me in my walk to the bridge, I wouldn’t jump.
Of course, the most important thing is self-compassion, from that can spring compassion and kindness for all.
Never forget: Each of us, no matter what our current age, is a little child carrying a very heavy backpack.
@@nicoleurdang4909 thank you for watching, and for your comments. I’ve heard that story, always breaks my heart. And I love your point about us all being little children struggling with very heavy backpacks. I couldn’t agree more.
Thank you so much for this beautiful story. I was yearning to take in something other than war and greed... here i found humane compassion and loyalty, expressed by three very engaged actors. What a gift. Again, my deepfelt thanks.
@@hexxan007 what a nice compliment - thank you; I’ll pass along the love to everyone. :)
It isn't just age that makes people feel without purpose.....it's our entire system for all people.....most struggle in silence....
🙋🏻♀️ ….. 🤔💛 so there are more people who notice this ..
Thank you for sharing!!
🤍👐🏼
Lovely film, lovely music. Thank you! I'm older, a single gay man, almost everyone I loved gone, now, but their spirits don't die. Sometimes, they let me know they're here. I carry our connection everywhere, just as I carry classical music inside me. Yesterday, I was feeling good about a significant accomplishment in my garden, and it struck me that all my loves knew, and they're all thrilled that I'm still here, still at it, doing the rest of my time, being and becoming here. Someday, maybe once I finish whatever garden I'm really here to make, my time here will end, and I'll leave this bodily separation from them, and I'm smiling as I write. There is so much beauty.
@@BigSky000 aww this is a very sweet comment. I love the way you express your approach to life. Thank you kindly. (And special thanks for shouting out my music; when I started in film 35 years ago, I joked that I only made movies to score them, haha - but this is the first I’ve done completely by myself.)
@@BrendanKDavis 🌞
I know exactly what you’re talking about. I can’t express it any better than what you have said, but I have experienced it
@@TrustMe55 The beauty ...
Bless you, dear one.
Absolutely wonderful short film with a heartwarming and oh so true message. Give someone something to live for and life opens up.
@@ruthdavies2795 appreciated, Ruth. I’m glad you got that so clearly; that was my primary intent in making it. (And my paternal grandmother was named Ruth, I’ve always loved that name.)
This was a beautiful film. Being an older person myself, I can understand this happening...why everyone has to stay connected to others, however possible. Thank you. Very fine acting.
@@jeankroeber2481 thank you, Jean.
My very best friend died a couple of years ago four days after her 90th birthday. For years, we talked about everything. No one else had the breadth of knowledge that she had. I could bring up any topic and she could make a conversation out of it between the two of us. There is no one to replace her. I miss her every day. The same way I miss the best dog I ever had, every day I miss him still. Growing old can be really tough some times. It doesn’t matter if you exercise, the body still wears out. I have decided I need to start believing in reincarnation because I need to believe that there is something else still waiting out there for me.
@@libbyworkman3459 I’m sorry for your loss of her; may she RIP. Of the 4 friends I dedicated this to, 3 died by suicide in their 30s or early 40s, while the other was my on and off again creative partner since we were in high school - 40 years - who died of a series of strokes. I know he and one of the other guys would especially be proud of this film, and I felt them with me when making it all along the way.
My husband died in November, and his birthday is coming up this Sunday, the 18th. He was from Bangladesh, and I miss talking to him in my limited Bengali and hearing him laugh when I said the wrong word. We didn't also have kids, and I don't have much family. He really was my whole world. Since he died I have really isolated myself. I know my friends worry about me because I don't want to be around anyone. It's hard to be around other people when it's difficult to just keep living.
So much of this resonated with me that it felt almost like it was made just for me. While watching, I decided to plan a trip and studying languages again, something I have always enjoyed.
Thank you for making this. Just seeing it really did give me hope that maybe everything won't always feel this horrible.
@@racheeerach aww I am really glad you got that inspiration from the film! That’s a great reaction. I’m sorry for the loss of your husband; in a way, I did make it for you - an older friend in a very similar situation informed a big part of David’s backstory - so please keep enjoying it as your own.
@@racheeerach and the fact that the 18th also has resonance for you is a heck of a coincidence.
