-Written by Kyle Bain.
As a paramilitary faction storms a train in Bosnia and Herzegovina, one man finds it challenging to keep his mouth shut. And as men, women, and children are pulled from the train, their lives threatened, one stranger hopes to make a difference. The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent, an Oscar-nominated short film, comes at a time in which its narrative parallels things occurring right before our very eyes.
Let’s be honest: The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent has likely found much of its success from the simple fact that it parallels some of the things happening around the world right now. This isn’t to say that the film isn’t well developed, or that it fails to entertain–but it’s found the level of success that it has as a result of timing in regard to its release. Writer-Director Nebojsa Slijepcevic leans heavily into different aspects of history (even modern history) in order to get his point across, but also to strengthen the narrative. The reality is that the event in question could have taken place just about anywhere, and the message would have been received–but to confine the actions of this paramilitary group to a series of train cars alludes to the horrific acts of the Nazis during one of the most troubling times in human history.
Slijepcevic’s appeal to both ethos and pathos enables his film to reach viewers impeccably well, allowing them to make connections to historic events, while becoming emotionally attached to the scenarios depicted, as well as the characters. With that, Slijepcevic spends little time developing characters, particularly the titular character, who I won’t spoil for you–and by doing this he effectively creates a series of everymen that are able to appeal to a vast audience. The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent is far-reaching, and Slijepcevic’s knowledge of the past allows that to happen.
The opening sequence is when intensity is developed, more so than the rest of the film, and as Dragan (Goran Bogdan) slowly moves through the narrow cabin back to his train compartment, it becomes increasingly clear the intensity that exists in this situation. That claustrophobic hallway in which Dragan can barely fit, as he slowly makes his way back to his cabin, as he repeatedly looks over his shoulder toward the terror that lurks behind him–everything works together to develop suspense and intensity that continues to reign supreme throughout the remainder of the short film.
That sentiment is further explored as Dragan enters his cabin, now among a series of strangers. Their situation is the same, and regardless of where they’ve come from–it’s clear that they share a bond that resonates with viewers. The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent climaxes within this train compartment–and the emotion that had been building since the opening moments finally boils over. While the characters begin to make moves at this point in the film, ultimately leading us toward the most important moments of The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent, it’s the incredibly small places that develop the emotion and drive the film forward.
Slijepcevic uses the set and his refined knowledge of world history to develop something direct and accessible. The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent relies heavily on its simplicity in order to thrive and find success–and Slijepcevic uses these things to his advantage. The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent was recently nominated for an Academy Award, and while I do believe the film is effective and enjoyable, I do feel that the reason it’s getting the recognition that it is comes as a result of the subject matter and the timeliness of its release. It’s a good film, but I was hoping for a more auteur approach toward developing this concept, something that would more effectively bring this film to life.
Written & Directed by Nebojsa Slijepcevic.
Starring Goran Bogdan, Dragan Micanovic, Alexis Manenti, Lara Nekic, Robert Ugrina, etc.
6.5/10 = WATCH IT FOR FREE
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