David Burrough (Noah Bradley) is editor in chief of his high school newspaper, the Prichard Hall Gazette, and is adamant about the idea of the written word continuing on, rather than having everything transition to blogs online. However, when the principal, Dr. Bradley (Timothy J. Cox), has just that in mind, turning the newspaper into an online blog, David has an idea to keep the printed newspaper afloat. He is determined to find the best story the newspaper has seen in a long time, even if that story is fake. This is Dirty Books.
How in the world can you write a complete story about a high school newspaper and a student in desperate need of finding the perfect story in just sixteen minutes? Well, you have to be concise, to the point, and avoid any unwanted content that may vere even slightly from the intended story. Writers Zachary Lapierre (also director) and Ian Everhart do just that and bring this unique and vibrant story of a young ink slinger on his journey toward fame and vindication. Lapierre and Everhart capture the essence of David’s journey throughout Dirty Books and help viewers feel for the young, somewhat unassuming character.
As Dirty Books began I was skeptical about the abilities of Bradley and was unsure that he possessed the necessary attributes to carry this film, primarily on his own. However, as the film moves forward it seems that something clicks for Bradley and he’s able to transition himself from very average (maybe even subpar) to something more considerable and capable of leading the rest of this cast. David is cynical and manipulative in his journey through keeping the Gazette alive, but there’s something charming in those qualities. Without the right person, with the right look, viewers simply hate David, rather than commiserate with his plights; and Bradley proves to be just the person Dirty Books needs to find success.
For just about anyone who’s experienced the troubles of high school, they can appreciate and relate to the beautiful cinematography. David is often captured making his way down crowded halls, through the jocks, the popular kids, etc. and managing to be, with everything else going on, the point of focus. Dirty Books captures the feeling of believing you’re different than everyone else in these scenes. Everhart, who’s also in charge of cinematography, uses these moments to make David more likable, and to draw viewers further into his story. Even as the film comes to a close, and the scene fades to black, Everhart is working the audience, continuing to reel them in and forcing them to fall in love with David. Every second counts, and the cast and crew of Dirty Books takes that to heart and makes the most of what time they have.
I found Dirty Books to be far more relatable than I initially thought it would be, as David quickly develops and allows viewers to relive their formative years in raw and honest fashion. I’m impressed by all that Everhart and Lapierre are able to fit into this short film, and even more impressed by the work they did on set--particularly the camera work and their ability to capture all that transpires throughout the course of David’s journey. Dirty Books feels real and that will allow it to continue to resonate with viewers for years to come.
Directed by Zachary Lapierre.
Written by Ian Everhart & Zachary Lapierre.
Starring: Noah Bailey, Ansley Berg, Isaiah Lapierre, Timothy J. Cox, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐½/10
Link to Film: Dirty Books
Comments