What a beautiful story about your friend, Libby. The way you speak of her makes me wish I knew her too. But I do know others like her that need friends who will spend time with them. Thanks for encouraging us to do that as you have done, simply by sharing your story of her. I felt compelled to tell you of something better than reincarnation. It’s called resurrection: Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” She *said to Him, “Yes, Lord; I have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God, even He who comes into the world.” What you and we all hope for is to go on as you’ve indicated, and we find the way to that state of being in the person of Jesus who conquered this death we all hate so much by rising after he was crucified and very dead. Oh, I would encourage you to read the gospel of John and see him, the true creator of all, there in those pages. Thanks for your post.
Hi Brendan, Kyle here. It was an honour to be the gaffer for this project, and what a touching and emotional story! I'm glad to be working with you.
Kyle! You did a great job - Naeem and I really enjoyed working with you and our whole UK crew - and I’m very glad you can be proud of the end result. Many thanks! We shall do it again. :D
Great you’re just the person I want to ask why did the young man hesitate in the end when he was going up to meet his friends friends? I really didn’t understand the ending. I was hoping to see the young man actually meet the young lady.
It kind of made me think we can be our own rescuers. I was in that position as a 29 year old woman, left alone with a baby. Dying seemed like the only solution - but what about my baby? Just couldn't do it. Said a prayer instead and was filled with an amazing golden love/peace. Never really looked back since then. I'm 67 now, still living alone, I made peace with my solitude and found all kinds of consolations in it. I have grandchildren now - so lovely so full of life. I think I was very, very lucky to get through those early years.
@@ReltubTheWiz re being your own rescuer - it’s certainly possible, as you proved. Very glad for your example.
You chose to live from the heart, and it was love that kept and keeps you going 💖👋👩🌾
Deep. Rich. Moving. Brilliantly acted and executed This deserves an award. I can't wait to see your next production.
@@geralynpinto5971 wow - thanks! I’m going to screenshot this and send to my Mom. :)
Beautiful in its simplicity. Thank you again to all the fantastic film makers and story makers.
Thanks for watching - I’m passing on the love to cast and crew as well!
Brilliant film. Say hello with a smile to the people who you pass on the street or shops. 99%of the time you get a lovely response. Your hello and smile may be the only one the other person gets that day. It also brightens your day ❤❤
I came to this country 11 years ago. I was lonely but one day a beautiful lady gave me a beautiful smile in a thicket near my place and another day a small boy waiting the traffic light change holding Mum's hand smiled at me standing opposite him. Of course so many other people are giving me smile everyday.
And these are my strength to go on.
What an amazing thing to see on this day, the fourth anniversary of my beloved wife’s death. Beautiful and heartfelt. Thank you.
@@edfjvc0k May her memory be a blessing - thank you as well.
The acting was fluid. Effortlessly intense. 👏🏾
What a lovely short film. I chuckled about the Buckminster Fuller story as I met him in the late sixties. He was delightful and witty.
Thank you - and I wish I could've met him, too! I have a handful of old LA friends who were part of the Ojai / Big Sur scenes and also saw him back in the day. His work was very impactful on me, and that quote has long been a favorite of mine. Glad to get it some more light. :D
When I saw him rinse the dirt off the instant coffee…a spark
@@paulinemulligan yay! That was a key shot for me for that exact reason. Glad you caught the meaning of that right away.
What a beautiful and meaningful film. I miss so much cooking for and serving my husband. And I’m
Better at it than ever now,,, only no one to serve. I bake deserts and take them
To my neighbors. They say my deserts are first class. The compliments are nice. I just will never hope to have a companion again,,, but I do ask God that I not die alone. 😢
@@stephaniepiazzese2602 sending you a virtual hug from here, Stephanie.
I understand completely. I too love to bake, and I don't have anyone at home to bake for, so I share with my gardener and a couple of neighbors. I feel so isolated, and I pray for a caring person to share the rest of my time with. My husband died 5 years ago, and my son lives out of state. At 65 it's not easy to find new friends, I've been trying. I would love to have a roommate or two to share good meals and laughs with. I never imagined I would end up totally alone. ✌🙏
As a Chinese lived in the U. S. I comprehended the word "unwinding" better by watching your film. Thank you.
