I've seen this twice on terrestrial telly and would gladly kill for it on DVD. It's a little gem of a piece, very clever but it is true that to explain the plot would be the ultimate spoiler...you just HAVE to watch it. It works as a period piece well enough, but the premise would easily transfer to stage or a contemporary setting, and if this has been done I'd love to see it. It could be the climax to a good full length feature but as a short it demonstrates how that medium, if properly worked, can provide a masterpiece of plot and characterisation where so many other films and programmes have singularly failed. It is a triumph. It could and should stand repeated viewing.
3 Reviews
Interesting
tlhf18 February 2001
This is a clever short film about a 'truel', a 3 man duel. It's hard to give a summary without giving the film away, so I'd very much recommend that if you see it in listings go watch it, you'll be surprised. The outcome smacks you in the face from right out of the blue.
Lavish production for a short intriguing and clever (slight spoilers)
bob the moo2 April 2002
Warning: Spoilers
Sophie is trapped in a marriage with a possessive husband who has locked her inheritance from her father away and is slowly spending it leaving her nothing were he to die an old man. Her potential lover Galois is playing cards with her husband, D'Herbinville and their lawyer friend Le Blanc. Sophie frames Galois for cheating and reveals hidden cards in Le Blanc's pockets. D'Herbinville challenges them both to a duel, but Sophie suggests a three way duel a truel where each man takes a shot in turn. Galois is naturally upset as D'Herbinville is the best shot in the land, however Sophie has worked out a system that will allow her to complete her plan.
As with most shorts I didn't know what to expect or even what this was about. It started well with a pistol contest and we quickly find out about Sophie's marriage and financial situation and are quickly led into the truel of the title. The story is intriguing as it involves death and standoffs with such stakes it is easy to get drawn in. The conclusion is good and is typical of the story.
The production is first class this is not some student's first film, it is a lavish looking production that plays too it's strengths. It certainly looks very professional if you walking in halfway you'd think it was a full studio film. The cast are also very good. Sophie is well played and layered, while it's interesting to see Jonathon Firth (Colin's brother) as Galois.
Overall a very enjoyable, very professional short I wish more shorts had the values of this one.
As with most shorts I didn't know what to expect or even what this was about. It started well with a pistol contest and we quickly find out about Sophie's marriage and financial situation and are quickly led into the truel of the title. The story is intriguing as it involves death and standoffs with such stakes it is easy to get drawn in. The conclusion is good and is typical of the story.
The production is first class this is not some student's first film, it is a lavish looking production that plays too it's strengths. It certainly looks very professional if you walking in halfway you'd think it was a full studio film. The cast are also very good. Sophie is well played and layered, while it's interesting to see Jonathon Firth (Colin's brother) as Galois.
Overall a very enjoyable, very professional short I wish more shorts had the values of this one.
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