Against the Grain is a short film which captures the transitions of an ordinary life facing an extraordinary turn of events. The story reflects the fragility of what we all take for granted and how an unforeseen announcement can suddenly and dramatically split what was once tranquil and stable. 

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My intention was to direct a film of work which captures both performances and narrative filmmaking conventions within the format of dramatic monologue. I had several ambitions, including a monologue performed to an unseen audience and to employ the cinematic principles of ‘Full Coverage’ with only a single camera.

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My realisation was to merge the two practices together in creating a film that traversed both conventions and encouraging the actor to engage with wherever the camera was placed.

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The question of ‘who is the camera’ when placed within the context of the monologue is both a creative and technical consideration. The camera is an immersive experience, a “vantage point” which enables the audience not to be restricted by observing from a fixed position, but to be able to move and critically, interact with the subject, yet protected by the conventions of camera angles, which we have come to accept.