@@julieye71 ah, very nice -I’m glad. I’m an American who met my wife Susie (Chinese) when I moved to Beijing in 2016, had been back and forth between there and Hollywood a lot previously. I’m especially a big fan of tea culture, which is why I used the nice pu’er tea cake and tea set as a special memory David had been saving for his intended last day on earth. (That tea is really good; I drank a lot of it with Kevin - “David” - the day we shot that scene, and have the rest back in Beijing. We drank it and ate some of that cake, which the crew finished after lunch when we were done with it on camera. The cake was great too!)
Learning languages brought me a lot of joy. I am not good at English but I want to improve little by little.The first word I want to learn while traveling outside of China is”Thank you” and last one is “Goodbye “The middle word should be “Why”. I don’t know why I watched your touching film last night by accident and had a chance to talk to you. Thank you again. I always “drink “coffee in U.S. and only when I visit my parents in Shanghai I have time to “taste” the tea without checking the schedule for working.
Just finished watching "The Unwinding." What a lovely sentiment. The older gentlemen would seem to be about my age (70). I, too, have no children, family or friends, really. I am a woman who lives in California. I have recently had thoughts like the ones the gentleman had. Life is hard. It only takes that one "connection" when you are feeling hopeless to make you feel alive again.
Bravo!!!
p.s. I have been wondering a lot lately, "What is the purpose of life anyway?" I don't know the answer to that question. Many people probably wonder that same thing.
Take care of yourself.
@@giagia-qg7dr I really appreciate your comments and vulnerability- and that the film helped you find a sense of not being alone. Thank you.
Really enjoyed this, thank you for uploading. Sometimes we do need that time to unwind and reflect
Blessings
What a beautiful heartwarming story. Thank you. I understand how he felt.
Thank you for watching; appreciated.
Thank you. a lovely story that makes you remember how surprising our strange and wonderful lives can be.
@@Shirley-v9c I love your comment; thanks for this and for watching.
This is a lovely, emotionally-stimulating, subtle film. As E. M. Forester said, "Only connect"! I am in awe of people whose love for their partners is so profound. I was left with many questions. What will happen when Lily leaves for school, for one thing . . .
Cellphones have taken so much from us. People have no time for others, particularly older people. No time to even say “Hello” let alone have a chat and bring joy to each other. The world is getting lonelier and sadder.
It’s so lovely that it’s a young person that helps him overcome his loss and grief.
Well done ! Film of extreme beauty and with a delicate treatment.
This is a work of art. Very well directed. The acting is impecable. The settings, the timing, the dialogues. The light and the music. I'm not a person who has truly enjoyed many movies recently, short or long. And I truly believed there was something wrong with me. I'm old enough to have seen classic directors, from Yasujiro Ozu, to all his disciples, Kurosawa and many others. Also Germans, French and Italians, from the time when cinema was truly an art form. It still is, but the access became more arduous! All this to say that I've seen enough to tell you that you are absolutely fabulous. May your career continues to grow and please, make more films!!! 👏👏👏
@@Songbirdoflove I just now saw this comment - I saw the one on my follow-up post earlier but missed this one - and all I can say is a grateful and humble THANK YOU. This is so kind. I’ve got a lot brewing in me, many more stories I want to tell - including making the feature film of this short - so I hope I can find the hours in the day, the years in my life, and the funding to do even a portion of them. I very much appreciate your comments.
What a poignant and touching short film. It makes the viewer discern about the ending or move him to see the film again. Its good I read all the comments and I understood how the story ended.
Losing a loved one especially under unexpected circumstances is unimaginable. It is through our deep faith in the Almighty and the realization that we are only passers by in this earth that help us go through the grief and recovery process.
Congratulations on an excellent short film and I look forward to the feature film!
@@ruthbelleza1966 thank you very much for your thoughtful, kind comment. It makes me smile to read such feedback; much appreciated.
¡Hermosa historia! La imaginación del viejito lo hace revivir. Es quizás el recuerdo de las cosas vividas lo que nos hace seguir adelante hasta que llega el momento del adiós final. Gracias por recordarnos que la vida es un regalo ❤
@@elizabetta6208 ¡Muchas gracias por tus maravillosos comentarios! Te lo agradezco mucho.
