Life Like Fire is a very beautiful short film which juxtaposes the sanctity of family life with the obscenity of violence. A man seemingly hiding out from a gunman, is seen to have a loving existence with his wife and child. His relationship with his son is especially precious – the two are shown playing in a stream and, later in a field, the natural environment seemingly reflecting the purity of their relationship. Their family idyll is shattered, however, when the man comes face to face with his pursuer.
The film is resembles a silent film at times, relying on visual images and sound effects to convey its themes. The absence of dialogue enhances, rather limits the film, and the overall effect is poetic. The film cogently, though succinctly, shows that the precious things in life – family, love, children- are inevitably destroyed by violence.
Matthew Leitch is to be congratulated on his efforts in creating a memorable, though at times, harrowing work. Not only did Matthew write and direct the film, but he played the central role; his wife and son play the other two key roles in the film.Highly recommended.
The film is resembles a silent film at times, relying on visual images and sound effects to convey its themes. The absence of dialogue enhances, rather limits the film, and the overall effect is poetic. The film cogently, though succinctly, shows that the precious things in life – family, love, children- are inevitably destroyed by violence.
Matthew Leitch is to be congratulated on his efforts in creating a memorable, though at times, harrowing work. Not only did Matthew write and direct the film, but he played the central role; his wife and son play the other two key roles in the film.Highly recommended.