Valerie Review

Valerie is a 2021 short film written and directed by Christin St. John.

A psychological deep dive into the woman who shot Andy Warhol in 1968, Valerie provides some tense character moments for someone battling paranoid schizophrenia.

Looking at an individual in their darkest moment before committing a heinous act is something film has explored for a long time with varying results. The most often criticism being that it can be too overdramatic or overly stylized. While this brief look at Valerie Solanas isn’t a perfect one, it makes for an interesting take on what an embodiment of schizophrenia could be.

The strongest part of the film has to be in the dynamic between the two leads as portrayed by Pearls Daily and Caitlyn Marr who bring a reflective intensity bouncing between one another in who will take control of the situation.

Where things are a bit of a missed opportunity would have to be in the vintage film effect used throughout the piece. It is hard to tell if the issue was in the sound mixing not hitting effectively or just the 8mm burned film look being somewhat of a trope at this point is hard to say. Either way, it feels like a weaker element to an otherwise wisely put together film.

The one other insanely detailed nit pick would have to be at around the 5-minute mark when the frame does not follow a character moving closer to the camera. It is great to keep a shot locked in place but with the slow dolly used in some scenes it feels odd to not follow this movement in this example.

The full package, though, brings about a strong short film. Valerie has some sharp writing, and great acting as mentioned before. The cinematography and camera fidelity as well are great, with the feeling of the film hitting the mark as far as 60s fashion too. It is an interesting watch and any piece that makes you want to research a real life individual further is always a win from this perspective.

To follow on social media: Production Instagram, Website and Director Instagram.

Cheers!

Daniel Hess

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