Ooh, there is an Aussie accent in this movie! Great movie. Thank you and warm greetings from Australia 🦘
Thanks for watching!
My husband is English. I am Chinese. So wonderful film. Thank you.
@@tinayou2530 thank you, Tina. My wife is Chinese, I’m American, I’ve lived in China a lot over the last 11 years; wanted to 1) make the wife (May) from a foreign culture to David, and 2) set the film in a culture other than my own. Glad you enjoyed it.
Beautiful,touching story & so well acted. Thanks for sharing!❤
@@kiwipommiegirl much appreciated!
Thank you so much ❤ So moving made me cry. Wonderful story, full of hope for those who tend to lose it. I’ve subscribed immediately!
What a sweet story. Thank you! ❤
@@infernafirestein thanks! Very happy you enjoyed it.
Brilliant. Thank you Brendan Davis.
@@cathybassett6432 thanks for watching!
Wow, very pleased I watched this. Great story. Found the first five minutes very disturbing and graphic, but realistic. I was widowed 18 years ago at a young age, so was able to relate. Chris with an Aussie accent was intriguing to me being a Kiwi. Thank you. ❤
@@jenbell9823 thank you - I’m glad you enjoyed it, despite the harsh start. It’s a tricky line to walk when writing a movie description- you don’t want to give anything away, but you also feel the need to let people know that something gets pretty heavy so that they are a little bit ready for it. I’m sorry to hear how you personally relate to David, but it makes your review all the more meaningful to me. Oh and Charles - who played Chris - is a fascinating mix - his family background if I recall correctly is Irish, Chinese, and Aussie, he has three passports! Absolute gem of a human, too - all three lead actors are people you’d have a great time chatting with over a dinner.
Beautifully written and performed. Well done. And thank you.
Thank you. Very toushing movie. After the first 4 minutes I felt like I should go knock at his door, invite myself in and strike a friendship; he looks like a nice man , he won't through me out.
Please no dementia. Just leave it be. Let them all live happily ever after.
@@sivaselvigunasekaran9499 thank you for watching - I’m glad you felt that way about wanting to befriend David. I shouldn’t give any spoilers about the feature script other than what I’ve written in other comments here already haha, but David is very happy and at peace with his life in the very last scene, and I think anyone who likes the short film will like the feature.
Very touching! All you need is one or two good people to care and who knows where that will lead, hopefully to a long friendship! ♥👩❤👨 Thanks Brendan for posting this, much appreciated!
4 years ago when my daughter past away bacuse of covid 19
Every night i hoped to die
And dont see tomorrow..
But it didnt work my wish didnt come true....
Little by little i knew my loard and i undrestood that he has aim and he is kind....
My daughter went back her real home where is sorunded by love ❤❤❤
I missed her but we ll meet each other again as soon as posible....
Sorry i m not native English
I have a lot of mistakes...❤❤❤
How Wonderful movie
Thanks❤❤❤❤
@@Roghi-g1r I’m very sorry to hear about the loss of your daughter; may she rest in peace. And for your struggles. But I’m glad you’re still here, and I appreciate your comments about the film. Thank you for sharing this.
What a beautiful, deep and thought provoking film. Thank you. I found myself wanting him to have something to care for, a reason to leave his bed in the morning. I was imagining an older kitty to salve his loneliness all the while he was imagining his lost wife. I don't think anyone could ever ask for a more compassionate friend than he has in Chris. I'm so moved.
@@krisdiperna3929 thank you kindly. I have a friend in my life named Chris who I was definitely thinking of when I wrote the one in this film. We are lucky to have them.
Although I tend toward tragedies (Shakespeare) or tragi-comedies (Beckett), the surprise ending shocked me a bit, I guess because I wanted her to be real and not imaginary. This was nicely done, and what the character says along with the title are perfect. What it brought to mind, strangely enough, is when I was in high school (I'm American). We had a unit in English class where we had to write a storyboard for a short movie. I chose the same theme you did. There weren't a lot of movies around back them about this subject. Harry and Tonto, about a man and his cat, was the only one. I based my story off of my aunt who lived alone, and the story she told me about the man next door leaving the paper for her after he had read it, except I had her forming a slight romantic attachment to the man (in her mind and wishfully), but one day the paper is no longer there because he has died. (That was fiction. My aunt had no interest in the man in reality, and she didn't feel lonely or at least never told us she did.) We had a student teacher at the time, and she praised all the boys who had super-heroes leaping off of high buildings and flying around. She told me my story didn't have enough action, so she said it would not make a good, short movie. I'm glad you have, in a way, proven her wrong.
