BEHIND THE CURL | Dylan Does Editing

A short film exploring the ramifications of tragedy and discrimination, through the lens of the black experience.

Narrative. 2022. 23:09

Roles: Editor, Sound Editor, DIT, Scripty

Director: Mika Mitchell

Deliverables: x1 Full Length, x1 Cutdown Length

The Assignment: Cut a film that takes an unflinching look at depression, racism, and death. Handle with care, because the story is based on the Director's own experiences in life.

00:55

Behind The Curl - Trailer

In the wake of a sudden tragedy, an estranged group of friends confront the source of their shared trauma.

01:37

Clip #1 - The Worst Way

Kai makes an irreversible decision. [TRIGGER WARNING: Depictions of Suicide and Grief]

01:08

Clip #2 - Last Letters

As the friends gather to mourn Kai, a startling reveal shakes their understanding of her last wishes.

01:15

Clip #3 - Lost My Voice

Keisha opens up to the group about a traumatic incident in her past.

FROM THE EDITING ROOM

Behind The Curl is one of the most depressing films I've edited; it was also the first film I edited, altogether.

For a freshman Editor, a narrative focusing on the subjects of suicide and race-related trauma was a jump into the deep end. The cut needed to embrace the discomfort of vulnerability.

The key was in the performances. Each character delivers an extended monologue recounting a traumatic experience, and these were shot in long, intimate takes. It was crucial to resist the impulse to cut away from these too frequently for reaction shots. By refusing the audience a buffer, the film gains a unique dramatic pacing that slipped a knife in and slowly twisted.