Damage
Drama, Short Films, Comedy, 18-Apr-2019
Mitch and Emma's breakup is interrupted by a stranger looking to buy Mitch's bass amp. Directed by Matt Porter, “Damage,” is an ingeniously devised comedy with pitch perfect performances by Kate Eastman, Ryan Creamer and Patrick Noth. Just as the young couple are making their final statements of goodbye, there’s a knock at the door. The man at the other side of the knock is a goofy know-it-all named Ryan arriving to inspect Mitch’s amp (though he should have gotten an email AND a text that today was no longer good). He starts to suspect something is off with the pair by the wet eyes and stunned demeanor (“you guys okay?”) but doesn’t take the hint enough to leave, and proceeds to take his time with his normal appraisal process (“this is a significant purchase for me”). The delicately realized comedy gets deep slow-burn laughs from its awkward setup, but also delivers on a series of heartfelt sentiments that expand beyond whether or not they can close the deal on the amp. Eastman’s performance in the goosebump-inducing closing monologue - which improbably connects the plight of their relationship with the forty year old piece of electrical equipment - is one of the finest pieces of ‘fine line between funny and sad’ acting you’ll ever see. Written, Directed, & Edited by Matt Porter. Starring Kate Eastman, Ryan Creamer and Patrick Noth. Cinematography: Cory Fraiman-Lott. Producer: Ben Altarescu.