@@Jan96106 I like your story, too - I am likewise American, and was lucky to have a great English Lit teacher who introduced us to all sorts of dark and complex things, like A Cask Of Amontillado, and encouraged us to get into the psychology of both the characters and the writer, and he was an astute teacher who really dug deep and helped us to do so also. But having lived a long life since then, I realized how rare this experience was. I’m very glad you liked the film, and especially that the title theme resonated with you. This version of the story - a rewrite from its original version set in Los Angeles with younger male characters, first draft 2014 - was informed by recalling that quote at a time I was also interacting a lot with a senior friend struggling with her growing awareness of her dementia and losing her mental fastball. Around the same time period, yet another friend - younger than me - died by his own hand. All those inputs led to this output. (And the closing piece of music - I scored the rest of it as I edited - was a new recording of something I wrote in 1995, so this thing has roots that go WAY back.)
@@Jan96106 (my mother wanted to name me Beckett, but my dad won with the ode to Brendan Behan.)
@@BrendanKDavis Interesting!
Hi Brendan. I hope you have your short movie promoted at Seniors Festivals around the world. I think David said it in a nutshell. Lily gave him purpose. That's why he became animated. People need people. I think it's a sad indictment on society that so many people feel lonely and disconnected. This is no longer an old person's disease. I hope at least your movie opens up meaningful discussion. Maybe you could start a "movement". Maybe your next project could be a reality TV show on elderly people being matched up with younger people as one option in the way forward. Shared hobbies, mentoring, conversation (remember that??) etc. Good luck. You have a BIG heart Brendan. Warm greetings from Australia 🦘
@@LoudandClearChastity thank you for watching and all the great thoughts / ideas. My feature script that this is the first act of is indeed something I’ll target carefully when I’m ready to find a distributor who it’d be suited for. We may do some seniors charities screenings of this, it’s been a discussion. I appreciate you engaging with it so deeply!
What a wonderful story. If we open our heart when the opportunity presents itself we learn to live again.
I noticed the young man from the Chinese restaurant, he could be her brother who was concerned about her. ❤
@@susanstancliff2937 thank you - the delivery guy in the end is producer Roger King making a cameo appearance. :)
But apparently she doesn't actually exist - so you had a similar experience to me! See the comment below from a German who did understand. 😊
How very beautiful. Yes i too have filled in the gaps that loss makes for a happier and kinder ending. You do lovely and kind work, thankyou Brendan
Thank you for this - I’m glad you enjoyed it.
What is sweet video. The message behind this is so impactful. And so heartwarming. Thank you so much for this.❤❤
I’m very glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for watching.
beautifully made, you really captured that sense of endless emptiness that lands in your life around after the death of a beloved. Very well acted too, Brava!
@@diBundy thank you! We did our best.
I enjoyed this film alot! Please make a Part 2!!!!!!
@@dawnmarazzi538 thank you! I’m working on it. Fingers crossed!!
A story of friendship. A breath of fresh air. Thank you 🙏.
Beautiful and touching ✨🙏❤️🌿
Wow. This film is really well done. Great job to the entire crew. I was so moved. Thank you.
@@DManOnFire thank you for watching - I’m passing along all the kudos to cast and crew too.
Very poetic. Even if you have kids, they don't check up on you.
👏🏿 👏🏿 👏🏿 heartwarming story..Thank you
@@ATLIEN333 I’m glad it resonated with you - thanks for watching.
What a beautiful story. Thank you from Australia.
@@TundeSiska thank you for watching! :)
Odličan film i sjajna poruka i pouka😎.
Puno sreće u daljem radu.
Živi i zdravi budite✋🍀
Thank you very much! I really appreciate your nice comment and you watching. :)
A truly beautiful story.
Thank you very much for your beautiful movie. The philosophical description of fire is striking.
