Rapid Film Spotlight

Today’s film spotlight focuses on the short film Rapid directed by Isabel Dickson.

What is the title of your film and what inspired said title?

My film is called “Rapid”, inspired by the story it conveys of bipolar rapid cycling.

Tell us a little bit about the story and origins of your film.

The story follows an artist who is experiencing her first rapid cycling episode. In the space of 24 hours her mood darts from depressed to manic to psychotic. I have a keen interest and understanding of mental illness and chose to portray bipolar in an honest and raw way. We have seen this disorder misrepresented in film with characters who act “crazy”, are locked up in a psychiatric facility, or disrupt society. How can an audience relate to these people if they’re not even seen as human? “Rapid” takes our audience on a journey of what bipolar disorder actually looks and feels like through stylised choices, realistic acting and poignant storytelling. 

Any films or filmmakers that inspired this film?

My talented editor Blake Gamble and I watched the can-can scene in Moulin Rouge countless times which inspired the pace of our mania portion of the film. Blake cleverly increases and decreases speed at various points as our protagonist wreaks havoc around her apartment to give a sense of her racing thoughts. In terms of performance and style, I was heavily inspired by Sam Levinson and Euphoria. Zendaya bares her soul as Rue, and I wanted to do the same as Emma. Like the dynamic duo that is Sam and Zendaya, my crew and I left everything on the table.

What is the goal of the film for you?

The cast, crew, crowdfund donators and I said from the beginning that we wanted to create a film that portrayed mental illness in an unflinchingly honest way, give a voice to those with afflictions, and educate the community to eliminate stigma.

What has the journey been like getting the film into production?

I wrote the script at the end of 2020 and in April 2021 we filmed. Pre-production was intense as it was my first time producing a film, but I was mentored by an experienced and generous filmmaker, Curtis Lee. The story is incredibly personal and I had to find the confidence to be honest with my supporters about why I was making this film.

One thing you learned from this project?

Back yourself and your decisions. Use your voice. It takes a village of artists to make a film so surround yourself with a crew who are creative and collaborative.

How can folks find you and your film online?

We were accepted into 12 film festivals around the world winning several awards for best actress, best director, best costume design, best editing and best sound design. “Rapid” has now been released on YouTube. You can check it out here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2O5Tu-NLj0&t=635s

Any last pieces of advice for fellow filmmakers?

I felt confident directing “Rapid” as I had performed leading roles in over 20 short films since 2015. This on-set experience was invaluable. I suggest to budding filmmakers to get on set in whatever capacity you can and find out how a film production works, what makes a professional set, and cultivate relationships with fellow artists.

Photos Courtesy of Clare Hawley

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