“What you’re saying is that you want to waste time working on something that doesn’t matter, something you do not care about, something there is no point to.”
Life is split into different stages and we all experience them differently. In his latest short film, Matthew Gilpin explores a signficant current stage in his life: self-doubt.
Using a split-screen editing technique that was popular on YouTube a few years back (we’re getting major old-school Charlie McDonnell vibes), Matthew explores the difficulties of being a creative while also dealing with self-doubt. The human brain is a very complex place and we’re very good at producing some incredible ideas, but our brain is also very good at doubting these ideas.
The video is a rollercoaster of feelings, from the intensity of the self-doubt about the idea that has been created to the pain of knowing your idea is good but not being quite ready to bring it to life and make it a reality, summed up when Matthew tells himself, “Hey, this is a really good idea. Do you want to ruin it?”
Clever cinematography adds a lot of emotion to the video, with cleverly placed close-up shots. One shot that we particularly loved was a simple close-up of the idea being handed over on paper, trembling as Matthew nervously waits for it to be taken out of his hand.
Another stand-out moment is when he mentions the idea of making something that he doesn’t care about, just to get the ball rolling. Matthew, playing his own self-doubt, looks directly into his own eyes and very intensely talks down to himself about what he just said.
We thoroughly enjoyed the video and we wish Matthew the best with his ideas! Plus, we definitely think that classic YouTube split-screening needs to make a comeback.
Want More?
Check out Jean Menzies chatting about what makes an inspiring woman, or learn about how sign language isn’t universal with Rikki Poynter.
For updates follow @TenEightyUK on Twitter or like TenEighty UK on Facebook.