Thank you for watching. All credit to Bucky Fuller for that great description, and to my friend Rook Overman for introducing it to me so many years ago. The metaphorical concept of unwinding vis a vis old age / coming undone as depicted here is mine, but it's implied in so many of Fuller's other works that I can't take full credit for that either.
Raw !!Lovely !!Life can be difficult for many of us ,but we’ve got to push n believe !!❤
@@dannynikos1102 thanks! And agreed. :)
beautifully taken. Waiting for the feature film Mr. Davis. best of Luck.
@@savithakrishnan3435 ah, much appreciated! With any luck, we’ll be able to make the feature next year, fingers crossed!
Very moving. Living doesn't mean only existing. Especially in old age with just memories alone. Living is to live every moment, loving ppl around you. No matter what your age is.
@@doladutta-roy8937 very nicely put. Thank you for watching.
So touched and moved by this superb film....❤❤❤❤❤❤
@@panagiotaapostolou3955 thank you :D
I haven‘t read all the comments - has anybody except me noticed that the Chinese girl doesn‘t seem to be real? When Chris arrives he sees the delivery guy from the Chinese restaurant leave David‘s house. An he sees his old friend through the window, talking lively with nobody in front of him. Maybe he invented the girl as a way to survive?
@@chris2110ms yes, that’s exactly right - you got it all. I’ve replied to a lot of previous comments in more detail, but…you got it. Thank you for watching!
That was the greatest part of the movie. I understand the sentiments most share about the movie, but that was the crucial part. And the fact he had some old unopened Pu-Erh ;-)
@@BrendanKDavis omg. i was completely confused and didn't understand. Now thanks to Chris2110ms I understand. This is hard hitting. When I was in my 30s I was so infatuated with someone, that I had audial hallucinations. For instance when I was asleep, I would wake up suddenly, thinking I heard the phone ringing, that he had been calling me on the phone and I just missed the last ring. Over and over this happened. But I had not missed the call, rather the truth was there was no call, my love was unrequited. It was a fabrication, a wish fulfillment, and emerging from the subconscious, because this would happen when I was asleep and woke up abruptly. From longing. Or maybe listening to music with headphones, or deep in thought about him. And I couldn't tell whether I was making up the sound or actually missed his call. Very scary at the time not to be able to tell reality from fantasy. But it justified trying to call him 'back'. Loneliness and longing have physiological sources and effects. Hormones drove it. Happily, old age and I get along very well, I protect my solitude now, very cautiously. But I appreciate that solitude is not for everyone, in fact a taste acquired very early in life and at great cost.
Yes - was The Unwinding about an old guy losing his mind ? Just imagining there was a young Chinese girl who would spend time with him ?? Sad story.
This is just gorgeous!
Absolutely brilliant.
What a touching film. 🥹🥹 I did not expect to be so moved. Bravo to all involved.👏
@@rockon2503 thank you very much - I’m glad you enjoyed it. :)
Beautiful! Beautiful ! Thank u.
Congratulations on such a great film, Mr. Davis. Whoever cast the lead character couldn't have chosen better.
@@sydneyevans2637 thank you - and yes, I got very fortunate all around; each of them had the roles the moment I saw them and heard their first reads.
A good friend of mine once said, you need to have friends who is 30+ years older than you and 30+ years younger. You can learn a lot of life's lessons from them.
@@sayedmustar7132 that’s a smart friend. I’ve found that to be true in my life, very happy to have friends old enough to be MY parents or kids.
Thank you for sharing ❤
Good short sparkling ..good one thank
I was my mum's best friend she's passed away 2yrs ago, when I get older hope I'll have a friend
A truly beautiful reflection of millions of real life!
Thank you very much for your comment, and for watching! I appreciate that a lot.
@BrendanKDavis No, I thank you for giving viewers such a lovely piece of art. Please give us more!
Lovely work! BRAVO!
Watching from the
Philippines. I lost my husband 4 years ago. We're blessed with
5 kids. I still miss my husband to this day though. My confidante and my 'partner-in-crime'.
Thank you for watching the film, and may his memory be a blessing to you and your family.
Heart-touching....
Very nice little film and so nice that the young lady was able to make the difference between life and death… i feel like I have no purpose in life yest a have a good family and kids and grandkids and a wife.. so what is there to be unhappy about… good question. Yet I do …. I am so depressed …. Been like this for many many years, decades even. Y whole life really underlying, not so apparent un my younger years but as I approach 60, so many questions so many uncertainties, even life doesn’t seem real anymore.. like it’s all some great big Truman show…it’s painful
@@buffplums if there’s anything I’ve learned from my own life and those of friends, it’s that depression isn’t always very logical. Of the friends I dedicated the film to, 3 of whom left us by their own hand, one was a Grammy-award winning musician who played with the biggest names in the world; another had advanced degrees from several universities including Harvard and a professional pedigree of accomplishment that wouldn’t seem real if you wrote it for a character in a story…but depression got them. I hope you can find that spark of light whenever you most need it, for yourself and all those who love you.
@@BrendanKDavis thank you so much for your message and your kind words bless you.
@@BrendanKDavis I am so sorry for your losses. My deepest condolences. I too lost a brother to his own hand, may his memory be for a blessing, and it is sorrowful and challenging. Recently I lost a dear friend (natural causes) and he was older and I know lived a long life, still the loss is so hard and disorienting. Thank you for your film that reminds me /us of human connection and the power of connection / care/ love and healing. Peace and goodness to you and everyone. Wishing you the best I your career as well.
@@Jade-ms2ysthank you, Jade - for your thoughts, comments, and well-wishes all around. It’s much appreciated.
Thank you …..tears of joy here now 🎉❤
@@janeywalter9023 thank you very much for watching!
Thank you... what a friend we have in Jesus.... in life and death.
❤
Made me cry.
Absolute gold!
Thank you! :D
Beautiful ❤❤❤we all have a little fire left in us if we lucky ❤❤❤
That Bucky Fuller quote is one of the most resonant I’ve ever heard; I was so happy to realize no one had used it as a focus of a film before. :)
Was not expecting that ending! Bravo 👏 ⭐️ ❤️
Thank you!!
What do you think it means? Is she not real?
@@gunhild9931 He may have created further study visits in his mind.
@@HookBeak_66yes that was the goal - he invented a reason for himself to keep on waking up every day, something to look forward to. Thanks for watching. ❤
Fabulous. Everything. In particular the acting. Loved it!!
@@duncanhamilton1311 thank you, Duncan - aren’t those actors wonderful? I really knew I had something special when we cast them.
@@BrendanKDavis I can’t praise this film highly enough. Everything is beautifully done. As an actor I was of course blown away by the performances - nuance perfect. Uplifting. Will highly recommend it to all!! Well done!!
@@duncanhamilton1311 Thanks Duncan! This one came together really nicely - my first Zoom read through with the cast blew my mind. There were several good Davids but Kevin was head and shoulders above the rest. Charles was hired from his first read - no callback. And Izyan had the part from her audition too; getting Lily right was so key and she just GOT it, immediately.
Today I showed The Unwinding to a group of acting students at uni in Japan, as an example of how to make a film - direction, cinematography, acting, script etc etc. Needless to say, they were completely blown away. This work is timeless and works brilliantly across cultures. Bravo!!
@@duncanhamilton1311 ah, that makes me very happy to hear - thank you, Duncan! The former film professor in me is extra pleased to hear that your students appreciated it, and that it translates well for them even with the cultural divide. I'm currently editing the teaser for a drastically different follow-up project - more on that by month's end, if I hit my self-imposed deadline - and comments like yours are rocket fuel for my efforts! Cheers.
A masterpiece! Thank you!
@@barbararichter1068 thank you very much, Barbara! I’m honored. Very glad you enjoyed it.
Wonderfil gentle film. Man was lucky to have a friend phoning to ask how he was.
Then lucky to have Chinese girl delivering take-away. Life is not like that. I know lots of people and am friend but no of ever phones to ask how I am.
@@deegeraghty9426 aww thank you. Friends are everything; I hope you get a call soon.
God bless you,you're lucky to be alive.
@deegeraghty9426 I subscribed to your channel. Maybe you could start making videos. I would watch. And also I would like to ask...how are you? 😊
So inspiring. Appreciate this
Absolutely excellent!
Acting and story!!